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)

The rapid growth of urban populations has created a significant demand for housing in many large cities. Some people argue that constructing tall apartment blocks is the best way to accommodate this growing population. I largely agree with this view, although I believe that high-rise housing should be combined with other forms of development.

The main advantage of building tall apartment blocks is that they allow a large number of people to live in a relatively small area. Land in major cities is often extremely expensive and limited, so constructing upwards rather than outwards can make much more efficient use of available space. In addition, high-density housing can reduce urban sprawl, allowing residents to live closer to workplaces, universities and public transport. For example, cities such as Singapore have made extensive use of high-rise residential buildings to accommodate a large population despite having limited land.

However, relying exclusively on tall buildings could create several problems. Very high-density neighbourhoods may become overcrowded and place considerable pressure on roads, public transport, schools and healthcare services. Furthermore, poorly designed apartment complexes can provide inadequate access to green spaces and may reduce residents’ quality of life. For this reason, governments should ensure that new developments include parks, recreational facilities and essential public services. In some areas, building medium-rise housing or converting unused commercial buildings into homes could also provide additional accommodation without creating excessively dense communities.

In conclusion, I agree that tall apartment blocks are one of the most effective ways to provide sufficient housing in large cities because they use scarce urban land efficiently. Nevertheless, they should form part of a broader housing strategy that includes appropriate infrastructure, green spaces and other types of residential development.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.5

The student addresses all parts of the task thoroughly and presents a clear, well-developed position throughout the essay. The introduction successfully states a nuanced viewpoint ("I largely agree with this view, although I believe that high-rise housing should be combined with other forms of development"). Body paragraph one supports the prompt with clear arguments regarding space efficiency and urban sprawl, backed by a relevant example (Singapore). Body paragraph two balances the discussion by exploring potential problems like overcrowding and infrastructure pressure, and offers viable solutions such as medium-rise housing or commercial conversions. The conclusion neatly summarises these points. Ideas are well supported and extended, meeting the criteria for a Band 7.5 or 8.0.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 8.0

The response demonstrates clear logical organisation and progression from the introduction through the body paragraphs to the conclusion. Each paragraph has a clear central topic, starting with the main advantage in paragraph two, moving to counter-arguments and solutions in paragraph three, and finishing with a cohesive conclusion. Cohesive devices are used effectively and naturally without being mechanical (e.g., 'In addition', 'For example', 'However', 'Furthermore', 'For this reason'). Paragraphing is used sufficiently and appropriately, ensuring the essay flows logically and guides the reader effortlessly through the writer's line of argument.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.0

The student uses a sufficient and appropriate range of vocabulary for the task, demonstrating flexibility and precision. Less common lexical items are employed naturally, such as 'urban sprawl', 'high-density housing', 'exclusively', and 'infrastructure'. Word choice and collocations are generally accurate, with phrases like 'place considerable pressure' and 'scarce urban land' used correctly. There are no noticeable spelling or word-choice errors that impede communication. While the range is good and allows for precise expression, it stops just short of the consistently sophisticated control required for a Band 8, fitting comfortably into a Band 7.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 8.0

The writer demonstrates a strong command of grammatical range and accuracy. There is a successful mix of complex sentence structures, including conditional-like reasoning, participial clauses ('allowing residents to live closer...'), and subordinate clauses. The majority of sentences are error-free, and punctuation is handled correctly throughout. Control of grammar is consistent, with complex forms attempted and executed successfully, such as 'constructing upwards rather than outwards can make much more efficient use of available space.' This level of accuracy and structural variety aligns well with Band 8 descriptors.

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