Band 8.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 8.0 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-09-28

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 8.0)

t is often argued that constructing tall apartment buildings is the most effective way to provide sufficient housing in large cities. While high-rise developments can accommodate a large number of people in a relatively small area, I disagree that they are the best solution on their own. In my view, a combination of high-density housing and well-planned low-rise developments is more effective.

There are several advantages to constructing tall apartment blocks. The main benefit is that they allow cities to accommodate more residents without using large amounts of land. This is particularly important in densely populated urban areas where land is expensive and scarce. In addition, high-rise developments can be built close to public transport, workplaces and other essential services, reducing the need for long journeys and helping to limit traffic congestion. For example, many major cities have successfully used apartment towers to house growing populations in areas where there is little space for further outward expansion.

However, relying too heavily on high-rise buildings can create significant problems. Large apartment complexes may become overcrowded, and residents can experience a lack of privacy and access to green spaces. If these buildings are constructed without adequate infrastructure, pressure on roads, schools, hospitals and public transport can also increase. Furthermore, some people prefer living in houses or smaller buildings because these can provide a stronger sense of community and greater access to outdoor space.

A more sustainable approach would therefore be to combine different types of housing. Tall buildings could be concentrated in central areas and near major transport networks, while medium-density apartments and houses could be developed in less densely populated parts of the city. At the same time, governments should invest in parks, public transport, schools and other infrastructure alongside new housing. This would allow cities to increase their housing supply without sacrificing residents' quality of life.

In conclusion, tall apartment blocks can be an important part of solving housing shortages because they make efficient use of limited urban land. However, I do not believe they are the best solution by themselves. A balanced approach involving a range of housing types, together with adequate infrastructure and public services, is more likely to meet the needs of rapidly growing cities.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 8.0

The response fully addresses all parts of the task by presenting a clear, well-developed position on whether tall apartment blocks are the best way to provide enough homes in large cities. The introduction clearly states your partial disagreement and proposes a combined approach. Body paragraphs are well supported with relevant arguments, such as the benefits of efficient land use and proximity to services, balanced against drawbacks like overcrowding and a lack of green spaces. The conclusion neatly ties these ideas together. Ideas are thoroughly extended without digression, demonstrating a strong understanding of the prompt's requirements. This performance comfortably satisfies the Band 8 criteria for Task Achievement, as all parts of the task are well covered with well-developed ideas.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 8.0

Your essay is exceptionally well-structured and easy to follow. Ideas are logically sequenced, beginning with your position, moving through advantages and disadvantages, and culminating in a balanced conclusion and final verdict. Paragraphing is used very effectively; each paragraph has a clear central topic, such as the advantages of high-rise buildings in the second paragraph and the associated problems in the third. Cohesive devices are used naturally and appropriately without feeling mechanical, as seen in transition phrases like 'In addition,' 'However,' and 'A more sustainable approach would therefore be.' Referencing is consistently clear throughout, guiding the reader smoothly from one point to the next. This fully merits a Band 8 score for Coherence and Cohesion.

Lexical Resource: Band 8.0

You demonstrate a wide, flexible, and natural range of vocabulary suitable for an academic essay. You successfully incorporate less common lexical items and collocations with good control, such as 'densely populated urban areas,' 'traffic congestion,' 'adequate infrastructure,' and 'housing shortages.' Word choices and collocations are generally precise, reflecting a strong command of the language. While there are a few minor typographical glitches or slight conversational leanings, they are extremely rare and do not impede communication at all. The vocabulary successfully conveys nuanced arguments about urban planning, matching the Band 8 descriptor for Lexical Resource.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 8.0

Your writing displays a wide range of complex grammatical structures used with a high degree of accuracy. You successfully integrate conditional and participial constructions, relative clauses, and multi-clause sentences, such as 'If these buildings are constructed without adequate infrastructure, pressure on roads... can also increase.' The majority of your sentences are entirely error-free, and any errors are minor and non-systematic. Punctuation is handled securely, and verb tenses are managed consistently throughout. This strong control over diverse sentence forms fully aligns with the Band 8 descriptors for Grammatical Range and Accuracy.

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