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)

The rapid growth of urban populations has created a serious shortage of housing in many large cities. Some people argue that constructing tall apartment buildings is the best way to provide enough homes. I largely agree with this view because high-rise buildings can accommodate many people while using limited land, although other housing solutions are also necessary.

The main advantage of tall apartment blocks is that they make efficient use of land. Land in large cities is often expensive and limited, so constructing houses with large gardens is not practical for everyone. High-rise buildings allow hundreds of families to live in one relatively small area. For example, cities such as Singapore and Hong Kong have used high-rise residential buildings extensively because of their high population density. This approach can also reduce the need to expand cities into surrounding rural areas.

Another benefit is that apartment blocks can be built close to public transport, schools, shops and workplaces. This can make daily life more convenient and potentially reduce people’s dependence on private cars. In addition, when housing is concentrated in well-planned areas, governments can provide infrastructure and public services more efficiently.

However, building tall apartments alone cannot solve every housing problem. If these buildings are poorly designed or overcrowded, residents may experience a lack of privacy, limited green space and inadequate community facilities. Therefore, city planners should combine high-rise housing with parks, schools, transport systems and other essential services. In some areas, medium-rise apartments and affordable houses may also be appropriate.

In conclusion, I agree that tall apartment blocks are an effective way to provide large numbers of homes in major cities because they use land efficiently and can support well-connected urban communities. Nevertheless, they should form part of a broader housing strategy rather than being the only solution.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 7.0

The response fully addresses all parts of the task by taking a clear position ('I largely agree with this view') and supporting it throughout the essay. The student explores the main advantages of high-rise buildings, such as efficient land use and proximity to infrastructure, while also acknowledging the limitations and counterarguments in paragraph four ('building tall apartments alone cannot solve every housing problem'). Ideas are well-developed with relevant examples, such as referencing the high-population density experiences of Singapore and Hong Kong. The position remains consistent and coherent from the introduction to the conclusion, meeting all the requirements of Band 7 and leaning towards Band 8 descriptors due to the well-rounded argumentation.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 7.5

The essay demonstrates clear logical organisation and progression throughout. Each paragraph has a distinct central topic, moving smoothly from the thesis statement to land efficiency, then convenience and infrastructure, followed by a balanced counter-perspective, and finally a succinct conclusion. Cohesive devices are used naturally and effectively, such as 'The main advantage', 'Another benefit', 'In addition', and 'However'. Paragraphing is used skillfully and appropriately to separate distinct ideas. Referencing is clear throughout, and the overall progression guides the reader effortlessly through the writer's line of argument, fully satisfying the requirements for a Band 8 score.

Lexical Resource: Band 6.5

The student demonstrates a sufficient and generally natural range of vocabulary suitable for an academic response. Phrases such as 'rapid growth of urban populations', 'high-rise residential buildings', 'population density', and 'infrastructure and public services' indicate good lexical control. The writer also attempts some less common vocabulary items with general success, such as 'accommodate', 'convenient', and 'comprehensive strategy'. While there are a few minor instances where word choice could be more elevated or precise (e.g., 'provide enough homes' could be varied), the vocabulary effectively conveys precise meaning without causing any strain for the reader, fitting comfortably into Band 7.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 6.5

The writing features a good mix of simple and complex sentence forms, with a strong control over grammar and punctuation. The student successfully constructs complex sentences using subordinate clauses and transition markers, such as 'although other housing solutions are also necessary' and 'when housing is concentrated in well-planned areas, governments can provide...'. The majority of sentences are grammatically error-free, and punctuation is handled correctly throughout. While the structural range is slightly more standard rather than exceptionally diverse, the accuracy is high and communication is never impeded, making this a solid representative of a Band 7 performance.

See this exact question answered at other band scores. The same prompt compared across bands.

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