Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.5 · Cambridge IELTS 15 · 2026-09-12

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 various nations, homeownership is often seen as more desirable than renting. This preference stems from the sense of security and financial stability that owning a home offers, which renting may not provide. In this essay, I will explore why people in some countries prioritize owning a home and evaluate whether this trend has positive or negative implications.

One primary reason why people favor homeownership is the belief that owning a property symbolizes stability and success. In many societies, owning a home is not just a financial asset but a sign of achieving a life milestone. For instance, individuals may associate homeownership with long-term security, as it eliminates the uncertainty of rent hikes or eviction. Furthermore, many people view buying a home as an investment that appreciates in value over time, providing a future financial safety net. In contrast, renting is often seen as "temporary" and not contributing to long-term wealth accumulation.

However, this emphasis on homeownership can have some negative effects on individuals and the economy. When people place such a high value on buying property, it can lead to housing market bubbles, where prices inflate to unsustainable levels. Additionally, those who feel pressured to own a home may take on excessive debt, leading to financial strain. This can also discourage mobility, as homeowners are less likely to move for job opportunities compared to renters.

In conclusion, while owning a home may provide people with a sense of security and financial investment, it also comes with certain risks. Although the desire to own property can be a positive goal, it is essential for individuals and governments to balance this aspiration with the potential downsides, such as debt and inflated housing markets.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.0

The response fully addresses all parts of the task by explaining why homeownership is prioritized and evaluating whether this is a positive or negative situation. The position is clear throughout the essay. In the second paragraph, the writer explains the cultural and financial drivers of homeownership, such as "stability and success" and "long-term security." The third paragraph explores the negative implications, including "housing market bubbles" and excessive debt. The ideas are well-developed and supported with relevant reasoning, aligning well with the Band 7 and Band 8 criteria. Because all parts of the prompt are addressed with clear extension and a well-maintained position, a strong score of 7.5 is awarded.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5

The essay demonstrates clear logical organisation and progression throughout. Each paragraph has a distinct focus, moving smoothly from the introduction to reasons for homeownership, negative effects, and a balanced conclusion. Cohesive devices such as "Furthermore," "In contrast," and "Additionally" are used effectively to guide the reader through the argument. Paragraphing is used sufficiently and appropriately, with each new idea introduced in a separate paragraph. Referencing is clear and unambiguous. While the cohesion is generally smooth and functional, it occasionally relies on standard transition markers rather than more sophisticated or subtle cohesive techniques, making Band 7 the most fitting descriptor.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.5

The student uses a sufficient range of vocabulary with some flexibility and precision, demonstrating an ability to discuss abstract socio-economic concepts. Less common items such as "homeownership," "financial safety net," "wealth accumulation," and "housing market bubbles" are used appropriately. Collocations and word choices are generally accurate, as seen in phrases like "eliminate the uncertainty" and "take on excessive debt." There are occasional minor limitations in lexical range, but no spelling or word-choice errors impede communication. The vocabulary easily satisfies the requirements for Band 7, showing an awareness of style suitable for an academic task.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.5

The writer employs a good variety of complex sentence structures with frequent error-free sentences. Examples include concessive clauses ("while owning a home may provide...") and relative clauses ("which owning a home offers, which renting may not provide"). Control of grammar and punctuation is good throughout the essay, though minor awkwardness can occasionally be noted in sentence phrasing. Errors are very rare and do not impede communication in any way. The grammatical control matches the Band 7 descriptor, featuring a reliable mix of complex structures and a high proportion of error-free sentences.

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