Band 4.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 4.0 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-10-16
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 4.0)
In today's world, the human population grows rapidly. Many people try to live in large cities. This can create a shortage of homes. It is argued that the most efficient way to provide homes in large cities is to build apartment blocks. I strongly agree with that point as it has several best impacts but there might be some problems.
Building apartment blocks is the best idea for enough homes because it can save huge place.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 3.0 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 4.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 4.5 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 4.5 |
| Overall | 4.0 |
Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 3.0
You introduce the topic of housing shortages and state a clear position: “I strongly agree.” You also begin to give a reason, saying apartment blocks “can save huge place.” However, the response does not develop this point or provide the reasons, examples, or discussion needed to answer the task fully. The brief mention that “there might be some problems” is not explained, so it is unclear whether you recognise any limits to your position. The required minimum length is not met: the response is 174 words short. To improve, explain how high-rise housing accommodates more residents on limited land, support this with a relevant example, and address a possible drawback before concluding.
Coherence and Cohesion: Band 4.5
The response has a basic, understandable sequence: it introduces population growth, links this to housing shortages, and then states your view. The phrase “This can create a shortage of homes” helps connect the opening ideas, and “because” introduces a reason. However, the response ends before a clear progression of supporting points can develop. There is no paragraphing to distinguish an introduction from body arguments, and “but there might be some problems” signals a contrast without explaining it. Organise the essay into an introduction, separate body paragraphs for your main reasons and any counterpoint, and a conclusion. Use linking expressions to show how each idea relates to the previous one.
Lexical Resource: Band 4.5
You use relevant topic vocabulary such as “population,” “shortage of homes,” “large cities,” and “apartment blocks,” so the central subject is clear. There is also some variation in phrasing, including “provide homes” and “build apartment blocks.” However, the range is narrow because the response is very brief, and a few expressions are imprecise or unnatural. “Save huge place” does not express the intended idea naturally; “use land efficiently” would be clearer. Similarly, “several best impacts” is an awkward phrase and does not identify the benefits. Build a wider set of housing-related terms, such as “high-density housing,” “limited urban land,” and “accommodate residents,” and use them in developed explanations.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 4.5
Your sentences are generally understandable, and you use both simple statements and a longer sentence with a reason and contrast: “I strongly agree with that point as it has several best impacts but there might be some problems.” The opening also uses the present simple appropriately to describe a general situation. However, the range remains limited, with most sentences following straightforward patterns, and the longer sentence is difficult to control because several ideas are joined without clear punctuation. For example, a comma before “but” would help separate the contrasting clauses. Practise building accurate complex sentences with clauses expressing cause, contrast, and examples, while checking punctuation and sentence boundaries.
See this exact question answered at other band scores. The same prompt compared across bands.
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