Band 7.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.0 · Cambridge IELTS 15 · 2026-09-19

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 7.0)

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 6.5

The student fully addresses all parts of the task by explaining why homeownership is prioritized and discussing whether this situation is positive or negative. The position is clear throughout the response. Ideas are well developed and supported, such as mentioning the desire for long-term security, the avoidance of rent hikes, and the economic risks like housing market bubbles and excessive debt. The response meets all the requirements of Band 7, as it covers all parts of the prompt with a clear position and well-extended ideas.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5

The essay displays a clear logical organisation and progression throughout. Each paragraph has a distinct focus, beginning with an introduction, moving to the reasons for homeownership, then exploring the negative effects, and concluding effectively. Cohesive devices are used appropriately, such as 'In this essay', 'One primary reason', 'Furthermore', and 'However'. Paragraphing is used sufficiently and appropriately, demonstrating clear transitions between ideas and contributing to the overall coherence of the text.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.0

The student uses a sufficient range of vocabulary with some flexibility and precision, suitable for an academic task. Phrases like 'financial stability', 'long-term wealth accumulation', 'housing market bubbles', and 'financial safety net' demonstrate an ability to use less common lexical items with an awareness of collocation and style. There are no noticeable spelling or word-choice errors that impede communication, placing the response comfortably within the Band 7 criteria.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.0

The response exhibits a good variety of complex structures, such as relative clauses ('that owning a home offers') and conditional or participial structures ('When people place such a high value...'). There are frequent error-free sentences, and the overall control of grammar and punctuation is strong. The few errors are minimal, and the grammar never impedes understanding. This performance aligns well with the descriptors for Band 7.

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