Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.5 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-09-12

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 6.5)

The rapid urbanization of major cities has sparked debate about the most effective housing solutions. While some argue that constructing tall apartment blocks is the optimal way to provide sufficient homes, i largely disagree with this assertion. Although high rise developments offer certain advantages, they are not the definitive solution and can introduce significant socio economic challenges.

Undeniably, vertical construction maximizes limited urban space. By housing a large number of residents on a small plot of land, high rise buildings can help preserve surrounding green belts and reduce urban sprawl. For instance, cities like Hong Kong and Singapore successfully utilizes high density housing to fulfill the needs millions of people on restricted landmasses. Furthermore, concentrating populations in tall buildings can make public transportation and utility provision more efficient and cost effective.

However, prioritizing tall apartment blocks as the primary solution often overlooks critical drawbacks. High rise living can lead to social isolation and a lack of community spirit, as residents ready interact compered to those in low rise neighborhoods. Additionally these structure place immense strain on existing infrastructure, including water supply and traffic congestion.

Therefore, more balanced approach is essential. Rather than relying on vertical expansion, governments should also promote urban decentralization by developing satellite towns, investing in social housing and underutilized urban areas.

In conclusion, while tall apartment blocks are a valuable component of urban housing strategy, they are not the absolute best solution. A sustainable solution requires mix of high rise and decentralized housing options to the specific needs of the city population.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.5

The response clearly addresses all parts of the task by presenting a well-developed position on whether tall apartment blocks are the best way to provide housing. The introduction establishes a clear viewpoint ('i largely disagree'), and the body paragraphs effectively weigh the advantages against the drawbacks, such as social isolation and infrastructure strain. Ideas are supported by relevant examples, such as the mention of Hong Kong and Singapore, and extended logically. The conclusion neatly summarizes the argument. Overall, the task is fulfilled thoroughly and meets the criteria for Band 7.0.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5

The essay displays a clear logical organization and progression throughout. Paragraphing is used effectively and appropriately, with each paragraph focusing on a distinct aspect of the prompt, moving from advantages to drawbacks and finally to solutions. Cohesive devices such as 'Undeniably', 'Furthermore', and 'However' are used appropriately to guide the reader through the argument. However, referencing and cohesive links are sometimes slightly mechanical, which prevents the essay from reaching the higher bands. Overall, cohesion is well managed, supporting a clear narrative flow.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.5

The student demonstrates a sufficient range of vocabulary with some flexibility and precision, utilizing topic-specific terminology such as 'urbanization', 'urban sprawl', 'vertical construction', and 'socio economic challenges'. There are occasional errors in word choice and morphology, such as 'ready interact compered' instead of 'rarely interact compared', and a missing hyphen in 'socio economic', but these do not impede communication. Less common lexical items are attempted with adequate control, placing this response firmly in the Band 6.5 to 7.0 range.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.0

The student employs a mix of simple and complex sentence forms, demonstrating the ability to structure varied clauses ('While some argue that...', 'By housing a large number...'). There are some noticeable grammatical and mechanical errors, such as capitalization ('i'), missing plural markers ('needs millions'), and incorrect verb forms ('successfully utilizes' instead of 'utilize' for plural subjects). Additionally, a missing article occurs in 'more balanced approach'. Despite these errors, the majority of sentences are clear and do not impede communication.

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

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