Band 7.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.0 · 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 7.0)

It is often argued that the best way to provide adequate housing in metropolitan cities is to build tall residential buildings. I partly agree with this idea because high-rise buildings make efficient use of limited land areas, but they may reduce communal space and contribute to social isolation.

One major advantage of constructing tall buildings is that it can accommodate a large number of residents within limited space. This is particularly important nowadays because cities are becoming increasingly dense due to the migration of people from rural areas to big cities in search of better employment opportunities and public services. If governments were to encourage horizontal construction of houses, cities would expand into surrounding rural areas, potentially leading to loss of agricultural land, and, in extreme cases, deforestation. Another notable advantage is that it offers affordable housing and service charges to the public mainly because the cost of land is spread across many homes. Furthermore, concentrating a large population in a relatively small area can make public services such as transportation, healthcare and education more accessible because governments are more likely to provide these services efficiently in an area that is densely populated.

However, high-rise buildings are not without their drawbacks, particularly when insufficient attention is paid to how they are designed and organized. One major disadvantage is that large concentrations of residents can place considerable pressure on public transport, water, roads and other infrastructure. They can also lead to a reduction of communal spaces, such as parks and playgrounds, which are crucial for social interaction and recreation. As a result, people may have fewer opportunities to socialize with their neighbors, which can lead to social isolation. These problems can be reduced through urban planning, including the provision of green spaces and community facilities and adequate infrastructure that meet the needs of residents.

In conclusion, I partly agree that building tall residential buildings is an effective way to provide adequate and affordable housing in metropolitan cities. Although high-rise buildings can accommodate growing urban populations within a limited area, their detrimental impact on infrastructure and social interaction should not be overlooked. Therefore, governments should not only prioritize construction of buildings but also pay more attention to how they are planned and organized in order to ensure that residents enjoy a good quality of life.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 7.5

The response fully addresses all parts of the task by taking a clear 'partly agree' position and supporting both sides of the argument. In the introduction, the writer outlines their stance, acknowledging both the spatial efficiency of high-rise buildings and their potential drawbacks regarding social isolation and communal space. Body paragraph one effectively develops the arguments for tall buildings, discussing land preservation, affordability, and the centralisation of public services. Body paragraph two explores the counter-arguments, focusing on infrastructure strain and the reduction of green spaces. The conclusion neatly ties these points together and reiterates the need for proper urban planning. Ideas are well extended with relevant explanations, such as mentioning the migration to cities and the prevention of deforestation. The response meets all task requirements fully, earning a solid Band 7.5 to 8.0 descriptor profile, and is awarded an 8.0.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 6.5

The essay is logically organised with a clear progression from introduction to body paragraphs and a concluding summary. Each paragraph has a clear central topic, such as the advantages of high-rise construction in the first body paragraph and the disadvantages in the second. Cohesive devices are used naturally and effectively throughout the text, including transition phrases like 'One major advantage', 'Furthermore', and 'As a result'. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate distinct themes. Reference words are handled well, avoiding ambiguity. While the logical flow is smooth and the overall arrangement is coherent, it lacks the absolute seamlessness and sophisticated referencing characteristic of Band 8. Therefore, a Band 7.0 is well-deserved for maintaining clear logical organisation and cohesion.

Lexical Resource: Band 6.5

The student demonstrates a sufficient and generally flexible range of vocabulary suitable for an academic essay. Terms such as 'metropolitan cities', 'dense', 'horizontal construction', 'deforestation', and 'urban planning' show a good command of topic-specific language. Less common lexical items are used with some awareness of style and collocation, as seen in phrases like 'considerable pressure' and 'detrimental impact'. There are occasional slight awkwardness in phrasing, but word choices generally convey precise meanings without impeding communication. Spelling and word formation are accurate throughout the essay. The lexical control matches the requirements for Band 7, as the vocabulary is varied enough to allow flexibility and precision while handling more sophisticated concepts.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 6.5

The writer demonstrates a good variety of complex structures alongside simple sentences, maintaining frequent error-free sentences. Examples of complex structures include conditional clauses ('If governments were to encourage horizontal construction...') and relative clauses ('...parks and playgrounds, which are crucial for social interaction...'). Grammatical control is strong, with accurate punctuation and proper tense usage throughout. While minor slips or slightly repetitive structures can be spotted, the errors do not impede communication or cause strain for the reader. The control over grammar and sentence variety comfortably places this essay in the Band 7 category, reflecting a high level of accuracy alongside a good mix of complex grammatical forms.

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