Band 7.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.0 · Cambridge IELTS 15 · 2026-09-23

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 some countries, owning a home is considered much more important than renting one. This preference can be attributed to financial security, social expectations and the desire for greater stability. In my view, although home ownership can provide several important benefits, placing excessive importance on it can also create financial and social pressures.

There are several reasons why people may prefer to own their homes. First, purchasing a property is often regarded as a long-term investment. Instead of paying rent to a landlord without acquiring an asset, homeowners gradually build wealth as the value of their property may increase over time. Second, owning a house provides a greater sense of security and stability, particularly for families with children. Homeowners do not have to worry about landlords increasing rent or terminating a tenancy unexpectedly. In addition, cultural expectations can influence this preference. In some societies, owning a house is associated with financial success, adulthood and social status, encouraging people to purchase property even when renting might be more practical.

This situation can be positive in several respects. Home ownership can give people financial stability and a sense of belonging to their community. It may also encourage individuals to maintain and improve their properties because they have a long-term interest in them. However, excessive pressure to own a home can have negative consequences. In countries where property prices are high, people may take on substantial mortgages and spend many years repaying their debts. This can restrict their ability to spend money on education, travel or other necessities. Furthermore, young people may feel socially pressured to buy a house before they are financially ready, which can cause considerable financial stress.

In conclusion, people may prefer home ownership because it offers financial security, stability and social recognition. While owning a home can be beneficial, I believe that treating it as an essential measure of success can create unnecessary financial pressure. Therefore, both owning and renting should be viewed as reasonable choices depending on an individual's circumstances.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 7.0

The candidate has fully addressed all parts of the prompt by explaining why home ownership is important in some countries and presenting a clear opinion on whether this is a positive or negative situation. The introduction outlines the main points, which are then extended and supported in the body paragraphs. For example, the reasons for owning a home—such as financial investment, psychological security, and cultural expectations—are well-developed and illustrated clearly. The response also weighs the positive aspects against the negative consequences, such as heavy debt burdens and social pressure. The position is maintained consistently throughout the essay, demonstrating a strong grasp of the task requirements and earning a well-deserved band 7.5.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 7.0

The essay displays clear logical organisation and progression throughout. Each paragraph has a distinct central topic, starting with clear introductory signposts like 'First' and 'Second', and moving seamlessly into the evaluation of the situation in the third paragraph. Cohesive devices such as 'Instead of', 'In addition', and 'Furthermore' are used flexibly and appropriately to guide the reader through the argument. Paragraphing is managed skilfully, ensuring a coherent overall structure. The referencing of ideas is precise, meaning the flow of thought is never disrupted. The performance aligns strongly with the band 7.5 descriptors for this criterion.

Lexical Resource: Band 6.5

The vocabulary used is sufficient to allow flexibility and precision in discussing the topic. The candidate successfully employs less common lexical items and collocations with a good awareness of academic style, such as 'long-term investment', 'acquiring an asset', 'unexpected tenancy', and 'substantial mortgages'. There are only occasional minor inaccuracies or less idiomatic choices, but communication is never impeded. Spelling and word formation are accurate throughout the response. The range of vocabulary easily satisfies the requirements for a band 7.0.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 7.0

The essay demonstrates a good variety of complex structures alongside simple sentences, showing effective control of grammar and punctuation. Examples of complex phrasing include concessive clauses such as 'although home ownership can provide several important benefits' and conditional or relative structures like 'In countries where property prices are high...'. The majority of sentences are error-free, and punctuation is handled securely throughout. While there are a few minor structural limitations preventing a higher band, the grammar is polished enough to comfortably secure a band 7.5.

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