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)

The increasing population of large cities has created a serious need for more housing. Some people believe that building tall apartment blocks is the best way to provide enough homes. I partly agree with this view because high-rise buildings can save space, but other housing solutions are also important.

Firstly, tall apartment buildings are an effective way to provide accommodation for a large number of people. In big cities, land is usually limited and expensive. Therefore, building upwards allows more families to live in the same area without using a large amount of land. Moreover, apartments can be constructed near city centres, where people can easily access offices, schools, hospitals and public transport. For example, many large cities such as London have developed high-rise residential buildings because of the shortage of available land.

However, I do not believe that tall buildings are always the best solution. A very large number of high-rise apartments can create overcrowding and put pressure on roads, public transport and other services. In addition, some people prefer houses with gardens and more private outdoor space, especially families with young children. Governments can also develop housing in suburban areas, where there is more available land. Building smaller houses and improving transport between suburbs and city centres can therefore be another useful solution.

In conclusion, I agree that tall apartment blocks can provide many homes while using limited land efficiently. Nevertheless, they should not be considered the only solution. A combination of high-rise apartments, suburban housing and better public transport would be a more practical way to meet the growing housing needs of large cities.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 6.5

The response fully addresses all parts of the task prompt by presenting a clear position throughout the essay. The student states an initial partial agreement, explaining why high-rise buildings are space-efficient and practical in densely populated cities, while also offering counter-arguments regarding overcrowding and alternative solutions like suburban housing. The ideas are well extended and supported with relevant examples, such as referencing London and mentioning the specific pressures on transport and public infrastructure. The main arguments are logical, cohesive, and directly tied to the question of whether tall apartment blocks are the best way to provide enough homes. The position is sustained effectively from the introductory paragraph through to the balanced conclusion, matching the requirements of a Band 7 performance.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 6.5

The essay demonstrates a clear logical organisation and progression throughout. Each paragraph has a distinct focus: the introduction outlines the writer's stance, the second paragraph details the advantages of high-rise living, the third explores the drawbacks and alternatives, and the conclusion summarises the balanced view. Cohesive devices are used effectively and flexibly, including transitional phrases like 'Firstly', 'Moreover', 'However', and 'In addition'. Paragraphing is used appropriately and supports the overall flow of ideas. While referencing is generally clear and straightforward, the cohesion remains slightly mechanical rather than entirely seamless, which places the response firmly within the Band 7 range.

Lexical Resource: Band 6.5

The student uses a sufficient range of vocabulary to allow for flexibility and precision when discussing urban housing challenges. Phrases such as 'increasing population', 'densely populated', 'limited and expensive land', and 'shortage of available land' demonstrate a good control of topic-specific leкса. The writer attempts some less common vocabulary items with general awareness of style and collocation, such as 'infrastructure' and 'overcrowding'. There are occasional slight generalities, but overall word choice is accurate and appropriate. Spelling and lexical errors are absent, meaning communication is never impeded. This steady lexical control and appropriate range align well with a Band 7 descriptor.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 6.5

The essay displays a good variety of complex sentence structures alongside simple forms. The writer successfully employs subordinate clauses, conditional elements ('especially families with young children'), and participial phrases. There are numerous error-free sentences throughout the text, demonstrating good control of grammar and punctuation. While the structural range is somewhat standard rather than exceptionally wide, the grammatical control is strong, with very few minor errors present. Sentences are structured clearly, allowing the reader to follow complex ideas without difficulty. This consistent balance of complexity and accuracy fully satisfies the criteria for a Band 7 score.

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