Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.5 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-09-15

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 7.5)

Many people argue that constructing tall apartment buildings is the most effective solution to the housing shortage in large cities. I strongly agree with this view because high-rise residential buildings make better use of limited land and support sustainable urban development.

One of the main reasons for building tall apartment blocks is that land in major cities is scarce and extremely expensive. As urban populations continue to grow, it becomes impossible to provide enough housing through low-rise homes alone. High-rise buildings allow thousands of people to live within a relatively small area, making efficient use of valuable land. This not only reduces urban sprawl but also helps preserve farmland and green spaces surrounding cities.

Another significant advantage is that apartment complexes can be planned alongside essential infrastructure and public services. Modern residential towers are often located near schools, hospitals, shopping centers, and public transport systems. As a result, residents enjoy easier access to daily necessities while governments can provide utilities such as electricity, water, and waste management more efficiently. In addition, high-density housing encourages the use of public transport, reducing traffic congestion and air pollution.

However, some people believe that tall apartment blocks may create overcrowded living conditions and weaken community relationships. While these concerns are understandable, they can be addressed through careful urban planning. Well-designed buildings with sufficient green spaces, recreational facilities, and safety measures can provide residents with a comfortable and enjoyable living environment.

In conclusion, I firmly believe that constructing tall apartment buildings is the best way to meet the growing housing demand in large cities. When supported by proper planning and modern infrastructure, this approach offers a practical, sustainable, and long-term solution to urban housing challenges.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.0

The student fully addresses all parts of the task by presenting a clear position throughout the essay. The stance is established in the introduction ('I strongly agree with this view') and maintained consistently. Main ideas are well-developed and supported with relevant reasoning. For instance, the second paragraph effectively explains how high-rise buildings save land, reduce urban sprawl, and preserve green spaces. The third paragraph elaborates on the integration of infrastructure and public services. While the arguments are somewhat general, they are entirely appropriate for a standard IELTS essay and demonstrate strong task response capabilities, satisfying the criteria for a Band 7.5 or 8.0.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5

The essay displays a clear logical organisation and progression throughout. Each paragraph has a distinct central topic, starting with land scarcity, moving to infrastructure benefits, addressing potential counterarguments, and concluding with a concise summary. Cohesive devices are used flexibly and appropriately without becoming mechanical. Examples such as 'One of the main reasons', 'Another significant advantage', 'In addition', and 'However' guide the reader smoothly through the arguments. Paragraphing is managed effectively, ensuring that ideas are grouped logically and cohesively, which fully aligns with the Band 8 descriptors.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.0

The student demonstrates a sufficient and flexible range of vocabulary suitable for an academic essay. Less common items such as 'housing shortage', 'urban sprawl', 'infrastructure', and 'high-density housing' are used accurately and with good awareness of collocation. Word choice is generally precise, as seen in phrases like 'scarce and extremely expensive' and 'traffic congestion and air pollution'. There are virtually no spelling or lexical errors throughout the text, allowing the writer to convey precise meanings effortlessly. The vocabulary range and accuracy solidly support a Band 7.5 rating.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.5

The response features a wide variety of complex sentence structures used with a high degree of accuracy. The writer successfully employs subordinate clauses, conditional elements, and participial phrases, such as 'As urban populations continue to grow, it becomes impossible...' and 'Well-designed buildings with sufficient green spaces... can provide residents with...'. The majority of sentences are error-free, and grammatical control is consistently maintained from start to finish. Punctuation is also handled impeccably. These strengths place the grammar firmly in the Band 8 category, as errors are virtually non-existent.

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