Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.5 · 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 6.5)

In 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 response clearly addresses all parts of the task, presenting a well-developed position on whether tall apartment blocks are the best solution for urban housing shortages. The introduction clearly states the writer's agreement with the prompt. Body paragraph one appropriately acknowledges counterarguments regarding inconvenience, a lack of private courtyards, and disaster risks, such as stating that 'the higher the apartment, the more dangerous it is in the case of natural disasters'. Body paragraph two and the supporting reasoning effectively present the counter-perspective, arguing that single houses are less environmentally friendly and consume excessive space. The arguments are extended with relevant examples and logical reasoning throughout. The conclusion directly reiterates the central thesis. Overall, the task is fully addressed, satisfying the requirements for a Band 7.0 score.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5

The essay demonstrates a clear logical organisation and progression throughout. Each paragraph has a distinct central topic, with appropriate signposting phrases such as 'On the one hand', 'On the other hand', and 'In my opinion' guiding the reader effortlessly through the text. Paragraphing is used logically to separate opposing viewpoints. Cohesive devices are deployed adequately, for instance using pronouns like 'this option' and transitional phrases such as 'As a result' and 'In addition'. However, some minor referencing choices feel slightly repetitive, and cohesive ties could occasionally be more sophisticated. Nonetheless, the overall arrangement is fully coherent, well-structured, and clearly deserves a Band 7.0.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.5

The student uses a sufficient range of vocabulary that allows for some flexibility and precision, incorporating less common lexical items such as 'alleviate this problem', 'solitude and peaceful environments', 'vulnerable', 'wildlife habitat', and 'financial pressure'. There is a general awareness of appropriate academic style and collocation, although minor lexical errors occur, such as writing 'living in apartment' (missing the plural or article) and 'Building a large amounts' (agreement error). Despite these occasional slips, the vocabulary is adequate to convey precise meaning without impeding communication. This performance aligns comfortably with the Band 6.5 or Band 7.0 descriptors; given the overall precision, a Band 7.0 is well-earned.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.5

The essay displays a good mix of simple and complex sentence forms, demonstrating frequent error-free sentences alongside complex structures like 'Although tall apartments can cause inconvenience and concern, I agree that it will remain the best option for several reasons.' Control of grammar and punctuation is generally sound, though a few minor errors persist, such as 'living in apartment' instead of 'living in apartments' and 'demand more resources and space, which is less adequate option' (missing an article before 'option'). These infrequent mechanical slips do not impede communication. The variety of structures and reliable control over most complex sentences justify a Band 7.0 score for grammatical range and accuracy.

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

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