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)

In many large cities, the growing population has created a serious shortage of affordable housing. Some people believe that constructing tall apartment blocks is the best way to provide enough homes. I partly agree with this view because high-rise buildings can save space, but I believe they should be combined with other housing solutions.

On the one hand, building tall apartment blocks is an effective way to accommodate a large number of people in limited areas. Land in major cities is often expensive and scarce, so constructing upwards allows more families to live in the same area without using additional land. Moreover, high-rise housing can be developed near workplaces, schools and public transport, which can reduce commuting times and traffic congestion. For example, cities such as Singapore have developed many high-rise residential areas, allowing a large population to live efficiently within a relatively small area.

On the other hand, relying mainly on tall buildings can create several problems. High-rise apartments may be expensive to construct and maintain, and this can make them unaffordable for low-income families. In addition, overcrowded apartment complexes can put pressure on lifts, parking areas, water supplies and other public services. Some people may also prefer houses with gardens and more private outdoor space, particularly families with young children. Therefore, governments should also consider developing affordable housing in less crowded areas and improving transport links between these areas and city centres.

In conclusion, I agree that tall apartment blocks are an important solution to the housing shortage because they make efficient use of limited urban land. However, they are not the only answer. A combination of high-rise apartments, affordable housing projects and better transport infrastructure would be a more sustainable way to meet the housing needs of growing cities.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.0

The student presents a clear position throughout the response ("I partly agree with this view") and addresses all parts of the task. The body paragraphs effectively explore both sides of the argument: the advantages of high-rise living, such as space-saving and proximity to urban infrastructure, and the drawbacks, including high maintenance costs, strain on public services, and lifestyle preferences. Ideas are well-supported with a relevant example (Singapore). The reasoning is logical and addresses the prompt comprehensively, aligning well with the Band 7 and Band 8 descriptors.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5

The essay displays clear logical organisation and a smooth progression throughout. Each paragraph has a distinct central topic, starting with a well-defined introduction, followed by balanced body paragraphs introduced by cohesive markers ("On the one hand", "On the other hand"), and a clear conclusion. Cohesive devices such as "Moreover", "In addition", and "Therefore" are used effectively to link ideas. Paragraphing is used sufficiently and appropriately, maintaining reader engagement and structural clarity.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.5

The student demonstrates a sufficient and appropriate range of vocabulary for the task. Less common lexical items are used effectively, such as "affordable housing", "traffic congestion", "infrastructure", and "sustainable". Word choice and collocations are generally accurate (e.g., "accommodate a large number of people", "pressure on lifts"). Although there is occasional reliance on common terminology, the vocabulary is flexible enough to allow precise conveyance of ideas, fitting comfortably within the Band 7 range.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.5

A good variety of complex structures is successfully utilised, such as conditional and concessive clauses (e.g., "Land in major cities is often expensive and scarce, so constructing upwards allows..."). The majority of sentences are error-free, and control of grammar and punctuation is strong throughout. Minor slips are absent or exceptionally rare, and complex forms are handled with good accuracy, demonstrating clear control that matches the Band 8 descriptor.

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

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