Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.0 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-09-19

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 6.0)

In the modern world, rapid population growth and highly crowded cities cause housing 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 student addresses all parts of the task by discussing both sides of the argument and clearly stating a personal position throughout the essay. The introduction establishes a clear stance, which is maintained in the body paragraphs and reinforced in the conclusion. Ideas are extended and supported, such as discussing the environmental and financial impacts of single houses compared to tall apartments. For instance, the second paragraph explores drawbacks like safety issues during natural disasters, while the third examines wildlife habitats and affordability. Although some arguments lean towards generalisations, the overall task response fulfills the requirements for Band 7, as the main parts of the prompt are fully covered with relevant ideas.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5

The essay displays clear logical organisation and progression throughout. Each paragraph has a distinct central topic, moving smoothly from the introduction to counter-arguments, supporting arguments, a qualified personal opinion, and a conclusion. Cohesive devices such as "On the one hand", "On the other hand", and "In addition" are used appropriately to guide the reader through the text. Paragraphing is well-managed, and referencing is generally clear, such as using "this option" and "such houses" to maintain continuity. However, minor mechanical cohesion keeps the text at a Band 7 level, as some transitions could be more seamlessly integrated.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

The student uses a sufficient range of vocabulary for the task, allowing for some flexibility and precision. Phrases such as "rapid population growth", "housing shortages", "environmentally friendly", and "financial pressure" demonstrate a competent control of lexical resources. There are also attempts to use less common items with some awareness of collocation, though occasional lexical errors occur, such as writing "living in apartment" instead of "living in apartments" or "less effective way" instead of "a less effective way". Spelling is accurate throughout, and errors do not impede communication, placing the response firmly in the Band 6.5 to 7 range. Awarding 6.5 reflects the minor slip-ups in word choice and article usage.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5

The student demonstrates a mix of simple and complex sentence forms, incorporating conditional ideas and subordinate clauses (e.g., "Although tall apartments can cause inconvenience..."). There is a good variety of sentence structures utilised across the essay. However, there are noticeable grammatical errors that persist, particularly with articles ("living in apartment", "lack a space", "more adequate option") and pluralisation ("Building a large amounts"). While these errors do not impede communication, they prevent the essay from achieving a higher band. The control of grammar is generally adequate for a Band 6, showing a reliable foundation in sentence construction mixed with recurring minor inaccuracies.

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

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