Band 7.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.0 · 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 7.0)

It is often argued that constructing tall apartment buildings is the most effective way to provide sufficient housing in large cities. I largely agree with this view because high-rise buildings make efficient use of limited urban land and can accommodate a large number of people. However, such developments need to be supported by adequate infrastructure and public facilities.

The main reason why tall apartment blocks are suitable for large cities is that they allow limited land to be used more efficiently. In major urban areas, land is often scarce and extremely expensive, making it impractical to construct individual houses for every family. By building vertically, hundreds of households can live on a relatively small piece of land. For example, densely populated cities such as Mumbai have numerous high-rise residential buildings that provide accommodation for a large number of residents. If the same number of people were housed in individual homes, a much larger area of land would be required.

Another advantage is that high-rise developments can help cities cope with growing populations while allowing residents to live close to employment opportunities and essential services. When apartment buildings are constructed near business districts and public transport networks, people can reach their workplaces more easily instead of travelling long distances from suburban areas. Furthermore, facilities such as parking, security and recreational areas can be shared among residents, making urban development more efficient. Nevertheless, simply constructing tall buildings is not enough. Governments must also provide adequate roads, schools, hospitals and green spaces; otherwise, excessive population density may lead to congestion and a lower quality of life.

In conclusion, I largely agree that tall apartment blocks are one of the most effective ways to provide sufficient housing in large cities because they maximize the use of scarce land and accommodate large populations efficiently. However, they should be accompanied by proper infrastructure and careful urban planning.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.5

The student addresses all parts of the task clearly and directly, establishing a well-formulated position in the introduction ('I largely agree with this view') and maintaining it throughout the response. The ideas are well extended and supported with relevant reasoning, such as how vertical building maximizes scarce urban land and how high-rise developments help cities cope with growing populations. Furthermore, the inclusion of a qualifying counter-argument regarding the necessity of infrastructure and public facilities demonstrates a mature and balanced approach to the prompt. The response meets all the requirements for Band 7, as it addresses all parts of the task with a clear position and well-supported ideas.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5

The essay presents a clear logical organisation and progression throughout. Each paragraph has a distinct central topic, starting with an introductory overview, followed by two well-developed body paragraphs that explore specific advantages and necessary conditions, and concluding with a concise summary. Cohesive devices are used effectively and flexibly without becoming overly mechanical, as seen in transitions like 'The main reason why', 'Another advantage is', 'Furthermore', and 'Nevertheless'. Paragraphing is used sufficiently and appropriately, ensuring the flow of thought is smooth and easy to follow from one point to the next, which aligns comfortably with the Band 8 descriptors for structural management.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.5

The student demonstrates a sufficient and flexible range of vocabulary suited to an academic discussion. Phrases such as 'efficient use of limited urban land', 'extremely expensive', 'densely populated cities', and 'employment opportunities and essential services' show a strong command of collocation and topic-specific language. The writer also attempts less common items like 'excessive population density' and 'scarce land' with good precision and natural style. While there are a few minor vocabulary choices that could be elevated, the lexical resource is generally robust, allowing for clear and precise communication throughout.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.0

The essay exhibits a wide range of complex sentence structures, including conditional clauses ('If the same number of people were housed...'), relative clauses ('that provide accommodation...'), and participial phrases. The majority of sentences are error-free, showcasing a high level of grammatical control. Punctuation is accurate, and punctuation errors are virtually nonexistent. Although the grammatical structures are varied and sophisticated, the occasional slip keeps it slightly below the absolute mastery required for Band 8, making Band 7.5 an accurate and fair reflection of the writer's strong grammatical proficiency.

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