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)

Providing sufficient housing in major cities has become an important challenge as urban populations continue to grow. Many people believe that constructing tall apartment buildings is the most effective way to accommodate a large number of residents in areas where land is limited. I partly agree with this view because high-rise buildings can make efficient use of urban land, although relying on them alone can create problems related to overcrowding and quality of life. The reasons for this position will be discussed in the following paragraphs.

One major advantage of tall apartment buildings is that they allow cities to accommodate more people without requiring large areas of land. Land in major urban centres is often limited and expensive, so building vertically can make better use of the available space. For example, a single high-rise building can contain hundreds of apartments on a relatively small plot of land, whereas the same number of houses would require a much larger area. Therefore, vertical development can be an efficient way of addressing housing shortages in densely populated cities.

However, constructing large numbers of high-rise buildings can create problems if cities do not have adequate infrastructure. A large concentration of residents in a limited area can put pressure on roads, public transport, schools and other public services. For instance, if a city builds several large apartment complexes without improving its transport network, residents may face serious traffic congestion and overcrowded public facilities. Some people may argue that these problems can be addressed through careful urban planning; however, this requires substantial investment and cannot be achieved simply by constructing more apartment buildings.

In conclusion, I partly agree that tall apartment buildings are an effective way to provide housing in large cities. They make efficient use of limited urban land and can accommodate a large number of residents, but they can also place considerable pressure on infrastructure and public services. Therefore, high-rise housing should be combined with proper urban planning and investment in essential facilities.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.5

The student fully addresses all parts of the task by clearly stating a balanced position ('I partly agree with this view') and supporting it throughout the essay. The response presents well-developed ideas on both sides of the argument. In the second paragraph, the student explains how high-rise buildings save urban land space using clear reasoning. The third paragraph discusses the infrastructure challenges such as traffic congestion and overcrowded public facilities. The conclusion accurately summarises the main points and links back to the thesis. This performance easily meets the Band 7 requirements as it addresses all parts of the task with a clear position throughout, though the ideas could be pushed slightly further to reach the depth of an 8.0.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5

The essay demonstrates clear logical organisation and progression from the introduction through the body paragraphs to the conclusion. Paragraphing is used effectively, with each paragraph focusing on a distinct central topic. Cohesive devices are used flexibly and appropriately without becoming mechanical. For instance, the transition words 'One major advantage', 'However', and 'In conclusion' guide the reader smoothly through the argument. Referencing is clear throughout the text, as seen in phrases like 'For example, a single high-rise building can contain hundreds of apartments'. The logical sequencing and appropriate paragraphing firmly place this response at Band 7.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.5

The student uses a sufficient range of vocabulary with good flexibility and precision. There is successful usage of less common and topic-specific items such as 'urban populations', 'accommodate', 'vertical development', 'densely populated cities', and 'traffic congestion'. Word choice and collocations are generally accurate and appropriate for an academic context, as demonstrated by phrases like 'adequate infrastructure' and 'substantial investment'. There are very few lexical errors, allowing the message to be communicated smoothly. This lexical control matches the Band 7 descriptor, showing a good awareness of style and collocation.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.5

The response features a good variety of complex sentence structures used accurately. The student demonstrates good control of subordination and coordination, such as in the sentence 'Many people believe that constructing tall apartment buildings is the most effective way to accommodate a large number of residents in areas where land is limited.' There are frequent error-free sentences, and punctuation is handled correctly throughout. While minor slips or slightly repetitive structures can occasionally be found, grammar and punctuation errors do not impede communication. This level of grammatical range and control aligns well with the Band 7 criteria.

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