Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.0 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-09-13

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 6.0)

n the modern world, rapid population growth and highly crowded cities cause residence shortages, and people should decide what type of residence would be more suitable to alleviate this problem. Some people believe that tall apartment blocks would be the best way to provide enough homes in large cities. Although tall apartments can cause inconvenience and concern, I agree that it will remain the best option for several reasons.

On the one hand, living in apartment offers a restricted space and inconvenience compared to single private houses. The conditions such as a connection between all apartments and an absence of private courtyards will result in less private and more noisy life. As a result, people who prefer solitude and peaceful environments can choose single private houses. Moreover, the higher the apartment, the more dangerous it is in the case of natural disasters and unexpected accidents. Tall blocks are often vulnerable and the chance of successfully evacuating is low compared to single private houses.

On the other hand, single houses are less environmentally friendly and less effective way to provide a home for all people. Building small private houses will cover more space which results in the reduced wildlife habitat, creating environmental problems. Large and crowded cities often lack a space for such houses and this option is often unavailable. In addition, as apartments are more affordable compared to single private houses, they will place less financial pressure on individuals to purchase a residence.

In my opinion, accurately planned and high quality tall apartment blocks could create convenient environment while providing all people with enough homes. Building a large amounts of single private houses will demand more resources and space, which is less adequate option.

In conclusion, I agree that the best way to provide enough homes in large cities is to build tall apartment blocks, as preserving resources is essential and high quality apartments will create a convenient and safe environment.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.5

The candidate addresses all parts of the task by discussing both sides of the issue—conceding potential drawbacks like noise and safety concerns before arguing that tall apartments are the most sustainable and practical solution for urban housing shortages. A clear position is maintained throughout the essay. Ideas are extended and supported with relevant arguments regarding environmental impact, resource conservation, and financial affordability, although some arguments could be explored in greater depth to reach higher band levels. Overall, the response meets the requirements of Band 7 by offering a well-rounded and clearly supported viewpoint.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5

The essay demonstrates a clear logical organisation and progression throughout. Each paragraph has a distinct focus, moving from an introduction to counter-arguments, supporting arguments, personal opinion, and a logical conclusion. Cohesive devices such as 'On the one hand', 'On the other hand', and 'In addition' are used to connect ideas, though referencing and transitions can occasionally feel slightly mechanical (e.g., 'As a result, people who prefer...'). Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate distinct themes. This performance fits comfortably within the Band 7 descriptors.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

The student uses a sufficient range of vocabulary with some flexibility and precision, such as 'rapid population growth', 'residence shortages', 'wildlife habitat', and 'financial pressure'. Less common lexical items are attempted with varying degrees of success, though there are minor inaccuracies in word choice and collocation, such as 'living in apartment' (missing an article), 'more noisy life' (instead of 'a noisier life'), and 'adequate option' (instead of 'viable' or 'suitable option'). Nevertheless, the vocabulary is adequate for the task and communication is never impeded, aligning well with a Band 6.5 or 7.0 profile; a score of 6.5 accurately reflects the minor persistent lexical slips.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5

The writer exhibits a mix of simple and complex sentence forms, demonstrating control over relative clauses and conditional structures (e.g., 'the higher the apartment, the more dangerous it is'). However, there are several noticeable grammatical errors, particularly with articles and singular/plural nouns, such as 'residence shortages' (housing shortages), 'living in apartment', 'less private and more noisy life', and 'lack a space' (lack space). Despite these recurring minor inaccuracies, complex structures are attempted and punctuation is generally sound, meaning communication is rarely impeded. This performance corresponds to a Band 6.

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