Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.5 · Cambridge IELTS 15 · 2026-08-16

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 some countries, owning a home is considered far more important than renting one. This preference can be attributed to several economic, social and cultural factors. In my view, although the strong emphasis on home ownership can create financial pressure, it is ultimately a positive development when people purchase property within their means.

One major reason why people place such importance on owning a home is the desire for financial security. Unlike rent, which is an ongoing expense with no direct ownership benefit, mortgage payments gradually build equity in a property. Furthermore, houses are generally regarded as long-term investments because their value can appreciate over time. Home ownership can therefore provide people with an asset that may support them financially in retirement or be passed on to their children. In addition, cultural expectations play a significant role. In many societies, owning a house is associated with stability, independence and social success, encouraging people to aspire to property ownership.

I believe this situation is predominantly positive because owning a home can provide both emotional and financial stability. Homeowners have greater freedom to renovate or modify their property without seeking permission from a landlord, and they are also protected from sudden rent increases or the possibility of being asked to leave. More importantly, a fully paid-off property can substantially reduce living expenses later in life. However, excessive pressure to buy a house can have negative consequences. Some individuals may take on unaffordable mortgages, sacrifice their quality of life or accumulate substantial debt simply to meet social expectations.

In conclusion, the preference for home ownership stems mainly from the pursuit of financial security, independence and social stability. Although purchasing property can become problematic when people overstretch themselves financially, I believe that, provided it is a realistic and carefully considered decision, home ownership is a largely positive trend that can strengthen both individual and family security.

AI examiner evaluation

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, cultural expectations) 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 the distinction between the benefits of equity and the potential pitfalls of over-leveraging. The argument is logical and supported by relevant examples, meeting the requirements for a high band score by providing a nuanced perspective that acknowledges both sides of the issue while maintaining a clear stance.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5

The essay is logically organized with a clear progression of ideas. 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 effectively, such as 'Furthermore', 'In addition', and 'However', which help guide the reader through your argument. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate the introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion. The flow of information is natural, and there is no evidence of mechanical or repetitive use of linking words, demonstrating a high level of control over the structure of the text.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.5

You demonstrate a wide and flexible range of vocabulary that is well-suited to the academic context. Phrases such as 'build equity', 'appreciate over time', and 'overstretch themselves financially' show a sophisticated command of language. The word choices are precise and contribute to the clarity of your arguments. There are no noticeable errors in collocation or spelling, and the vocabulary is used naturally throughout the response. You successfully incorporate less common lexical items to convey complex ideas, which is a hallmark of a high-scoring response in this criterion.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.5

The essay displays a wide range of grammatical structures with high accuracy. You effectively use complex sentences, such as 'Although the strong emphasis on home ownership can create financial pressure, it is ultimately a positive development...', and maintain control over punctuation and verb tenses. The majority of your sentences are error-free, and the few structures used are varied and sophisticated. There is no evidence of grammatical errors that impede communication, and your control over complex sentence forms is consistent throughout the piece, justifying a high score in this category.

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