Band 7.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.0 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-09-14

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)

As the population of large cities continues to increase, providing enough housing has become a major challenge. I strongly agree that building tall apartment blocks is the best way to solve this problem because they can accommodate more people while making efficient use of limited land.

Firstly, high-rise buildings allow a large number of homes to be constructed in a relatively small area. Land in major cities is often scarce and expensive, so building upwards is more practical than using large areas for houses. For example, a single apartment tower can provide homes for hundreds of families without occupying much ground space. This can help governments meet the growing demand for accommodation.

Secondly, tall apartment blocks can be developed close to important facilities and public transport. When people live near their workplaces, schools and train or bus stations, they can spend less time travelling. This can reduce traffic congestion and make daily life more convenient. Moreover, shared facilities such as parking areas and recreational spaces can be provided within these developments.

However, some people argue that high-rise living can cause overcrowding and may not provide enough private outdoor space. Although this is a valid concern, careful urban planning can reduce these problems by providing parks, playgrounds and adequate public services around apartment buildings.

In conclusion, I strongly agree that tall apartment blocks are the most effective way to provide sufficient housing in large cities. They use limited land efficiently and can offer convenient access to essential facilities, making them a practical solution to urban housing shortages.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.0

The response fully addresses all parts of the task by presenting a clear, well-developed position on whether tall apartment blocks are the best solution for providing housing in large cities. The writer takes a strong stance in the introduction and maintains it throughout the essay. Ideas are well extended and supported with relevant explanations regarding efficient land use, proximity to essential facilities, and urban planning considerations. For instance, the discussion on high-rise developments being placed near public transport and workplaces effectively supports the central argument. While the counter-argument acknowledging overcrowding concerns is brief, it is successfully refuted through the mention of careful urban planning. Overall, the response meets all the requirements of Task Achievement at a high level.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.0

The essay demonstrates a clear logical organisation and progression throughout. Each paragraph has a distinct central topic, introduced effectively by cohesive markers such as 'Firstly', 'Secondly', and 'However'. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate different arguments and the counter-argument. Cohesive devices are used flexibly and appropriately without being overly mechanical. For example, referencing pronouns like 'This can help governments' and 'This can reduce traffic' are managed well to maintain smooth transitions between sentences. The overall progression from introduction to body paragraphs and a concluding summary is logical and easy to follow.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.0

The student uses a sufficient range of vocabulary to allow for flexibility and precision throughout the essay. Less common lexical items related to the topic are employed effectively, such as 'accommodate', 'scarce and expensive', 'traffic congestion', and 'urban planning'. Word choice and collocation are generally accurate, and phrases like 'meeting the growing demand' and 'shared facilities' read naturally. There are no notable spelling or word-choice errors that impede communication. While the vocabulary is not overly sophisticated or varied enough for a higher band, it is fully adequate and appropriate for a Band 7 performance.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.0

The essay displays a good variety of complex structures alongside simple sentences. The writer successfully employs conditional and subordinate clauses, such as 'As the population of large cities continues to increase...' and 'When people live near their workplaces...'. There is good control of grammar and punctuation, and the majority of sentences are error-free. Minor imperfections do not impede communication at all. The control over complex sentence forms indicates a solid command of grammar appropriate for a Band 7 score.

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