Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.5 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-09-23

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 adequate housing for the growing population of large cities is a major challenge. Some people believe that constructing tall apartment buildings is the most effective solution. I partly agree with this view because high-rise buildings can accommodate many people in limited space, but other housing options are also necessary.

One major advantage of tall apartment blocks is that they make efficient use of limited urban land. As cities become increasingly crowded, building houses horizontally requires large areas of land, which may not be available. In contrast, high-rise buildings can provide hundreds of homes on a relatively small plot. For example, cities such as Mumbai have many high-rise residential buildings because land in densely populated areas is limited. Therefore, vertical housing can be an effective way of increasing the supply of homes.

However, relying entirely on tall apartment blocks can create several problems. High-density housing may lead to overcrowding, traffic congestion and pressure on public services such as schools and hospitals. In addition, some people may prefer houses with gardens or low-rise accommodation, particularly families with children. A better approach would therefore be to combine high-rise apartments with low-rise housing and planned development in less densely populated areas.

In conclusion, I agree that tall apartment blocks are an important solution to the housing shortage in large cities because they use land efficiently. Nevertheless, they should not be considered the only solution, and cities should adopt a combination of different types of housing. This balanced strategy would allow cities to accommodate growing populations while also maintaining a reasonable quality of life, reducing overcrowding and ensuring that essential services remain accessible to residents.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 6.5

The student successfully addresses all parts of the prompt, taking a clear and well-developed position ('I partly agree with this view'). The response thoroughly discusses both sides of the argument: the necessity and spatial efficiency of tall apartment blocks, as demonstrated by the example of Mumbai, as well as the associated drawbacks such as overcrowding and infrastructural strain. Ideas are well supported with relevant arguments and examples throughout, fulfilling the Band 7 criteria for fully addressing all parts of the task with a clear, sustained position and extended ideas.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 6.5

The essay displays a clear logical organisation and natural progression throughout. Paragraphing is used effectively, with each paragraph focusing on a distinct central topic, such as urban land efficiency or the drawbacks of high-rise living. Cohesive devices are used flexibly and appropriately (e.g., 'In contrast', 'For example', 'However', 'In conclusion'), ensuring smooth transitions between sentences and paragraphs. There is no faulty or mechanical referencing, demonstrating strong overall cohesion and meeting the requirements for a Band 7 score.

Lexical Resource: Band 6.5

The student demonstrates a sufficient range of vocabulary that allows for some flexibility and precision. Phrases such as 'adequate housing', 'efficient use of limited urban land', 'densely populated areas', and 'infrastructural strain' show a good grasp of topic-specific le词. Less common lexical items are used with some awareness of style and collocation (e.g., 'accommodate growing populations', 'reasonable quality of life'). Occasional minor slips occur, but the vocabulary is fully adequate to convey precise meanings without impeding communication, comfortably securing a Band 7.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 6.5

The writer uses a good variety of complex structures alongside simple sentences, maintaining frequent error-free sentences. Examples of complex structures include conditional and participial integration, such as 'As cities become increasingly crowded, building houses horizontally requires large areas of land, which may not be available.' Control of grammar and punctuation is generally strong, with only very rare, non-systematic errors that do not hinder the flow of reading. The grammatical control displayed aligns closely with a solid Band 7 performance.

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