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, owning a home is considered a major life goal, while renting is often seen as a temporary arrangement. This preference is influenced by several social and economic factors. Overall, I believe this is a largely positive trend, although it can also create certain challenges.

One of the main reasons people value home ownership is the sense of security and stability it provides. Unlike tenants, homeowners do not have to worry about sudden rent increases or being asked to leave the property by a landlord. This is especially important for families with children, who prefer a stable environment where they can build long-term relationships within their community. In addition, owning a home is often regarded as a symbol of financial success and social status in many cultures. As a result, people may feel proud of achieving this milestone.

Another important reason is the financial benefits associated with property ownership. Real estate often increases in value over time, making it a valuable long-term investment. Instead of paying rent each month without gaining ownership, homeowners gradually build equity in their property. This asset can provide financial security in retirement or be passed on to future generations.

In my opinion, the importance placed on home ownership is generally positive because it encourages people to save money, plan for the future, and invest responsibly. Homeowners are also more likely to maintain their properties and contribute to the development of their local communities. However, excessive pressure to buy a house can have negative consequences. Some people take on large mortgages that are difficult to repay, leading to financial stress. In areas where property prices are extremely high, the desire to own a home may also reduce people's flexibility to move for better education or job opportunities.

In conclusion, people often prefer owning a home because it offers security, social recognition, and financial advantages. Although this mindset can sometimes lead to economic pressure, I believe its benefits outweigh the drawbacks, making it a positive situation overall.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.5

The response fully addresses all parts of the prompt. You clearly explain why home ownership is important, citing security, social status, and financial investment. You also provide a balanced view on whether this is positive or negative, acknowledging both the benefits of stability and the potential downsides like financial stress and reduced mobility. The position is consistent throughout the essay. The ideas are well-developed and supported with relevant examples, such as the mention of families with children and the concept of building equity. The structure is logical, and the conclusion effectively synthesizes the main points discussed in the body paragraphs.

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 paragraphs is smooth. You use a variety of cohesive devices effectively, such as 'In addition', 'As a result', 'Instead of', and 'However', which help guide the reader through your arguments. Referencing is clear, and the paragraphing is appropriate for the task. The flow of information is natural, and the relationship between the reasons for home ownership and the evaluation of its impact is well-managed, contributing to a coherent and easy-to-follow argument.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.0

You demonstrate a good range of vocabulary that is appropriate for an academic context. Phrases like 'temporary arrangement', 'financial success', 'build equity', and 'economic pressure' show a solid command of topic-specific language. The word choice is generally precise and natural. While the vocabulary is effective and conveys your meaning clearly, it stays within a standard range. To reach a higher band, you could incorporate more sophisticated or idiomatic collocations to demonstrate a wider, more flexible range of lexical items, though your current usage is accurate and error-free.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.5

The essay displays a good variety of complex sentence structures, such as the use of conditional and participial phrases (e.g., 'Instead of paying rent each month without gaining ownership, homeowners gradually build equity...'). The majority of your sentences are error-free, and your control over punctuation and tense usage is strong. There are no significant grammatical errors that impede communication. The writing is fluent and demonstrates a high level of accuracy, which is consistent throughout the response. You have successfully balanced simple and complex structures to maintain a professional tone.

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.