Band 8.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 8.0 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-10-01

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 8.0)

The rapid growth of urban populations has created a significant demand for housing in many large cities. Some people argue that the most effective solution is to construct high-rise apartment buildings. I partly agree with this view, because although vertical development can accommodate large numbers of people while conserving land, it should be combined with other forms of housing development.

On the one hand, building tall apartment blocks can be an efficient way of addressing housing shortages in densely populated cities. The main advantage is that a large number of homes can be provided on a relatively small area of land. This is particularly important in major urban centres, where land is expensive and available space is limited. For example, a single high-rise building occupying a small plot can provide accommodation for hundreds of families, whereas the same number of houses would require considerably more land. Furthermore, concentrating residents in high-rise developments can allow governments to provide infrastructure such as public transport, water supply and electricity more efficiently.

On the other hand, relying exclusively on tall buildings may create several problems. High-density residential areas can place considerable pressure on existing infrastructure and public services. Roads, schools, hospitals and public transport systems may become overcrowded if large numbers of people are concentrated in a limited area. In addition, some residents may prefer houses with private gardens and greater living space, particularly families with young children. Therefore, expanding suburban areas and constructing low-rise housing can also play an important role in meeting housing demand. A combination of apartment buildings, townhouses and suburban developments would provide people with a greater range of housing options.

In conclusion, high-rise apartment blocks are an important solution to housing shortages in large cities because they make efficient use of limited land. However, I do not believe they should be regarded as the single best solution. A balanced approach involving both high-density and lower-density housing would be more appropriate for meeting the diverse needs of growing urban populations.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 7.5

The response effectively addresses all parts of the prompt by exploring both the advantages of high-rise apartment blocks and the need for alternative housing forms. A clear position is maintained throughout, starting from the introduction and reinforced in the conclusion. The ideas are well extended and supported, such as when discussing how high-density living conserves land and aids infrastructure provision, whilst counter-balancing this with considerations of living space and pressure on public services. Although the ideas are thoroughly elaborated, achieving a higher band would require a more nuanced exploration of socio-economic factors or urban planning policies, avoiding any tendency to over-generalise typical urban dynamics.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 8.0

The text demonstrates a clear logical organisation and progression from the introduction through the body paragraphs to the conclusion. Ideas are logically sequenced, moving smoothly from the benefits of vertical development to the potential drawbacks and alternative solutions. Cohesive devices are used skilfully and naturally, such as 'On the one hand', 'On the other hand', and 'Furthermore', which guide the reader effortlessly through the argument. Paragraphing is used sufficiently and appropriately, with each paragraph focusing on a distinct central theme. To reach an even higher standard, referencing could be made even more seamless and unobtrusive.

Lexical Resource: Band 7.5

The vocabulary used is sufficiently wide to allow for flexibility and precision. The writer successfully incorporates less common lexical items and collocations with good awareness of academic style, such as 'rapid growth of urban populations', 'densely populated cities', and 'infrastructure'. Word choice is generally accurate, and spelling is correct throughout. Occasional slips in word choice prevent the response from achieving the highest band, but the range is more than adequate for the task. Further refinement in using sophisticated, less common phrasing would elevate the lexical score.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 8.0

The writing exhibits a wide range of complex sentence structures used with a high degree of accuracy. The majority of sentences are error-free, showcasing excellent control of subordination, relative clauses, and appropriate punctuation. Examples such as 'The main advantage is that a large number of homes can be provided on a relatively small area of land' demonstrate a strong command of grammar. While minor slips may occur very occasionally, they do not impede communication. To move towards absolute mastery, the writer could incorporate an even wider variety of sophisticated grammatical patterns with complete consistency.

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