Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.5 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-09-17

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)

It is often argued that constructing high-rise residential buildings is the most effective solution to the housing shortages plaguing major metropolitan areas. I completely agree with this view because vertical expansion maximizes limited urban space, though I believe it must be supported by adequate infrastructure planning to prevent overcrowding.The primary reason why building tall apartment blocks is the superior method for addressing urban housing deficits is the efficient utilization of land. Large cities are characterized by dense populations and severe land scarcity, which drives real estate prices up. By expanding vertically rather than horizontally, developers can accommodate thousands of residents on a fraction of the land footprint required for traditional single-family homes. For instance, cities like Tokyo and Singapore have successfully managed extreme population densities by prioritizing high-rise living, ensuring that workers can reside within reasonable commuting distance of their workplaces without causing urban sprawl.Furthermore, high-density vertical housing is highly economical from an infrastructural standpoint. Providing public utilities such as electricity, water, sewage systems, and high-speed internet is far more cost-effective when concentrated in a vertical tower rather than dispersed across vast suburban neighborhoods. Public transportation systems also become more viable and efficient, as subway stations and bus routes can be strategically positioned at the base of these residential hubs. This concentration minimizes commute times and reduces the carbon footprint associated with daily city travel, making the city more environmentally and structurally sustainable.However, relying solely on high-rise structures can present challenges if not executed alongside comprehensive city planning. If apartment blocks are erected without expanding public transit, roads, schools, and hospitals, it can lead to severe strain on local amenities and create congested, unlivable conditions. Therefore, while tall buildings are the most practical tool to combat housing shortages, their implementation must be integrated with robust municipal investments to ensure a high quality of life for the occupants.In conclusion, constructing tall apartment blocks is undoubtedly the most effective strategy for providing sufficient housing in densely populated cities due to its unmatched spatial and infrastructural efficiency. So long as urban planners accompany these developments with proper infrastructure, vertical expansion remains the ultimate remedy for modern urban housing crises.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.5

The student fully addresses all parts of the task by presenting a clear position right from the introduction and maintaining it throughout the essay. The argument is well-developed with relevant examples, such as referencing Tokyo and Singapore to illustrate how vertical expansion handles extreme population densities. Furthermore, the response successfully addresses the nuance of the prompt by acknowledging that while high-rise buildings are necessary, they must be accompanied by proper infrastructure. Ideas are well-extended without drifting off-topic. This performance comfortably meets the criteria for Band 8.0.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5

The essay displays a clear logical organization and progression throughout. Each paragraph has a distinct central topic, moving smoothly from land scarcity and economic efficiency to necessary infrastructural considerations and a concise conclusion. Cohesive devices such as 'Furthermore', 'For instance', and 'However' are used naturally and flexibly without feeling mechanical. Paragraphing is managed effectively to separate contrasting ideas and support the flow of arguments. This demonstrates the control expected at Band 7.5 to 8.0.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.5

The student demonstrates a wide and flexible vocabulary range suitable for an academic task. Less common lexical items such as 'metropolitan areas', 'urban sprawl', 'infrastructural standpoint', and 'municipal investments' are used skillfully and with an awareness of style and collocation. Word choices are precise, and there are virtually no spelling or word-choice errors that impede communication. While a few more truly sophisticated or idiomatic academic phrases could push it toward a 9.0, the current level firmly secures a strong Band 8.0.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.5

The response features a wide range of complex grammatical structures used with a high degree of accuracy. The majority of sentences are error-free, and the writer handles subordinate clauses, conditional forms, and participial phrases smoothly (e.g., 'By expanding vertically rather than horizontally, developers can accommodate...'). Punctuation is accurate, and control over tense and agreement is consistent throughout the text. Only minor, non-systematic slips are present, aligning with the Band 8 descriptor where the majority of sentences are error-free.

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