Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.5 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-09-18

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 has become an important challenge in many large cities. Some people argue that constructing tall apartment buildings is the best way to solve this problem. While I agree that high-rise buildings can provide a large number of homes while using limited land, I believe that they should be combined with other housing solutions rather than being the only approach.

There are several reasons why tall apartment blocks can be an effective way to provide housing in large cities. The main advantage is that they make efficient use of limited urban land. Instead of constructing houses over a large area, developers can build upwards and accommodate hundreds of families on a relatively small piece of land. This is particularly useful in densely populated cities where available land is expensive and limited. In addition, having many homes in the same area can make it easier to provide services such as public transport, shops and schools. For example, a well-planned high-rise residential area can accommodate a large population without requiring the city to expand rapidly into surrounding areas.

However, relying mainly on tall apartment blocks can also create significant problems. A large concentration of residents in a small area may put considerable pressure on public services and infrastructure. Roads, public transport, water supplies and schools may become overcrowded if they are not expanded at the same time as the housing supply. Furthermore, not everyone wants to live in a high-rise building, particularly families who may prefer houses with more living space. Therefore, cities should consider other approaches as well, such as developing well-connected suburban areas and converting unused buildings into homes. A combination of these approaches would allow cities to increase their housing supply while avoiding excessive concentration of residents in particular areas.

In conclusion, tall apartment buildings are an efficient way to provide housing in large cities because they can accommodate many people while using relatively little land. However, I do not believe they are the best solution on their own, as excessive population density can place pressure on urban infrastructure. In my view, combining high-rise buildings with other forms of housing would be a more effective approach.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.0

The response fully addresses all parts of the task by presenting a clear position and supporting it with well-developed arguments. In the introduction, the writer takes a nuanced stance, agreeing that high-rise buildings are useful while arguing that they should be combined with other housing solutions. This position is maintained consistently throughout the essay. The body paragraphs present relevant reasons for why tall apartment blocks are beneficial, such as land efficiency and infrastructure concentration, alongside counter-arguments regarding population pressure and preferences for alternative housing. Ideas are thoroughly extended with supporting explanations and relevant examples, such as mentioning public transport, schools, and suburban development. The response meets all the requirements of a Band 7 or 8 task response, providing a well-argued discussion with clear development.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5

The essay demonstrates a clear logical organisation and progression from introduction to conclusion. Paragraphing is used sufficiently and appropriately, with each paragraph focusing on a distinct central theme. Cohesive devices such as 'While I agree', 'Instead of', 'In addition', 'However', 'Furthermore', and 'Therefore' are employed effectively to guide the reader through the argument. Referencing is clear throughout, and the logical relationship between ideas is easy to follow. Although cohesive devices are slightly formulaic at times, they are used flexibly and accurately, contributing to a coherent overall arrangement that fully satisfies the criteria for Band 7.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.5

The student uses a sufficient range of vocabulary with good flexibility and precision, suitable for an academic task. Phrases like 'efficient use of limited urban land', 'densely populated cities', and 'excessive concentration of residents' demonstrate a strong grasp of topic-specific language. The writer also attempts less common items and collocations with appropriate awareness of style, such as 'put considerable pressure on public services' and 'housing supply'. Word choice is generally natural and accurate, with only rare minor inaccuracies that do not impede communication. The lexical range easily supports a solid Band 7 score.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.5

The response features a good mix of simple and complex sentence structures, showcasing control over grammatical forms. The writer successfully uses subordinate clauses and conditional concepts, as seen in structures like 'While I agree that high-rise buildings can provide a large number of homes while using limited land, I believe that...' and 'if they are not expanded at the same time as the housing supply.' The majority of sentences are error-free, and punctuation is handled correctly throughout. While complex structures are occasionally standard rather than highly adventurous, the control demonstrated over grammar is firm and consistent, comfortably earning a Band 7.

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