Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.5 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-09-30

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)

In this contemporary era, rapid population growth and highly crowded cities cause residence shortages, and people should decide what type of residence would be more suitable to alleviate this problem. Some people believe that tall apartment blocks would be the best way to provide enough homes in large cities. Although tall apartments can cause inconvenience and concern, I agree that it will remain the best option for several reasons.

On the one hand, living in apartment offers a restricted space and inconvenience compared to single private houses. The conditions such as a connection between all apartments and an absence of private courtyards will result in less private and more noisy life. As a result, people who prefer solitude and peaceful environments can choose single private houses. Moreover, the higher the apartment, the more dangerous it is in the case of natural disasters and unexpected accidents. Tall blocks are often vulnerable and the chance of successfully evacuating is low compared to single private houses.

On the other hand, single houses are less environmentally friendly and less effective way to provide a home for all people. Building small private houses will cover more space which results in the reduced wildlife habitat, creating environmental problems. Large and crowded cities often lack a space for such houses and this option is often unavailable. In addition, as apartments are more affordable compared to single private houses, they will place less financial pressure on individuals to purchase a residence.

In my opinion, accurately planned and high quality tall apartment blocks could create convenient environment while providing all people with enough homes. Building a large amounts of single private houses will demand more resources and space, which is less adequate option.

In the nutshell, I agree that the best way to provide enough homes in large cities is to build tall apartment blocks, as preserving resources is essential and high quality apartments will create a convenient and safe environment.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 6.5

The student successfully addresses all parts of the task by presenting a clear position on whether tall apartment blocks are the best solution for urban housing shortages. The response outlines both sides of the debate—acknowledging the drawbacks such as noise, lack of privacy, and safety concerns during emergencies, while strongly arguing the benefits regarding environmental preservation and resource efficiency. The ideas are well extended and supported with relevant arguments, such as the spatial demands of single houses versus vertical living. While some points could be slightly more deeply developed, the overall task response easily satisfies the requirements for a Band 7.0.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 6.5

The essay displays a clear logical organization and progression throughout. The student uses standard cohesive devices and transition signals effectively, such as 'On the one hand', 'On the other hand', 'In my opinion', and 'In the nutshell'. Paragraphing is used logically to separate opposing viewpoints and the writer's personal stance. While referencing and paragraph transitions are generally clear, some cohesive phrases contain minor mechanical slips, such as 'In the nutshell' instead of 'In a nutshell', placing this performance solidly at Band 7.0 for Coherence and Cohesion.

Lexical Resource: Band 6.0

The student demonstrates a sufficient range of vocabulary to allow for flexibility and precision. Phrases such as 'contemporary era', 'residence shortages', 'natural disasters', 'vulnerable', and 'environmentally friendly' are used appropriately. There are successful attempts at less common lexical items, though occasional inaccuracies in word choice and collocation appear, such as writing 'living in apartment' instead of 'living in apartments', or 'a restricted space' rather than 'restricted space'. Spelling is generally accurate, and vocabulary errors do not impede communication, matching the Band 6.5 descriptor.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 6.0

The response features a good mix of simple and complex sentence structures, including conditional or concessive clauses like 'Although tall apartments can cause inconvenience and concern, I agree that it will remain the best option'. There are frequent error-free sentences, alongside some grammatical errors such as missing plural markers ('living in apartment', 'lack a space') and minor article inconsistencies ('a less effective way', 'a large amounts'). However, control of grammar and punctuation is generally sound, and these errors rarely impede communication, placing the grammar score at Band 6.5.

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