Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 7.5 · Cambridge IELTS 15 · 2026-08-08
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 7.5)
In many countries, owning a home is considered much more important than renting one. This preference is influenced by cultural, financial, and social factors. In my opinion, this is generally a positive trend, although it can create certain challenges.
One of the main reasons people prefer home ownership is financial security. Purchasing a house is often viewed as a long-term investment because property values usually increase over time. Unlike rent, which is a continuous expense without ownership, mortgage payments eventually lead to full ownership of the property. In addition, many societies associate owning a house with stability, success, and higher social status. For families, having a permanent home also provides a sense of security and allows children to grow up in a stable environment.
I believe this situation is positive for several reasons. Firstly, homeowners are more likely to invest in maintaining and improving their properties, which enhances the appearance and value of neighborhoods. Secondly, owning a home offers financial protection in the long run, especially after retirement, as people no longer need to worry about paying rent. Furthermore, property ownership can serve as a valuable asset that can be passed on to future generations, helping to build family wealth.
However, there are also some drawbacks. Buying a house often requires a significant financial commitment, and many people take on large mortgages that can cause stress for decades. In addition, homeowners may find it more difficult to relocate for better career opportunities compared with renters, reducing their flexibility in a competitive job market.
In conclusion, although home ownership may involve financial pressure and reduced mobility, I believe its long-term advantages, including financial security, stability, and wealth creation, outweigh the disadvantages. Therefore, considering owning a home to be more important than renting is largely a positive development.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 7.5 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 7.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 7.0 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 7.5 |
| Overall | 7.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.5
The response fully addresses all parts of the prompt. You clearly identify the reasons for the importance of home ownership (financial security, status, stability) and provide a balanced view on whether it is a positive or negative situation. Your position is consistent throughout the essay. The ideas are well-developed, particularly in the third paragraph where you explain the benefits of property maintenance and wealth inheritance. The response is well-structured and directly answers both the 'why' and the 'positive/negative' aspects of the question, meeting the requirements for a high band score.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5
The essay demonstrates a clear logical progression. Each paragraph has a central theme, and the transition between the reasons for ownership and the evaluation of the situation is smooth. You use a variety of cohesive devices such as 'In addition', 'Firstly', 'Furthermore', and 'However' to link your ideas effectively. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate the introduction, the reasons, the evaluation, the drawbacks, and the conclusion. The flow of information is natural and easy to follow throughout the entire response.
Lexical Resource — Band 7.0
You demonstrate a good range of vocabulary appropriate for an academic task. Phrases like 'long-term investment', 'financial commitment', 'competitive job market', and 'wealth creation' show a solid command of topic-specific language. The word choice is generally precise and natural. While the vocabulary is effective and accurate, it could be slightly more sophisticated to reach the highest band, perhaps by incorporating more nuanced collocations or less common academic synonyms. Nevertheless, the range is sufficient to convey your ideas clearly and fluently.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.5
The essay displays a good variety of complex sentence structures, such as the use of conditional and concessive clauses (e.g., 'although it can create certain challenges', 'especially after retirement, as people no longer need to worry'). The majority of your sentences are error-free, and your control over punctuation and grammar is strong. There are no significant errors that impede communication. The structure is varied, moving between simple, compound, and complex sentences, which contributes to the overall readability and professional tone of the writing.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
Browse more IELTS Writing model answers or get your own writing scored by the same AI examiner.