Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.5 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-09-27

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 has been observed that the problem of housing has become increasingly significant in recent years. The most effective way to provide sufficient housing in large cities is to construct high-rise apartment buildings. I partially agree with this statement, as while constructing high-rise buildings can help address housing needs, it may not be the most suitable solution in every situation.

To begin with, one major advantage of constructing high-rise apartment buildings is that they can accommodate a large number of people in a limited area. Moreover, these buildings can be a source of income for property owners, as they can rent out their apartments to tenants. For instance, an owner who has purchased an apartment in a high-rise building can generate a regular income by renting it to a family or an individual.

On the other hand, high-rise apartment buildings can pose safety risks in the event of natural disasters, particularly earthquakes. During an earthquake, the foundations or structural components of a building may be damaged, which could lead to a serious incident and, in extreme cases, result in a significant loss of life.

However, the high cost of these apartments can also be a disadvantage, as they may be unaffordable for many people. In particular, apartments on the upper floors are often more expensive because they provide better views of the surrounding city. Therefore, such properties may be beyond the financial reach of a large proportion of the population.

In conclusion, high-rise apartment buildings can be an effective solution to housing problems in large cities. However, careful consideration should be given to their affordability and structural safety to ensure that they are both accessible and secure for residents.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 6.5

The response addresses all parts of the task by discussing whether tall apartment blocks are the best solution to urban housing shortages. You present a clear, partially agreeing position in the introduction, stating that while high-rises help address housing needs, they are not suitable in every situation. Ideas are extended and supported, such as examining how high-rises accommodate many people in limited areas, alongside relevant counterpoints like natural disaster risks and affordability. For instance, you note that upper-floor apartments provide better views and are consequently more expensive. Although your arguments are generally well-supported and relevant, some points, such as the landlord income aspect, could have been tied more directly back to the overarching housing capacity debate to achieve a higher degree of development.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 6.5

Your essay displays clear logical organisation and progression throughout. Each paragraph has a distinct focus, moving smoothly from introduction to advantages, disadvantages, and a concise conclusion. You effectively employ cohesive devices and signposting language, such as 'To begin with', 'Moreover', 'On the other hand', and 'In conclusion', to guide the reader through your arguments. Referencing is clear, and paragraphing is used appropriately. While cohesion is generally well-managed, some of the transitional links feel a little standard or mechanical, preventing the response from reaching the higher bands where cohesion is completely seamless and unobtrusive. Nevertheless, the logical structure remains easy to follow from start to finish.

Lexical Resource: Band 6.5

The essay demonstrates a sufficient range of vocabulary that allows for some flexibility and precision, matching Band 7 criteria. You successfully incorporate less common lexical items and academic phrasing related to the topic, such as 'accommodate', 'structural components', 'natural disasters', and 'financial reach'. Word choice is generally appropriate, and spelling and collocation are accurate throughout. While you attempt some more sophisticated vocabulary, the range is somewhat bounded by repetitive use of standard descriptive terms, and there is limited use of truly idiomatic or highly nuanced academic phrases. However, the vocabulary used is more than adequate to convey your ideas clearly and precisely without impeding communication.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 6.5

You demonstrate a good control of grammar and punctuation, utilising a variety of complex sentence structures alongside simpler forms. Examples of complex structures include conditional and subordinate clauses, such as 'as while constructing high-rise buildings can help address housing needs, it may not be the most suitable solution' and 'which could lead to a serious incident'. There are frequent error-free sentences, and punctuation is handled correctly throughout. The minor errors that do persist do not impede communication or cause strain for the reader. The grammatical control consistently supports the clear articulation of your arguments, fitting the Band 7 descriptor well.

See this exact question answered at other band scores. The same prompt compared across bands.

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