Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.5 · 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 6.5)

Overpopulation has become a major concern in metropolitan cities. It is widely suggested that to overcome the problem of housing shortage, it is necessary to construct multi-storey residential units. This essay is firmly in favour of this notion for several compelling reasons.

A key justification for this stance is that the growing population in major cities has posed numerous challenges for authorities. Large numbers of people are migrating from rural to urban areas in search of better employment, healthcare and educational opportunities. That is why traffic congestion and dense commuting have become prevalent. It is becoming difficult for people to find accommodation in spacious houses because there is not enough land available. The only possible solution to this problem is that the government should implement strategies to provide housing to the local residents. For example, establishing apartment buildings can provide housing to a large number of individuals.

Another pivotal factor is that it is not affordable for every citizen to purchase their own house in a developed city because the cost of living is quite high. In many developed countries, people prefer to live in apartments by paying reasonable rents. The major advantage is that people do not have to worry about renovations or other responsibilities. Moreover, apartments are much safer to live in because it is up to the owners to provide security for these residential buildings. For instance, everyone prioritises living in a peaceful and safe residential area which is provided by apartments.

In conclusion, I would say, although there are several demerits of living in multi-storey buildings, still its advantages outweigh them.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.5

The response addresses the prompt effectively, presenting a clear and well-developed position throughout the essay. The writer takes a firm stance in favour of tall apartment blocks as the best solution for housing shortages in large cities. Main ideas are extended and supported with relevant explanations regarding urban migration, land scarcity, and the affordability and safety of living in apartments. For instance, the second paragraph logically connects urban population growth with the necessity of establishing high-rise residential buildings. While some arguments could be explored in even greater depth to reach the highest band levels, the response covers all parts of the task well and maintains a consistent, focused perspective, fully satisfying the requirements for a Band 7.0.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5

The essay displays clear logical organisation and progression throughout. Each paragraph has a distinct central topic, moving smoothly from the introduction and migration pressures in the second paragraph to financial and security benefits in the third, and finally concluding appropriately. Cohesive devices such as 'Another pivotal factor is that' and 'For instance' are used effectively to guide the reader through the arguments. Paragraphing is managed sufficiently and appropriately, contributing to an overall coherent structure. Although referencing and cohesion are generally clear and appropriate, minor mechanical elements prevent the essay from achieving a higher score, placing it comfortably at Band 7.0.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

The student demonstrates an adequate to sufficient range of vocabulary suitable for an academic task, attempting less common lexical items such as 'metropolitan cities', 'housing shortage', 'traffic congestion', and 'cost of living'. Word choices are generally appropriate and do not impede communication. However, there are occasional minor inaccuracies in collocation or phrasing, such as 'dense commuting' or 'establishing apartment buildings' rather than constructing them. The range is sufficient for some flexibility and precision, and spelling is accurate throughout. These characteristics reflect the descriptors for a Band 6.5.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.5

The writer uses a healthy mix of simple and complex sentence forms, demonstrating control over structures such as subordinate clauses and conditional meanings. Examples include 'It is widely suggested that to overcome the problem of housing shortage, it is necessary to construct multi-storey residential units.' Grammatical accuracy is generally high, with frequent error-free sentences, and punctuation is handled well. While there are a few minor awkward constructions or slight stylistic inappropriacies, such as 'still its advantages outweigh them' in the conclusion, these errors do not impede communication and occur infrequently, aligning well with the Band 7.0 descriptors.

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

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