Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.5 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-09-11

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)

While high-rise residential construction is widely adopted in urban planning, whether constructing tall apartment blocks is the best solution for urban housing shortages remains debated. I largely agree that vertical development is essential for managing density, though it must be balanced with surrounding infrastructure and modern housing design.

On the one hand, high-rise buildings offer an efficient approach to spatial constraints in densely populated metropolitan areas. Modern cities face severe land scarcity, making horizontal expansion impractical and costly. Building vertically allows urban planners to maximize population capacity on a minimal land footprint. For example, replacing single-story residential plots with multi-story apartment complexes dramatically increases available housing units near commercial districts. This density reduces urban sprawl, shortens daily commute distances, and allows municipal authorities to centralize public utilities, transportation networks, and emergency services efficiently.

On the other hand, relying exclusively on tall apartment blocks presents notable urban challenges. High-density residential towers place immense strain on local infrastructure, frequently leading to severe traffic congestion, overcrowded public transport, and overburdened sewage and electrical systems if municipal planning falls short. Furthermore, poorly designed high-rise developments can lead to social isolation and reduced living standards due to limited access to green spaces and community areas. To create liveable environments, cities must combine high-rise housing with suburban transit links, mixed-use developments, and public parks rather than relying solely on high-density towers.

In conclusion, I agree that building tall apartment blocks is the most practical solution for addressing severe housing shortages in major cities. However, vertical housing must be integrated into comprehensive urban master plans that incorporate robust infrastructure and adequate green spaces to ensure long-term sustainability.

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 scarcity and the counter-arguments concerning infrastructure strain. You have provided a balanced view by acknowledging the necessity of high-rise buildings while highlighting the importance of integrated urban planning. The conclusion effectively summarizes your stance, ensuring the response is cohesive and focused on the task requirements.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5

The essay is logically organized with a clear progression of ideas. Each paragraph has a distinct focus, starting with an introduction, followed by two body paragraphs presenting opposing views, and a concluding summary. You have used a variety of cohesive devices effectively, such as 'On the one hand', 'On the other hand', 'Furthermore', and 'In conclusion'. The referencing is clear, and the flow between sentences is smooth, making the argument easy to follow. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate distinct points.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.5

You demonstrate a wide and flexible range of vocabulary, which is used with precision. Phrases such as 'spatial constraints', 'land footprint', 'urban sprawl', and 'comprehensive urban master plans' are sophisticated and contextually appropriate. There are no noticeable errors in word choice or collocation. The language is natural and contributes to a professional tone throughout the essay, meeting the criteria for a high band score.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.5

The essay exhibits a wide range of grammatical structures, including complex sentences with subordinate clauses and varied sentence beginnings. The majority of sentences are error-free, and your control over punctuation is excellent. You have successfully used a mix of simple and complex structures to convey your arguments clearly. There are no significant grammatical errors that impede communication, and the overall accuracy is very high, reflecting a strong command of English grammar.

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