Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.5 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-09-22

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 7.5)

Rapid urbanization has exacerbated housing shortages in major metropolitan areas, sparking debate over the most effective solutions. While constructing high-rise residential towers is often viewed as the primary method to address this crisis, I only partially agree with this view. Although vertical development maximizes land efficiency, a balanced urban strategy requiring varied housing models and improved infrastructure is necessary to ensure sustainable living standards.

On the one hand, high-rise apartment complexes offer an efficient response to severe land scarcity in densely populated cities. By expanding vertically rather than horizontally, high-rises accommodate thousands of residents on a relatively small footprint. This density makes public utilities and transportation networks vastly more cost-effective to deploy, as infrastructure does not need to stretch across vast geographic distances. Cities like Singapore and Tokyo demonstrate how high-density tower blocks can successfully house millions while preventing urban sprawl and preserving adjacent natural green spaces.

On the other hand, relying exclusively on tall apartment buildings creates significant social, architectural, and financial drawbacks. High-rise construction requires specialized engineering, premium materials, and heavy ongoing maintenance, which frequently drives up housing costs rather than making homes affordable for low-income residents. Furthermore, dense high-rise developments can put immense strain on local services, causing severe traffic congestion and overwhelming public utilities if not carefully integrated. Socially, high-rise living often fosters isolation, offering fewer communal areas compared to traditional mid-rise or mixed-use neighborhoods.

To effectively solve the housing shortage, municipalities should adopt a multifaceted urban planning model. Developing medium-density housing such as townhouses and four-to-six-story apartment buildings provides a sustainable balance between land efficiency and liveability. Additionally, investing in high-speed public transit to link suburban satellite towns with city centers enables governments to distribute populations more evenly, alleviating the pressure on central urban cores without forcing high-density vertical living on everyone.

In conclusion, while high-rise apartment blocks play a vital role in optimizing land use in overcrowded cities, they are not a standalone solution. A comprehensive strategy that combines vertical construction with medium-density housing and regional infrastructure development is far more effective in delivering sufficient, liveable homes.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.5

The response fully addresses all parts of the task by taking a clear, nuanced position ('I only partially agree') and maintaining it throughout. The student presents well-developed ideas on both sides of the argument—discussing land efficiency and infrastructure cost-effectiveness on the one hand, and financial, social, and infrastructural drawbacks on the other. Ideas are extended and supported with relevant examples, such as referencing Singapore and Tokyo, and proposing alternative urban planning models like medium-density housing and regional satellite towns. The arguments flow logically to a cohesive conclusion, fully meeting the criteria for a high band score under Task Achievement.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5

Cohesion and logical organization are handled exceptionally well in this essay. Ideas are logically sequenced, moving smoothly from a clear introductory thesis statement to well-structured body paragraphs with distinct focal points. The writer uses cohesive devices naturally and flexibly, such as 'On the one hand', 'On the other hand', 'Additionally', and 'In conclusion', without making them feel mechanical. Paragraphing is used sufficiently and appropriately, with each body paragraph dedicated to a distinct thematic aspect of the argument. Referential referencing throughout the text is clear and precise, ensuring an effortless reading experience.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.5

The student demonstrates a wide, fluent, and flexible lexical range suitable for an academic response. Less common vocabulary items and collocations are used skillfully and naturally, including phrases like 'rapid urbanization', 'aggravated housing shortages', 'land efficiency', 'urban sprawl', and 'multifaceted urban planning model'. Word choice and collocations are generally precise, with only very occasional minor inaccuracies. Spelling and word formation are flawless throughout, allowing the reader to navigate the sophisticated arguments without any lexical barriers to communication.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.5

The response showcases a wide variety of complex sentence structures used with a high degree of control and flexibility. The majority of sentences are completely error-free, featuring sophisticated subordinate clauses, participial phrases ('By expanding vertically rather than horizontally, high-rises accommodate...'), and conditional elements. Punctuation is accurate throughout, and grammar rules are adhered to consistently. Only very occasional minor slips might occur, but these do not detract from the overall impressive grammatical repertoire displayed by the writer, justifying a very strong band score.

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