Band 7.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.0 · 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 7.0)

The rapid growth of urban populations has created a serious demand for housing in many large cities. Some people argue that constructing tall apartment blocks is the best way to provide enough homes. I largely agree with this view because high-rise buildings make efficient use of limited land, although they should not be the only solution. The main advantage of tall apartment buildings is that they can accommodate a large number of people on relatively small areas of land. In major cities, available land is often scarce and expensive. So building upwards is generally more practical than building large numbers of individual houses. For example, a single high-rise development can contain hundreds of apartments while occupying far less land than an equivalent number of houses. This can help prevent cities from expanding unnecessarily into surrounding agricultural and natural areas. However, relying entirely on high-rise buildings could create significant challenges. Very high concentrations of residents may put considerable pressure on public services, including roads, public transport, schools, hospitals, and water supplies. In addition, some people prefer houses because they provide greater privacy, living space, and access to private outdoor areas. Therefore, simply constructing more apartment towers without developing the necessary infrastructure could negatively affect residents' quality of life. In conclusion, I largely agree that tall apartment blocks are an effective way to address housing shortages in large cities because they allow limited urban land to be used efficiently. Nevertheless, governments should adopt a balanced approach by combining high-rise developments with suitable infrastructure, public facilities, and other forms of housing. This would provide accommodation for growing populations while maintaining a good standard of urban living.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 7.0

The response fully addresses all parts of the prompt, exploring whether tall apartment blocks are the best solution for urban housing shortages and providing a clear, well-developed position throughout. The writer acknowledges the advantages—such as efficient land use and preventing urban sprawl—while also addressing potential drawbacks, including pressure on infrastructure and lack of privacy. Ideas are well-supported with logical explanations, such as comparing the footprint of a single high-rise to an equivalent number of individual houses. The conclusion successfully synthesises the main points. This performance aligns comfortably with the Band 7 descriptors.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 7.0

The essay demonstrates clear logical organisation and progression throughout. Each paragraph has a distinct focus, moving smoothly from the introduction to the advantages, drawbacks, and a balanced conclusion. Cohesive devices are used effectively and naturally, such as 'For example', 'However', 'In addition', and 'Therefore', ensuring the text hangs together well. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate distinct ideas and arguments. Although referencing and flow are well-managed, the transitional links are somewhat standard rather than sophisticated, placing this securely at Band 7.

Lexical Resource: Band 7.0

The student uses a sufficient and appropriate range of vocabulary for the task, successfully incorporating less common lexical items such as 'urban populations', 'accommodate', 'scarce', 'sprawling', and 'infrastructure'. Word choice is generally precise, allowing the writer to convey complex ideas clearly ('efficient use of limited land', 'significant challenges'). There are only occasional minor awkwardnesses, but overall the vocabulary is adequate to allow flexible and precise expression. Spelling and word formation are accurate throughout, matching the requirements for a Band 7 score.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 7.5

The essay displays a good variety of complex sentence structures, including conditional or concessive clauses ('although they should not be the only solution', 'while occupying far less land'). There are frequent error-free sentences, and the control of grammar and punctuation is consistently strong. Minor slips or awkward phrasings are exceptionally rare, meaning the majority of sentences are accurate and well-constructed. This high level of structural variety and grammatical control clearly satisfies the Band 8 criteria, as communication is effortless and errors are practically non-existent.

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