Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.5 · 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 7.5)

The rapid growth of urban populations has created a serious shortage of housing in many large cities. Some people argue that the best solution is to construct tall apartment blocks. I partly agree with this view because high-rise buildings can accommodate many people in a limited area, but they are not the only effective solution.

One major advantage of tall apartment buildings is that they make efficient use of limited urban land. In densely populated cities, land is expensive and often scarce. Building vertically allows thousands of people to live in a relatively small area while leaving more space for parks, roads, and public facilities. For example, cities such as Singapore and Hong Kong have successfully used high-rise residential buildings to accommodate large populations. In addition, apartments can be located close to workplaces and public transport, which can reduce commuting times and traffic congestion.

However, relying entirely on high-rise buildings can create several problems. Very large apartment complexes may become overcrowded and place considerable pressure on electricity, water, sewage systems, schools, and hospitals. Moreover, some residents may find living in tall buildings less comfortable, particularly families with young children who may prefer houses with gardens or open spaces. High-rise developments can also be expensive to construct and maintain, meaning that they may not always provide affordable housing for lower-income families.

Therefore, governments should consider other approaches alongside apartment blocks. Developing smaller residential buildings in less densely populated areas, improving public transportation, and encouraging housing development in surrounding suburbs can help distribute the population more evenly. For instance, if reliable transport connects suburban areas to city centres, people can live outside the most crowded parts of a city without facing long and difficult journeys.

In conclusion, tall apartment blocks are an effective way to address housing shortages because they use land efficiently and accommodate large numbers of people. However, they should not be considered the single best solution. A combination of high-rise housing, suburban development, and improved infrastructure is more likely to provide sufficient and sustainable homes in large cities.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 7.5

The response fully addresses all parts of the prompt by discussing the extent of agreement with the statement that tall apartment blocks are the best way to provide housing. The writer presents a clear position throughout, stating that they partly agree because high-rise buildings are efficient yet not the sole solution. Main ideas are well developed with relevant supporting points, such as land scarcity in Singapore and Hong Kong, potential infrastructure pressures, and the viability of suburban alternatives. The reasoning is thorough and well-supported, satisfying the criteria for a high band without any major omissions.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 7.5

The response demonstrates a clear logical organisation and progression throughout. Each paragraph has a distinct central topic, starting with an introduction that outlines the writer's stance, followed by body paragraphs examining the advantages, the drawbacks, and alternative approaches, and concluding with a summary. Cohesive devices such as 'One major advantage', 'However', 'Moreover', and 'Therefore' are used naturally and effectively to guide the reader through the argument. Paragraphing is used sufficiently and appropriately, ensuring the essay flows smoothly from one point to the next.

Lexical Resource: Band 7.5

The student displays a wide, fluent, and flexible range of vocabulary appropriate for an academic essay. Less common lexical items are used skilfully and naturally, such as 'densely populated', 'infrastructure', 'traffic congestion', and 'sustainable homes'. Word choice and collocations are generally precise, with only occasional minor lapses. The vocabulary deployed allows the writer to convey precise meanings smoothly and effectively, supporting the overall persuasiveness of the essay.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 7.5

The essay exhibits a wide range of complex sentence structures used with a high degree of accuracy. The majority of sentences are error-free, and control over punctuation and grammar is strong. Examples of complex structures include 'Building vertically allows thousands of people to live in a relatively small area while leaving more space for parks...' and '...if reliable transport connects suburban areas to city centres, people can live outside the most crowded parts...'. Only very occasional minor inaccuracies occur, which never impede communication.

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