Band 4.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 4.0 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-10-29

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)

It is often argued that is the best way possible to provide houses in big cities is te build tall apartement blocks. Others , however, believe that the best way is to provide more spaces in the city. This essay will discuss both perspectives before pressenting my own opinion.

On the one hand , there are compelling reasons why some peopel advocate for building tall apartement

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 3.0

The response identifies the topic and signals an intention to discuss both perspectives, ending the introduction with “This essay will discuss both perspectives before presenting my own opinion.” However, the answer stops after beginning the first supporting paragraph, so it does not explain either position, give reasons or examples, or state a clear view on whether tall apartment blocks are the best solution. The task is therefore addressed only minimally. The response also falls 184 words short of the required minimum, leaving too little development to fulfil the prompt. To improve, complete the discussion, make your degree of agreement explicit, and support each main point with a relevant explanation or example.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 4.5

There is a basic attempt to organise the response: an introductory paragraph introduces two perspectives, and “On the one hand” signals the start of a body paragraph. This gives the reader some indication of the intended direction. However, the response ends mid-phrase at “building tall apartment”, so there is no completed paragraph, progression of supporting ideas, or conclusion. The contrast introduced by “Others, however” is not developed, and the promised discussion of both perspectives is not delivered. To strengthen coherence, use complete paragraphs with one clear purpose each, develop ideas in a logical sequence, and include a conclusion that restates your position. Cohesive phrases should connect fully expressed ideas rather than introduce sections that remain unfinished.

Lexical Resource: Band 4.5

The response uses some relevant topic vocabulary, including “provide houses,” “big cities,” “tall apartment blocks,” and “more spaces in the city,” so the general subject is recognisable. However, the range is very limited because the response is brief and does not develop the topic. Several spelling errors—“te,” “apartement,” “peopel,” and “pressenting”—make the writing look insufficiently controlled. Some phrasing is also imprecise: “more spaces in the city” does not clearly explain what kind of space or housing is meant. Build a more accurate topic vocabulary, such as “high-rise residential buildings,” “urban land,” and “housing supply,” and check spelling carefully before submitting.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 4.5

The response attempts a complex introductory structure, particularly in “It is often argued that…” and “This essay will discuss both perspectives before…”. These show an effort to use more than simple sentences. However, the opening clause is incomplete in meaning: “It is often argued that is the best way possible…” needs a subject after “that,” such as “building tall apartment blocks is…”. The second sentence also has an awkward construction in “the best way is to provide more spaces,” and the response ends with an unfinished sentence. Because there is so little writing, there is limited evidence of accurate control or a wider range of structures. Practise complete clauses and check that each sentence expresses a finished idea.

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