Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.5 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-09-29

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)

Rapid urbanisation has placed immense pressure on housing in major metropolises worldwide, prompting debates over how to accommodate growing populations sustainably. While constructing high-rise residential towers is often regarded as an effective response to land scarcity, I only partially agree with this view. Although vertical housing provides essential density in urban centres, it cannot be considered the single best solution without complementary measures such as suburban expansion and infrastructural decentralisation.

On the one hand, high-rise apartment complexes are indispensable for addressing acute space constraints. The primary challenge in contemporary cities is the limited availability and exorbitant cost of land. By expanding upwards rather than outwards, high-rise buildings accommodate thousands of households on a relatively small surface footprint. For example, densely populated global financial hubs like Singapore and Hong Kong have successfully resolved severe land shortages through vertical housing schemes, preventing chaotic urban sprawl and preserving surrounding green zones. Furthermore, concentrated populations in high-rise clusters justify and support efficient public transit networks, reducing reliance on private vehicles and shortening commute times.

On the other hand, relying exclusively on tall apartment buildings is neither practically sufficient nor universally desirable. Constructing skyscrapers entails exceptionally high engineering costs, substantial maintenance expenses, and heavy strain on local utilities such as water, drainage, and power grids. If urban infrastructure fails to scale accordingly, high-density residential blocks quickly lead to severe traffic gridlock and deteriorated living conditions. Additionally, high-density vertical living does not suit every demographic, often offering limited living space for large families and fewer opportunities for community interaction compared to low-rise developments.

A more sustainable strategy involves combining moderate-density housing with suburban development connected by high-speed transport corridors. Investing in regional rail and satellite towns enables people to purchase affordable, spacious homes outside city centres while maintaining convenient access to metropolitan employment hubs.

In conclusion, constructing tall apartment blocks is a pragmatic method for maximizing land efficiency, but it should not be viewed as the sole or best solution. A balanced urban strategy that pairs selective vertical construction with satellite towns and robust transit infrastructure provides a far more viable long-term answer to metropolitan housing shortages.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 7.5

The response fully addresses all parts of the task by taking a well-supported, balanced position ("I only partially agree with this view"). The essay presents relevant, well-developed ideas on both sides of the argument, weighing the benefits of vertical housing against its drawbacks such as high costs and infrastructure strain. The writer skillfully introduces counterarguments and offers alternative solutions, such as suburban expansion and infrastructural decentralisation, before concluding effectively. The arguments are extended with clear examples, such as referencing Singapore and Hong Kong to illustrate the successful implementation of high-rise developments. The task response meets all criteria for a Band 8.0.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 7.5

The essay displays a clear logical organisation and progression throughout. Each paragraph has a distinct central topic, moving smoothly from a sophisticated introduction to well-structured body paragraphs, and concluding with a concise summary. Cohesive devices are managed very well and used naturally, as seen with transition markers like "On the one hand," "On the other hand," and "Furthermore." Paragraphing is used sufficiently and appropriately, guiding the reader effortlessly through the complex arguments presented. The flow of ideas meets the descriptors for Band 8.0.

Lexical Resource: Band 7.5

The writer demonstrates a wide, fluent, and flexible range of vocabulary appropriate for an academic context. Less common lexical items and collocations are used skillfully throughout the text, including phrases such as "rapid urbanisation," "acute space constraints," "exorbitant cost of land," and "traffic gridlock." Word choice is generally precise, with only occasional minor inaccuracies. The use of varied vocabulary contributes to a natural and sophisticated tone, aligning closely with the Band 8.0 descriptors.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 7.5

The essay contains a wide range of complex grammatical structures used with a high degree of flexibility and accuracy. The majority of sentences are error-free, featuring sophisticated syntactic constructions such as participial phrases ("By expanding upwards rather than outwards") and conditional or concessive clauses ("If urban infrastructure fails to scale accordingly..."). Control over grammar and punctuation is consistently strong throughout the 351-word response, with only very occasional, non-systematic slips. This performance comfortably satisfies the criteria for a Band 8.0.

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