Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.5 · Cambridge IELTS 15 · 2026-08-19

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, people place great importance on owning a home rather than renting one. This preference is driven by a combination of financial, cultural, and psychological factors, and while it has certain benefits, it can also create some long-term problems in society.

One major reason is financial security. A house is often seen as a valuable asset that increases in worth over time, whereas rent is viewed as money spent without return. In economies where property prices rise steadily, owning a home is considered a form of forced savings and a reliable investment for retirement. In addition, cultural expectations play a role. In many societies, including parts of Asia and the Middle East, home ownership is associated with stability, adulthood, and social success. Renting, on the other hand, may be viewed as temporary or even a sign of financial weakness.

Psychologically, owning a home also provides a sense of control and permanence. People feel more settled when they have their own property, as it reduces uncertainty about landlords or rent increases. This stability is especially important for families who want to create a long-term living environment.

In my view, this trend has both positive and negative consequences. On the positive side, it encourages saving and long-term financial planning. However, it can also create pressure on young people to buy property early, sometimes leading them to take large mortgages or financial risks. Moreover, in cities where housing demand is high, this mindset can drive prices up further and make housing less affordable for those who cannot buy.

Taking everything into account, the importance placed on home ownership is mainly linked to financial security, cultural values, and stability. While it has clear advantages, it can also contribute to financial stress and housing inequality if it becomes an excessive social expectation.

Band Scores

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.5

The response fully addresses all parts of the prompt. You have clearly identified the reasons for the importance of home ownership (financial security, cultural expectations, and psychological stability) and provided a balanced view on whether this is a positive or negative situation. The ideas are well-developed and supported with logical explanations, such as the link between home ownership and forced savings, as well as the potential for housing inequality. The position is clear and maintained throughout the essay. To reach a higher band, you could further elaborate on the 'negative' aspect by providing a more specific real-world example of how this social pressure impacts younger generations.

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 'In addition,' 'On the other hand,' and 'Taking everything into account.' The paragraphing is appropriate, with each section serving a distinct purpose. The flow of information is natural, and referencing is clear throughout the text, making the argument easy to follow.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.0

You demonstrate a sufficient range of vocabulary to discuss the topic with precision. Phrases like 'forced savings,' 'long-term living environment,' and 'housing inequality' are used accurately and appropriately. There is an awareness of collocation and style, which allows for a natural tone. While the vocabulary is effective and fits the context well, incorporating a few more sophisticated or less common lexical items related to economic or sociological discourse could elevate the response further. There are no spelling or word-choice errors that impede communication.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.5

The essay displays a good variety of complex structures, such as conditional clauses and subordinate clauses (e.g., 'In economies where property prices rise steadily, owning a home is considered...'). The majority of sentences are error-free, and your control over punctuation and grammar is strong. The use of modal verbs and passive voice is accurate and contributes to the formal tone required for an academic task. The writing is fluent, and there are no significant grammatical slips that distract the reader or cause confusion.

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