Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.5 · 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 7.5)

As urban populations continue to grow, many large cities are facing increasing pressure to provide adequate housing for their residents. Some people argue that constructing tall apartment blocks is the best way to address this problem. I largely agree with this view because high-rise developments make efficient use of limited urban land, although they need to be supported by appropriate infrastructure and other forms of housing.

The main advantage of building tall residential blocks is that they can accommodate a large number of people on a relatively small area of land. Land in major cities is often scarce and expensive, so constructing houses horizontally can require vast amounts of space. By building upwards, developers can create hundreds of apartments without significantly expanding the city's geographical boundaries. This can also help to reduce pressure to convert surrounding farmland or natural areas into residential developments. For example, a single high-rise complex can provide homes for many families while occupying considerably less land than an equivalent number of individual houses.

However, relying exclusively on tall buildings could create other urban problems if they are not carefully planned. A large concentration of residents can place considerable pressure on roads, public transport, water supplies, sewage systems and other essential services. In addition, some residents may have limited access to private outdoor space and community facilities. Therefore, simply constructing more towers will not necessarily solve a city's housing shortage unless sufficient infrastructure is developed alongside them. A combination of high-rise apartments, medium-density housing and well-planned suburban developments may provide a more sustainable long-term solution.

In conclusion, I largely agree that tall apartment blocks are an effective way of providing sufficient housing in large cities because they make efficient use of scarce land and can accommodate large populations. Nevertheless, they should form part of a broader urban-planning strategy rather than being regarded as the sole solution to housing shortages.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 7.5

The student fully addresses all parts of the task by presenting a clear position throughout the response. The introduction clearly states a partial agreement, which is maintained logically. Ideas are well-developed and supported with relevant explanations, such as the discussion on land scarcity and environmental preservation. In the third paragraph, the counterargument concerning infrastructure and community facilities is thoughtfully explored, adding depth to the argument. The conclusion effectively summarises the main points and aligns with the stated position. There are no notable omissions, and the development of ideas aligns comfortably with the Band 8 descriptors.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 7.5

The essay demonstrates a clear logical organisation and progression throughout. Each paragraph has a distinct focus, beginning with a clear introduction, followed by body paragraphs that explore the advantages and potential drawbacks of high-rise developments, and ending with a concise conclusion. Cohesive devices are used naturally and effectively, such as 'The main advantage', 'However', and 'In conclusion'. Referencing is clear, and paragraphing is managed skilfully, ensuring the reader can follow the writer's line of reasoning without difficulty. The overall structure easily satisfies the Band 8 criteria for coherence and cohesion.

Lexical Resource: Band 7.0

The student demonstrates a wide, fluent, and flexible range of vocabulary suited to an academic discussion. Less common items and collocations are used skillfully, such as 'geographical boundaries', 'exclusive on tall buildings', 'essential services', and 'broader urban-planning strategy'. Word choice is generally precise and appropriate, though there are very occasional minor collocation choices. However, these do not impede communication in any way. The lexical control and variety consistently reflect a strong Band 7.5 to Band 8 performance.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 7.5

The response features a wide range of complex structures used with a high degree of accuracy. The majority of sentences are error-free, showcasing complex constructions such as 'As urban populations continue to grow...', 'although they need to be supported by...', and 'simply constructing more towers will not necessarily solve...'. Punctuation is accurate, and control over tense and agreement is well-maintained throughout. There are only very occasional minor slips, which fits the descriptor for Band 8 where the majority of sentences are error-free and grammar is handled with robust control.

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