Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.5 · 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 6.5)

The rapid growth of urban populations has created a serious shortage of housing in many large cities. Some people believe that the best solution is to construct tall apartment blocks. I partly agree with this view because high-rise buildings can provide more homes while using less land, but they should not be the only solution.

On the one hand, building tall apartment blocks is an effective way to accommodate a large number of people in limited areas. Since land is often expensive and scarce in major cities, constructing vertically allows more families to live in the same space. Moreover, high-rise housing can be built near workplaces, schools and public transport, which can reduce commuting time and traffic congestion. For example, in cities such as Singapore, tall residential buildings are widely used to provide affordable housing for a growing population without taking up large areas of land.

On the other hand, relying only on high-rise buildings can create several problems. If too many people are concentrated in one area, public services such as roads, hospitals, schools and water supplies may become overloaded. Furthermore, some people prefer houses with gardens because they provide more privacy and open space. Therefore, governments should also consider other solutions, such as developing smaller towns around major cities and improving public transport between residential areas and city centres. This approach could reduce pressure on large cities while providing people with suitable housing.

In conclusion, I agree that tall apartment blocks are an important way to solve housing shortages in large cities because they use land efficiently. However, a combination of high-rise housing, suburban development and better transport would be a more practical long-term solution.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 6.5

The response fully addresses all parts of the prompt by discussing the extent of agreement with the statement that tall apartment blocks are the best way to provide enough homes in large cities. The writer takes a clear, balanced position in the introduction stating that they partly agree, acknowledging both the benefits of high-rise living and the necessity of alternative solutions. Ideas are well developed and supported with relevant explanations and examples, such as mentioning Singapore to illustrate efficient land use. The arguments regarding public services and suburban development are well extended. The response meets all task requirements successfully, earning a solid band score for this criterion.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 6.5

The response demonstrates a clear logical organisation and progression throughout. Each paragraph has a distinct central topic, moving smoothly from a well-framed introduction to clear body paragraphs exploring opposing views, and finishing with a concise conclusion. Cohesive devices such as 'On the one hand', 'On the other hand', 'Furthermore', and 'Therefore' are used appropriately to guide the reader through the argument. Paragraphing is used sufficiently and effectively. Reference and substitution are managed well throughout the text, contributing to the overall coherence and readability of the essay.

Lexical Resource: Band 6.5

The student uses a sufficient range of vocabulary for the task with adequate flexibility and precision. Phrases such as 'rapid growth of urban populations', 'traffic congestion', and 'long-term solution' demonstrate an ability to use less common lexical items with appropriate collocations. Word choice is generally natural and accurate, though it occasionally relies on standard academic vocabulary rather than highly sophisticated or nuanced terms. Spelling and word formation are completely accurate throughout the text, ensuring that communication is never impeded.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 7.0

The response features a good variety of complex structures alongside accurate simple sentences. The writer successfully employs conditional and participial structures, such as in the phrase 'constructing vertically allows more families to live in the same space' and 'Since land is often expensive and scarce...'. There is a high proportion of error-free sentences, demonstrating good control of grammar and punctuation. Minor slips are virtually absent, and the grammatical control is strong enough to comfortably support clear communication of complex arguments.

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