Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.5 · 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 6.5)

It is stated that the most efficient way to provide enough homes for the population residing in cities it to house them in tall apartements. While there are some disadvantages to this, I strongly agree that this is the most logical and tactical method.

Large cities are often overcrowded mostly because of the vast amount of opportunities present, hence attracting many hopeful future residents. As the population grows, the topic of housing becomes complicated. In the case that housing for such a large population is planned to cover more horizontal gorund, there would be the imminent issue of having less space for other types of constructions. These could range from vital architecture such as hospitals and schools, to areas that allow citizens to pursue recreational activties, such as parks and beaches. Due to this, it is best if homes are built as apartments, this would allow enough room to house the citizens of the city while also avoiding the need to compromise on their quality of life.

Although many may take a look at the towering buildings and find it unnatural and may perhaps feel 'trapped', they will soon realize the benefits of being in such communities. Many apartments come with their own spaces where people can spend their free time. From pursuing ther hobby of swimming at the apartment pool, to having their own personal gym, there are a lot of facilities that these apartments provide. This saves many people time from commuting a long distance to do something they enjoy.

Moreover, living in an apartment tends to create close knit communities and relations. Oftentimes, people come together to celebrate special occasions and host activties. This will greatly improve the quality of life as residents get to connect with likeminded people and have the chance to share similar hobbies, and is not limited to any age range.

The benefits of living in these buildings most certainly outweight the negatives. Residents will not have to worry about the removal of necessary and important buildings in their city to construct new homes. Instead, they get to enjoy the closeness of their community while being able to pursue their interests with great advantage. Therefore, it is definitely most ideal to house people in tall apartments.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 6.5

The response fully addresses all parts of the prompt by presenting a clear position agreeing that building tall apartment blocks is the best way to provide housing in large cities. The ideas are well-developed and supported with relevant arguments regarding land preservation and community benefits. In the second paragraph, the writer explains how horizontal expansion compromises essential infrastructure like schools and hospitals, which directly justifies the stance. The perspective is maintained consistently throughout the essay, culminating in a logical summary in the final paragraph. The reasoning is sound and demonstrates a good understanding of modern urban planning issues. Therefore, the response satisfies the requirements for a Band 7.5 descriptor profile, well-aligned with Band 7 criteria.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 6.5

The essay displays a clear logical organisation and progression throughout. Each paragraph has a distinct central topic, moving from the introduction of the thesis to spatial concerns in cities, lifestyle benefits within apartments, community relations, and finally a concluding reaffirmation. Cohesive devices are used reasonably well, such as 'While there are', 'As the population grows', 'Although many may take a look', and 'Moreover'. However, minor mechanical phrasing occasionally appears, such as 'In the case that housing for such a large population is planned to cover more horizontal gorund', which slightly restricts natural flow. Paragraphing is used sufficiently and appropriately, guiding the reader smoothly from one point to the next, fully supporting a Band 7 score.

Lexical Resource: Band 6.0

The student uses a sufficient range of vocabulary to allow some flexibility and precision, incorporating less common items such as 'imminent issue', 'recreational activities', 'close knit communities', and 'likeminded people'. There are a few spelling and typographical errors, such as 'apartements' instead of apartments, 'gorund' instead of ground, 'activties' instead of activities, and 'ther' instead of their. Word choices are generally appropriate, though occasional minor collocations could be refined. Despite these slips, communication is never impeded, and the vocabulary is varied enough to comfortably meet the Band 6.5 to 7.0 threshold, reflecting solid lexical control.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 6.5

The writer demonstrates a good variety of complex structures alongside simpler sentences. Examples of complex clauses include 'While there are some disadvantages to this, I strongly agree that this is the most logical and tactical method' and 'Residents will not have to worry about the removal of necessary and important buildings in their city to construct new homes.' There is good control over grammar and punctuation overall, with frequent error-free sentences. Minor errors are sparse, such as the tense usage in 'It is stated that the most efficient way... it to house them' and minor typos, but these do not impede communication. The grammatical control successfully demonstrates a Band 7 standard.

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