Band 8.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 8.0 · Cambridge IELTS 15 · 2026-07-27

IELTS Writing Task 2 question

In some countries owning a home rather than renting one is very important for people. Why might this be the case? Do you think this is a positive or negative situation?

Student answer (Band 8.0)

In this concurrent world, residents of some countries prefer buying their own home rather than renting or getting temporary accommodation. There can be several reasons or emotions behind this. This attitude is influenced by cultural, economic, and social norms. Overall, I believe this is largely a positive development, while it may have some challenges.

One main reason why people prefer buying their own home is that it provides a sense of independence and permanence. Not only do they need to worry about paying high rents, but also there is no sense of belonging attached to temporary homes. People often buy their own house due to increasing rents in urban areas. For example, the old generation always prefer to buy their own accommodation so it can be passed on to their future generations. Consequently, it gives you security and no need to worry about sudden eviction or restrictions of the landlord.

I believe this situation is largely positive. Firstly, people are more committed to maintaining their own properties and neighbourhood, which contributes to a cleaner society and community. Secondly, homeowners can enjoy their independence and decorate their house according to their own preference. For instance, a young couple who purchase their own apartment can modify the interior, install solar panels, or create a home office without seeking permission from a landlord. Another main reason is it is better to pay loan instalments monthly than paying high rents each month. Moreover, in many societies, purchasing a house is viewed as a symbol of success and social status.

However, placing too much importance on home ownership can also have negative consequences. It is not flexible compared to renting, as shifting for another job opportunity can't be possible or can be challenging. In many cities, soaring price of property leads to substantial loans and financial stress.

In conclusion, although buying a home can be financially demanding, I believe its benefits, including long-term security, wealth creation, and personal freedom, outweigh the drawbacks.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 8.0

The response addresses all parts of the prompt: it explains why home ownership is important and provides a clear opinion on whether this is a positive or negative situation. The ideas are well-developed, particularly the distinction between emotional security and financial investment. The position is consistent throughout the essay. To reach a higher band, the student could further explore the 'negative' aspect in more depth, as the current discussion on the downsides is slightly brief compared to the advantages. However, the main requirements of the task are fully met with relevant and extended arguments.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 8.0

The essay is logically organized with a clear introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion. Each paragraph has a central theme, such as the reasons for ownership, the benefits, and the drawbacks. Cohesive devices like 'consequently', 'firstly', 'moreover', and 'however' are used effectively to guide the reader. The progression of ideas is smooth, and the paragraphing is appropriate. There is a minor issue with the opening phrase 'In this concurrent world', which is slightly unnatural, but this does not impede the overall flow or logical structure of the argument.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.5

The student demonstrates a sufficient range of vocabulary to discuss the topic with precision. Phrases like 'sense of permanence', 'sudden eviction', and 'financially demanding' show good control. There are some minor inaccuracies, such as 'concurrent world' (which is not a standard collocation for 'modern world') and 'shifting for another job' (where 'relocating' would be more precise). However, the vocabulary is generally appropriate for the task and allows for clear communication of complex ideas regarding social status and financial commitment.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.5

The essay uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures effectively. There is good control over grammar, with only occasional errors. For example, 'Not only do they need to worry... but also there is no sense of belonging' is a slightly awkward construction; a better version would be 'Not only do they have to worry about high rents, but they also lack a sense of belonging.' Additionally, 'soaring price of property' should be 'soaring prices of property'. Despite these minor slips, the majority of sentences are error-free, and the punctuation is generally accurate.

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