Band 7.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.0 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-10-02

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)

We no longer live in a time where a glance outside the window allowed our eyes to feast on beautiful landscapes that seemed to go on for eternity. Nowadays, if you open your window and look out, you would likely be met with a skyscraper that blocks your view. Even if you don't live in a vertical giant and remain closer to the ground in a house, you'd still more often than not be greeted by more houses. This might be a price we need to pay to be able to accomodate the consistently growing population of the 21st century.

Building tall apartment blocks might seem like the only solution left as the spaces around us constrict, but it is important to weigh other options. At a time when global warming is on the rise, standards of living continue to dip, and landscapes are obliterated just to make space for more buildings, it is worthy to ponder over alternative solutions.

For instance, governments could analyze occupancy in already existing homes and buildings. They should conduct surveys that allow them to identify homes that are far too large for the occupants living within them, which have only been built for luxury. They should also analyze the structure of current buildings and whether they violate building codes. If buildings are built too spaciously, more than necessary, they infringe upon space that could have been utilized for more homes. If already existing buildings have space that can be utilized, more skyscrapers don't need to be built.

Another solution, though experimental in nature, could be going underground. Technological advancements or research into solving the issues that prevent us from building homes underground can eventually allow us to use that space instead of cutting more trees or building higher buildings that obstruct natural views or create more pollution.

To sum it up, tall apartment blocks can be one solution to the lack of homes in large cities. However, it should not be the only solution, and it also shouldn't be the first route governments take to solving the housing crisis in metropols. Creative thinking and an innovative mindset could lead to a solution that addresses multiple issues.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 6.5

The response addresses all parts of the task by discussing the proposition of building tall apartment blocks and exploring alternative solutions, establishing a clear position that balances both views. Ideas are generally extended and supported, such as when suggesting occupancy analysis and underground building concepts. However, there is a tendency to wander slightly into generalisation rather than strictly focusing on the extent of agreement with the prompt. Some ideas, like the suggestion about building codes, are somewhat under-developed compared to the main line of argument. To reach a higher level, the writer would need to fully develop all supporting arguments with deeper analysis regarding whether vertical building is truly the single best approach for modern urban expansion.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 6.5

The essay displays a coherent overall arrangement with a clear logical progression throughout. The introduction successfully sets the context, body paragraphs logically explore different alternative solutions, and the conclusion succinctly restates the main stance. Paragraphing is used sufficiently and appropriately, with each paragraph focusing on a distinct idea. Cohesive devices are employed adequately, though referencing and transitions between certain sentences can occasionally feel slightly mechanical, such as the repetitive use of modal structures at the start of paragraphs. To achieve a higher standard, the writer could employ more sophisticated and seamless cohesive links to connect paragraphs and ideas more naturally.

Lexical Resource: Band 7.0

The student demonstrates an adequate to sufficient range of vocabulary for the task, successfully attempting less common items with general awareness of style and collocation, such as 'accommodate', 'obliterated', and 'experimental in nature'. There are occasional lexical slips, most notably the spelling error 'accomodate' in the first paragraph, and minor issues with word choice like referring to cities as 'metropols'. However, these errors do not impede communication. To move into a higher band, the writer needs to eliminate minor spelling inaccuracies and consistently integrate a wider variety of sophisticated, precise phrasing and uncommon lexical items with flawless collocation.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 7.0

The response exhibits a mix of simple and complex sentence forms, demonstrating the ability to handle structures such as conditional clauses and relative clauses effectively. There are some minor errors in grammar and punctuation, but they rarely impede communication. The writer maintains good control over most verb forms and tenses, although occasional awkward phrasings persist. To reach the next level and secure more frequent error-free sentences, the writer should refine complex sentence patterns to ensure greater precision and eliminate minor structural slips.

See this exact question answered at other band scores. The same prompt compared across bands.

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