Band 7.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.0 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-09-21

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)

As urban populations continue to grow, providing adequate housing has become a pressing issue in many major cities. Although constructing tall apartment blocks can accommodate a large number of people, I do not believe it is the best solution on its own. A combination of high-rise and other forms of housing is more appropriate.

The main argument in favour of high-rise buildings is their efficient use of land. Land in densely populated cities is often scarce and extremely expensive, making extensive low-rise development impractical. By constructing vertically, authorities can provide hundreds of homes on a relatively small plot while preserving land for parks, roads and other facilities. Furthermore, high-rise developments can be built near business districts and public transport networks, reducing commuting distances and potentially easing traffic congestion.

However, relying excessively on tall apartment blocks can create several difficulties. High population density may place considerable pressure on essential services such as public transport, schools and healthcare facilities. Residents may also experience noise, limited privacy and a lack of private outdoor space. These issues can particularly affect families with young children, who may benefit from houses with gardens or access to larger recreational areas. Therefore, suburban developments and medium-rise residential areas should also form part of a city's housing strategy.

In conclusion, I agree that tall apartment buildings are an effective means of addressing housing shortages, particularly where land is limited. Nevertheless, they should not be regarded as the single best solution. A balanced approach that combines high-rise developments with medium-density and suburban housing would be more likely to provide sufficient accommodation while maintaining residents' quality of life.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.0

The student fully addresses all parts of the task by clearly stating a balanced position ('I do not believe it is the best solution on its own'). The essay presents well-developed main arguments in favour of high-rise buildings, such as land efficiency and proximity to transport, while also providing counter-arguments regarding population pressure and quality of life. The ideas are extended and supported effectively with relevant details. For instance, the discussion on how high-density living affects families with young children adds depth to the argument. The position remains clear and consistent throughout the introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion. Overall, this performance aligns strongly with the Band 7 or Band 8 descriptors; because the ideas are well-developed and supported with minor generalisations, a Band 7.5 is highly appropriate.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5

The essay demonstrates clear logical organisation and progression throughout. Each paragraph has a distinct central topic, starting from the introduction of the issue, moving to the advantages of tall blocks, then the drawbacks, and finally a well-synthesised conclusion. Cohesive devices are used flexibly and appropriately without feeling mechanical, as seen with transition words like 'Although', 'Furthermore', 'However', and 'Nevertheless'. Paragraphing is used sufficiently and logically to separate different strands of the argument. Referencing throughout the text is clear, ensuring the reader can easily follow the progression of ideas from one point to the next. The management of cohesion and logical flow easily meets the Band 8 standard.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.5

The student uses a sufficient and precise range of vocabulary suitable for an academic discussion. Less common lexical items and collocations are employed with good awareness of style, such as 'adequate housing', 'densely populated', 'extensive low-rise development', and 'essential services'. Word choice is generally accurate, and vocabulary errors are virtually absent. While the range is somewhat restricted compared to a native academic publication, it easily satisfies the criteria for Band 7 by demonstrating flexibility, precision, and appropriate academic tone throughout the response.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.5

The essay displays a good variety of complex structures alongside simple sentence forms. The writer successfully incorporates subordinate clauses and participial phrases, such as 'As urban populations continue to grow' and 'making extensive low-rise development impractical'. There is a high proportion of error-free sentences, and grammar and punctuation are handled with good control. Minor slips or awkwardness are absent, and communication is never impeded. The majority of sentences are grammatically correct and show good control over complex syntactic forms, which comfortably places this response in the Band 8 category.

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