Band 7.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.0 · 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 7.0)

It is often argued that constructing tall apartment buildings is the best way to provide enough homes for people living in large cities. I partly agree with this view because high-rise buildings can accommodate many people in limited spaces, but other housing solutions are also necessary.

On the one hand, building tall apartment blocks can be an effective solution to the shortage of housing in crowded cities. The main advantage is that a large number of people can live on a relatively small piece of land. This is particularly important in major cities where land is expensive and available space is limited. In addition, high-rise buildings can be constructed close to workplaces, schools and public transport, which may reduce commuting time and traffic congestion. For example, cities such as Mumbai have many apartment towers because of their high population density and limited land.

On the other hand, relying only on tall buildings can create several problems. If too many people live in one area, public services such as roads, hospitals, schools and public transport may become overcrowded. Furthermore, high-rise apartments may not be suitable for everyone, particularly families who prefer larger homes with outdoor space. Therefore, governments should also consider other options, such as developing suburban areas and constructing affordable low-rise housing. Better urban planning can help distribute the population more evenly instead of concentrating everyone in high-rise buildings.

In conclusion, I believe that tall apartment blocks are an important way to address housing shortages in large cities, but they should not be considered the only solution. A combination of high-rise housing, suburban development and improved public infrastructure would provide a more balanced approach to meeting the housing needs of growing urban populations.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 7.0

The student has successfully addressed all parts of the task by presenting a clear position and discussing both sides of the argument before concluding. The introduction clearly states a partial agreement, which is maintained throughout the essay. Body paragraph 1 explores the advantages of high-rise buildings, noting land scarcity and proximity to amenities with a relevant example from Mumbai. Body paragraph 2 examines the drawbacks, such as overcrowded public services and unsuitability for families, while suggesting viable alternatives like low-rise housing and suburban development. The ideas are well-extended and supported without any irrelevant tangents, meeting the criteria for a Band 7.0.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 7.0

The essay demonstrates clear logical organisation and progression throughout. Information and ideas are coherently sequenced, starting with an introduction, followed by balanced body paragraphs, and a concise conclusion. Cohesive devices such as 'On the one hand', 'On the other hand', 'In addition', and 'Therefore' are used appropriately and contribute to the overall structure of the essay. Paragraphing is managed sufficiently, with each paragraph focusing on a distinct central theme. Although some cohesive relationships are somewhat standard, the progression of thought is easy to follow, justifying a Band 7.0.

Lexical Resource: Band 7.0

The student demonstrates an adequate and flexible range of vocabulary suited to the academic task. Phrases like 'high population density', 'traffic congestion', 'urban planning', and 'housing shortages' show a good command of topic-specific terminology. There are also successful attempts at less common lexical items such as 'accommodate', 'concentrating', and 'distribute'. Word choice and collocations are generally accurate, and spelling is correct throughout. While the range is sufficient to allow some precision, it lacks the broader flexibility and sophisticated control required to reach Band 8.0, making a Band 7.0 score appropriate.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 7.0

The response features a good mix of simple and complex sentence forms. The student successfully employs complex structures, such as concessive clauses ('although high-rise buildings can accommodate...') and conditional-like or relative structures ('cities such as Mumbai have many apartment towers because of their high population density'). There is a high frequency of error-free sentences, and grammar and punctuation are generally well controlled. Although the range of complex structures could be slightly wider to push into higher bands, the grammatical accuracy is strong and communication is never impeded, earning a solid Band 7.0.

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