Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.5 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-09-26

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)

As urban populations continue to expand, city planners face mounting pressure to house residents efficiently. While high-rise apartment blocks are often presented as the most practical solution to housing shortages, I believe this is only partially true, and that a combination of strategies would serve cities better.

There is undeniable merit to constructing tall residential buildings. Land in large cities is scarce and expensive, and building vertically allows planners to accommodate far more residents on a limited footprint than low-rise housing ever could. Hong Kong and Singapore, for instance, have successfully housed millions of people through extensive high-rise development, freeing up remaining land for parks, schools and commercial use. Furthermore, concentrating housing in tall buildings can support more efficient public transport networks, since a greater number of residents live within walking distance of stations, reducing reliance on private cars and easing traffic congestion.

However, tall apartment blocks are not without serious drawbacks. Densely packed high-rises can lead to overcrowding, placing strain on local infrastructure such as roads, drainage and utilities. Psychologically, research has suggested that residents of very tall buildings, particularly families with young children, may experience greater social isolation and reduced access to green space compared to those in lower-rise housing. In cities such as London and Paris, planners have therefore favoured mid-rise developments of five to eight storeys, which achieve reasonably high density while preserving a sense of community and street-level activity.

In my view, a more balanced approach is preferable to relying solely on skyscraper-style housing. Cities should combine strategic high-rise development in commercial districts with well-designed mid-rise housing in residential neighbourhoods, alongside investment in surrounding infrastructure and green space. This would address housing shortages without sacrificing liveability.

In conclusion, while tall apartment blocks can help solve the problem of housing scarcity in large cities, they should not be viewed as a universal solution. A diversified housing strategy that considers residents' wellbeing alongside density is ultimately more sustainable.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 7.5

The response fully addresses all parts of the task by presenting a clear position that balances the pros and cons of tall apartment blocks rather than taking an extreme view. The main ideas are well-developed and supported with relevant, specific examples such as Hong Kong, Singapore, London, and Paris. The writer effectively examines both the economic and spatial benefits of high-rises and the social and infrastructural drawbacks, leading logically to a nuanced conclusion. There are no omissions, and the development of ideas aligns strongly with the Band 8 descriptors.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 7.5

Ideas are logically sequenced and progress naturally from introduction to body paragraphs and a balanced conclusion. Cohesive devices such as 'Furthermore', 'However', and 'In my view' are used effectively and naturally without being intrusive. Paragraphing is used sufficiently and appropriately, with each paragraph focusing on a distinct theme (advantages, disadvantages, and the final synthesis). Reference links between sentences are strong and maintain clear cohesion throughout.

Lexical Resource: Band 7.5

The student demonstrates a wide, flexible, and natural lexical resource with appropriate use of less common items such as 'urban populations', 'limited footprint', 'social isolation', and 'diversified housing strategy'. Word choice and collocations are generally accurate and sophisticated, matching the Band 8 descriptor. Only occasional minor inaccuracies could be imagined, but the vocabulary is fluent and supports the precise communication of complex urban planning concepts.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 7.5

The writing exhibits a wide range of complex sentence structures, including conditional or concessive clauses ('While high-rise apartment blocks are often presented...', 'As urban populations continue to expand...'). The majority of sentences are completely error-free, and punctuation is handled with a high degree of precision. There is a strong command of grammar throughout, reflecting the Band 8 standard where only occasional non-systematic errors might occur.

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