Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.5 · Cambridge IELTS 15 · 2026-08-21

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 6.5)

In many countries, people consider owning a home rather than living in a rented one. This preference can be explained by financial and social factors In my view, buying a house is a positive development, as it gives a personal and own space. Moreover, this can be an investment for one.

One important reason is that some people think that this provides them a sense of financial security. Property is generally considered as a long term investment. Home ownership can also provide a stability and flexibility because people are not under the pressure of landlords. Moreover, this also frees them from paying monthly rents.

Another significant reason is the cultural importance attached to owning property. In some societies, having a house is viewed as a symbol of financial success, independence and adulthood. People may also want to create a permanent environment for their families, particularly when they have children. Moreover, a property can be passed down to future generations, allowing parents to provide their children with a valuable financial asset.

I believe that this is a completely positive development. Apart from providing financial stability, owning a home can give people a strong sense of belonging and encourage them to invest more in their neighbourhoods. However, the pressure to purchase a property can have negative consequences. House prices can be extremely high, forcing people to take large mortgages that may cause financial stress for many years. Therefore, home ownership should be a personal choice rather than a social expectation.

In conclusion, the desire to own a home is mainly driven by financial security, independence and cultural values. Despite the considerable costs involved, I believe that home ownership is generally beneficial when people can afford it without placing themselves under excessive financial pressur

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.5

The response addresses all parts of the prompt, identifying reasons for home ownership (financial security, cultural importance) and providing a clear opinion on whether it is a positive or negative development. The ideas are relevant and generally well-supported. However, the development of the 'negative' aspect in the fourth paragraph is somewhat brief compared to the positive arguments. To reach a higher band, you could further elaborate on the societal implications of high property prices or the impact on social mobility. Overall, the position is consistent and the main points are clearly articulated throughout the essay.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5

The essay is logically organized with a clear introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion. Each paragraph has a central topic, such as financial security or cultural values. Cohesive devices like 'Moreover', 'Another significant reason', and 'In conclusion' are used effectively to guide the reader. However, there are minor issues with referencing and flow; for instance, the transition between the benefits and the drawbacks in the fourth paragraph could be smoother. The paragraphing is appropriate, and the progression of ideas is generally easy to follow, meeting the requirements for a solid band 7.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

You demonstrate a sufficient range of vocabulary to discuss the topic with some precision. Phrases like 'long term investment', 'financial security', and 'valuable financial asset' are used correctly. There are some minor inaccuracies, such as 'personal and own space' (which is slightly redundant) and 'financial pressur' (incomplete word). While you use some less common items, the range is not yet wide enough to consistently demonstrate the flexibility required for a higher band. Focusing on more sophisticated collocations and ensuring word forms are accurate will help improve this score.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.0

The essay uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. Most sentences are clear, and communication is not impeded by the occasional errors present. You show good control over basic grammar, but there are some slips, such as 'provides them a sense' (should be 'provides them with a sense') and 'a stability' (unnecessary article). While you attempt complex structures, the variety is somewhat limited. To improve, try to incorporate a wider range of subordinate clauses and ensure that articles and prepositions are used with greater consistency.

See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.

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