Band 7.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.0 · Cambridge IELTS 15 · 2026-08-30

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 7.0)

In many countries, owning a home is considered more desirable than renting one. This is often because people view property ownership as a sign of financial stability and a long-term investment. In my opinion, although this preference can create financial pressure, it is generally a positive development.

There are several reasons why people place such importance on owning a home. First, owning property provides a sense of security and stability. Homeowners do not have to worry about landlords increasing rent or asking them to leave, which allows families to establish long-term roots in a community. Second, a house is often regarded as a valuable financial asset. Unlike rent, which provides no ownership, mortgage payments gradually increase a person's share of a property, which may appreciate in value over time. In addition, many people consider a home an important asset to pass on to their children.

I believe that this situation is largely positive. Home ownership can encourage people to manage their finances responsibly and plan for the future. It can also give families greater freedom to renovate or modify their homes according to their preferences. Furthermore, owning a property can provide financial protection in later life, particularly when the mortgage has been fully paid.

However, excessive pressure to buy a home can have negative consequences. Some people may take on large mortgages that they struggle to repay, reducing the money available for education, travel or other essential expenses. Nevertheless, this problem can be avoided through sensible financial planning.

In conclusion, people prefer owning homes because it offers security, independence and potential financial benefits. Despite the financial burden it can sometimes create, I believe that home ownership is generally a positive situation when people make affordable and well-planned decisions.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.5

The response fully addresses all parts of the prompt. You clearly identify reasons for the importance of home ownership, such as security and financial investment, and provide a balanced view on whether this is positive or negative. Your position is consistent throughout the essay. The ideas are well-developed, particularly the distinction between the psychological benefits of stability and the financial implications of mortgages. To reach a higher band, you could further extend the discussion on the 'negative' aspect by providing a more concrete example of how the 'excessive pressure' manifests in society, rather than just stating it as a potential risk. Overall, the task response is focused and well-structured.

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 'First', 'Second', 'In addition', and 'Furthermore', which guide the reader through your arguments without being overly mechanical. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate the different stages of your argument. The referencing is clear, and the flow of information is natural throughout the text.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.5

You demonstrate a good range of vocabulary appropriate for an academic task. Phrases like 'financial stability', 'appreciate in value', and 'essential expenses' show a solid command of topic-specific language. You use less common items with some awareness of style, such as 'establish long-term roots' and 'financial burden'. While the vocabulary is accurate and sufficient, it lacks the 'sophisticated' or 'skilful' use of idiomatic or highly precise collocations that would characterize a band 8 or 9. However, there are no errors in word choice that impede communication, and the range is more than adequate for the task.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.0

The essay displays a good mix of simple and complex sentence structures. You use complex sentences effectively, such as 'Unlike rent, which provides no ownership, mortgage payments gradually increase a person's share of a property'. The grammar is generally accurate, with very few errors. Punctuation is handled well, and the sentence construction is varied. While the control is strong, the range of structures is not quite as wide or flexible as that required for a band 8 or 9, as the sentence patterns remain relatively standard. Nevertheless, the majority of your sentences are error-free, and your writing is clear and professional.

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

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