Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.5 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-09-09

IELTS Writing Task 2 question

The best way to provide enough homes in large cities is to build tall apartment blocks.

To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?

Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.

Student answer (Band 7.5)

The rapid growth of urban populations has created a serious shortage of affordable housing in many large cities. Some people argue that the best solution is to construct tall apartment blocks. I largely agree with this view because high-rise buildings can accommodate large numbers of people while making efficient use of limited urban land. However, I believe they should be combined with other housing strategies.

The main advantage of high-rise apartments is that they allow cities to house a large population within a relatively small area. Land in major cities is often extremely expensive and scarce, so building outwards can lead to urban sprawl and the loss of agricultural or natural land. By constructing upwards, authorities can provide thousands of homes without significantly increasing the city's physical size. For example, cities such as Singapore and Hong Kong have made extensive use of high-rise residential buildings to accommodate dense populations while preserving land for transport, parks and other public facilities.

Another benefit is that well-planned apartment complexes can provide residents with convenient access to essential services. Large developments can incorporate schools, shops, playgrounds and public transport facilities, reducing the need for long journeys. In addition, high population density can make public transportation more economically viable and reduce dependence on private cars. This can contribute to lower traffic congestion and pollution if the developments are properly planned.

Nevertheless, high-rise housing is not a perfect solution. Very dense residential areas can create problems such as overcrowding, limited privacy and a lack of green space. Poorly designed apartment blocks may also contribute to social isolation and can become difficult environments in which to raise children. Furthermore, simply constructing more buildings will not solve a housing shortage if the apartments are too expensive for ordinary residents. Therefore, governments must ensure that a significant proportion of new housing is affordable and that developments include adequate parks and community facilities.

In conclusion, I agree to a large extent that tall apartment blocks are one of the most effective ways to provide sufficient housing in large cities, particularly where land is limited. However, they should not be viewed as the only solution. A successful housing policy should combine high-rise development with affordable housing, green spaces, good infrastructure and carefully planned suburban communities.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.5

The response fully addresses all parts of the prompt. You have taken a clear position from the introduction and maintained it throughout the essay. The ideas are well-developed, particularly the arguments regarding land efficiency and the counter-arguments concerning social infrastructure. You provide relevant examples, such as Singapore and Hong Kong, which effectively support your claims. The conclusion synthesizes your points well, acknowledging the complexity of the issue while reaffirming your stance. The response is balanced, logical, and directly answers the 'to what extent' aspect of the question.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5

The essay is logically organized with a clear progression of ideas. Each paragraph has a central theme, and the transition between the benefits of high-rise living and the necessary caveats is smooth. You use a variety of cohesive devices, such as 'Furthermore', 'In addition', and 'Nevertheless', which help guide the reader through your argument. Paragraphing is used effectively to separate distinct points. The flow is natural, and the relationship between sentences is consistently clear, meeting the requirements for a high band score.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.5

You demonstrate a wide and flexible range of vocabulary, which is used with precision. Phrases like 'economically viable', 'urban sprawl', and 'social isolation' are used appropriately and contribute to a sophisticated tone. There is a good awareness of collocation, and the vocabulary is consistently natural. While the language is accurate and effective, it stops just short of the 'very natural, sophisticated control' required for a band 9, but it is certainly well above the band 7 level due to the consistent accuracy and breadth of the vocabulary used.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.5

The essay displays a wide range of grammatical structures, including complex sentences with subordinate clauses and conditional structures. The majority of your sentences are error-free, and your control over punctuation is excellent. You use a mix of simple and complex forms effectively to convey your ideas. There are no significant grammatical errors that impede communication, and the overall control of syntax is highly commendable. The writing is fluent and demonstrates a high level of grammatical competence.

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