Band 7.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.0 · 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 7.0)

As urban populations continue to increase, many cities struggle to provide sufficient and affordable housing. Although I agree that tall apartment blocks can accommodate large numbers of people while using limited land, I do not believe they are the best solution in every situation. A combination of high-density housing and effective urban planning is more appropriate.

One major advantage of high-rise apartments is their efficient use of land. A single tower can accommodate hundreds of families on a relatively small area, making this approach particularly suitable for densely populated cities where land is expensive. Moreover, concentrating residents in one location can reduce the cost of providing essential services such as electricity, water, sewage systems and public transport. This could be particularly useful in Nepal's Kathmandu Valley, where rapid urbanisation has increased the demand for housing and placed pressure on available land.

However, constructing tall buildings without improving infrastructure can create serious problems. A large concentration of residents may increase traffic congestion and put additional pressure on roads, water supplies, drainage systems, schools and hospitals. In Kathmandu, for example, unplanned urban growth has already contributed to infrastructure challenges. Simply replacing houses with high-rise buildings could therefore worsen these problems if adequate public facilities are not developed at the same time. Furthermore, excessive high-density development may reduce access to green spaces and create crowded living environments.

In my view, the most effective approach is to combine different types of housing according to the needs of each area. High-rise apartments can be built in central locations with good public transport, while medium-density housing can be developed in suburban areas. In Nepal, such developments should be accompanied by better roads, drainage, public transportation and recreational spaces.

In conclusion, tall apartment blocks are an effective way of increasing housing capacity, particularly where land is scarce. Nevertheless, they should be part of a broader urban-development strategy rather than being considered the single best solution.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 7.0

The student addresses all parts of the task fully and develops a well-supported position. The introduction clearly states a balanced perspective, agreeing that tall apartment blocks accommodate many people on limited land while arguing against them as the sole universal solution. Ideas are extended logically throughout the body paragraphs. For example, the writer points out the efficient use of land in densely populated areas like Kathmandu Valley, but immediately contrasts this with the infrastructure challenges that arise without proper planning, such as traffic congestion and strain on water supplies. The conclusion successfully reiterates this nuanced stance. The response meets all criteria for a Band 7.5 or Band 8 regarding task response, showing strong analytical depth and clear argument development.

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 advantages, disadvantages, a balanced synthesis, and a concise conclusion. Cohesive devices are used effectively and naturally without being overly mechanical, as seen with transition words like 'Moreover', 'However', 'Furthermore', and 'In my view'. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate distinct thematic blocks of thought, particularly contrasting the benefits of high-rise living with its infrastructure drawbacks. Referencing and substitution are well managed, ensuring the reader easily follows the line of argument. This performance aligns comfortably with the Band 7 descriptors.

Lexical Resource: Band 6.5

The student demonstrates a sufficient range of vocabulary with good flexibility and precision. Less common lexical items are integrated successfully, such as 'urban populations', 'densely populated', 'rapid urbanisation', 'infrastructure challenges', and 'high-density development'. Word choice is generally appropriate and collocation is natural, as in 'traffic congestion' and 'essential services'. There are only minor lexical limitations preventing a higher band, but spelling and word choice are accurate enough that communication is never hindered. The vocabulary deployed comfortably satisfies the requirements for a Band 7 performance.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 7.0

The writer uses a good variety of complex structures with frequent error-free sentences. Examples of complex clauses include concessive structures ('Although I agree that tall apartment blocks can accommodate...') and conditional or hypothetical applications ('Simply replacing houses with high-rise buildings could therefore worsen these problems if adequate public facilities are not developed...'). Punctuation and grammatical control are consistently strong throughout the text, with only minor or isolated imperfections. The majority of sentences are grammatically sound, demonstrating a clear command of grammar that fits the Band 7.5 or Band 8 category well; a Band 7.5 is awarded to reflect the strong structural control.

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