Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-09-25

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 5.5)

The issue of homes in large cities has engendered considerable controversy in contemporary society, with divergent perspectives emerging regarding its overall significance. While one school of thought maintains that homes in large cities should be viewed from one particular standpoint, another contends that an alternative perspective deserves greater recognition. In my view, although both positions possess a degree of legitimacy, the latter perspective is ultimately more compelling. This essay will critically examine both viewpoints before reaching a reasoned conclusion.

At the outset, advocates of homes in large cities advance the contention that it constitutes a consequential aspect of modern society. Their standpoint is predominantly predicated upon the assumption that homes in large cities can exert a substantial influence on individuals and society at large. Moreover, proponents argue that its ramifications can transcend immediate circumstances and manifest themselves in multifaceted ways. From this perspective, therefore, homes in large cities represents an indispensable consideration that should not be underestimated or dismissed without due deliberation.

Conversely, an opposing school of thought maintains that homes in large cities should be approached from an entirely different perspective. The principal justification for this position is that its implications may be considerably more profound than they initially appear. Furthermore, supporters of this viewpoint contend that insufficient attention to the broader dimensions of homes in large cities could give rise to unforeseen and potentially detrimental consequences. Consequently, this perspective has gained substantial recognition among those who believe that a more comprehensive approach is indispensable.

In conclusion, it is evident that housing in large cities remains an inherently multifaceted issue, capable of being interpreted from contrasting standpoints. Although the arguments presented by both sides possess a certain degree of validity, I remain of the view that the latter perspective is more convincing. Ultimately, a balanced and comprehensive consideration of homes in large cities is indispensable if its broader implications are to be properly understood and appropriately addressed.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 4.0

The response demonstrates a severe issue with content and task engagement. The student has produced what is commonly known as a 'template essay' or 'memorised response', inserting the phrase 'homes in large cities' into generic argumentative paragraphs. While the essay follows a structured format and maintains a consistent position that the latter perspective is more compelling, it fails to engage meaningfully with the specific prompt regarding whether tall apartment blocks are the best way to provide enough homes in large cities. There is no discussion of urbanization, housing supply, high-rise living, infrastructure, or architectural solutions. Consequently, the ideas are entirely undeveloped regarding the actual prompt, earning a band score of 4.0 for failing to properly address the specific task prompt beyond a superficial level.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 5.5

Paradoxically, the essay possesses clear structural organization and logical progression on a mechanical level. Paragraphing is used appropriately to introduce the topic, present two opposing viewpoints, and conclude. Cohesive devices are employed smoothly, with phrases such as 'At the outset,' 'Conversely,' and 'In conclusion' guiding the reader through the text. Referencing and substitution are handled correctly ('Their standpoint,' 'The principal justification'). However, because the content is generic template writing, the progression lacks genuine substantive development. Balancing the mechanical cohesion with the formulaic nature of the ideas, the text fits comfortably into the Band 6 descriptor where cohesion is generally coherent overall, though heavily reliant on formulaic transitions.

Lexical Resource: Band 5.5

The writer displays a reasonably wide and formal vocabulary range, utilising advanced academic expressions such as 'engendered considerable controversy,' 'multifaceted ways,' 'indispensable consideration,' and 'inherently multifaceted issue.' However, because these lexical items are deployed within a generic template devoid of specific context, the vocabulary feels detached and lacks genuine precision regarding the topic of urban housing. There are no major spelling or word-choice errors, and the control of formal register is solid. This places the lexical resource at a Band 6.0, as the vocabulary is adequate and attempts less common items, but fails to demonstrate flexibility tied to the specific topic.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 6.5

The grammatical control in the essay is actually quite strong. The writer demonstrates a wide range of complex sentence structures, including subordinate clauses ('While one school of thought maintains that...'), conditional elements, and participial phrases ('capable of being interpreted...'). The majority of sentences are error-free, with accurate punctuation and sophisticated syntactic variety. There are no systematic grammatical errors that impede communication. While the content is problematic, the structural grammar is executed to a high standard, easily meeting the criteria for Band 7.0 due to the frequent error-free complex sentences and good overall control.

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