Band 7.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.0 · 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 7.0)

The best way to provide enough homes in large cities is to build tall apartment blocks. I partially agree with this statement because high-rise buildings can provide accommodation for a large number of people, but they are not the only solution to the housing problems faced by cities, particularly those experiencing economic difficulties.

On the one hand, building tall apartment blocks is an effective way of making use of limited land in large cities. As the urban population continues to grow, there is less land available for constructing individual houses. High-rise buildings, therefore, can accommodate hundreds of families within a relatively small area. For example, in cities such as Karachi, many people live in apartments because the availability of land is limited. This is one reason why modern high-rise buildings are becoming more common than traditional housing societies.

On the other hand, relying mainly on tall buildings can also create several problems. Living in large apartment blocks may be less comfortable for some families, particularly those with young children, due to limited private and outdoor space. Moreover, a large concentration of residents can put additional pressure on public facilities, including roads, schools, hospitals and water supplies. Therefore, governments should also develop affordable housing projects in less crowded areas outside city centres.

In conclusion, I believe that tall apartment blocks are an effective solution to the housing shortage because they make efficient use of land and can accommodate a large number of people. However, they should not be considered the only solution. A combination of high-rise apartments, affordable housing and well-planned residential areas would be a more sustainable approach to meeting the housing needs of growing cities.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.5

You have clearly addressed the prompt by providing a balanced view, acknowledging the benefits of high-rise buildings while also highlighting their limitations. Your position is consistent throughout the essay. The ideas are relevant and well-supported, particularly the point about land scarcity in cities like Karachi. To reach a higher band, you could further develop the 'affordable housing' suggestion in the conclusion by briefly explaining how such projects might be implemented or why they are more sustainable, which would add more depth to your argument.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.0

The essay is logically organized with a clear introduction, two body paragraphs, and a conclusion. You use cohesive devices effectively, such as 'On the one hand', 'Moreover', and 'Therefore', to guide the reader through your arguments. Paragraphing is used appropriately, with each paragraph focusing on a central theme. The progression of ideas is smooth and easy to follow. To improve, ensure that the transition between the benefits of high-rise buildings and the potential social drawbacks is even more seamless to enhance the overall flow.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.5

You demonstrate a sufficient range of vocabulary to discuss the topic with precision. Phrases like 'urban population', 'housing shortage', and 'sustainable approach' are used correctly. You also show an awareness of collocation, such as 'putting pressure on public facilities'. While the vocabulary is accurate and appropriate for the task, it remains somewhat functional. To achieve a higher score, try to incorporate more sophisticated or less common lexical items, such as 'urban sprawl', 'high-density living', or 'infrastructure strain', to demonstrate a more flexible and precise command of the language.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.0

Your writing displays a good mix of simple and complex sentence structures. Most of your sentences are error-free, and your control over punctuation and grammar is strong. For example, the use of conditional-like structures and complex noun phrases is handled well. There are no significant grammatical errors that impede communication. To move toward a higher band, aim to include a wider variety of complex grammatical structures, such as passive voice constructions or inverted sentences, to demonstrate greater flexibility and control over your writing.

See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.

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