Band 7.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.0 · Cambridge IELTS 15 · 2026-09-27

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 this contemporary society, owning a home has become increasingly important. Some people argue that owning a home provides a sense of independence, while critics say that renting is the most suitable option. This essay will discuss both views before explaining why I believe owning a property is the most reasonable option.

There are several reasons why people favour rental accommodation. Firstly, renting is really necessary in big cities as people need to move to large cities to get advanced education, quality healthcare systems, and better career opportunities. If everyone who moves to the city considers ownership, it would be very difficult for cities to accommodate such a great population due to insufficient land availability. In this case, rental apartments and homes are much more realistic options. Secondly, not everyone can afford to buy their homes due to financial instability. Owning a home requires a significant amount of money, and for disadvantaged people collecting a huge figure may take several years and sacrifices. In order to avoid these problems, individuals may find rental homes a more realistic approach.

On the other hand, in many countries people choose owning a home. Firstly, private homes can give them liberty and prevent them from stricter rules and regulations of rental accommodations. Individuals may get a sense of security and freedom in their own houses and can design them according to their taste and preferences. As a result, nobody can ask them to leave the home. Secondly, purchasing a home can help you save monthly income that would otherwise be given to the house owner. Although buying a home requires a one-time huge investment, it prevents you from giving part of your monthly income to rental expenses. As a result, individuals may use this money for other important needs including education and healthcare.

All things considered, although renting a home can provide you with a suitable and comfortable shelter, I believe owning a home is the most suitable approach due to the benefits of liberty and security. The advantages of purchasing a property outweigh its disadvantages.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 7.0

The student addresses all parts of the task by discussing why home ownership is important and exploring whether this is a positive or negative situation. A clear position is maintained throughout the essay. In the second paragraph, the writer discusses the reasons for renting, such as urban migration and financial constraints, before transitioning into the advantages of homeownership in the third paragraph. Ideas are generally well-extended, although the initial discussion of renting slightly diverges from the prompt's focus on why *owning* is important. However, the writer brings the focus back effectively in the conclusion and body paragraphs. Overall, the task is successfully fulfilled, earning a solid Band 7.0 for addressing all requirements with a clear position and supported ideas.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 7.0

The response demonstrates clear logical organisation and progression throughout. Each paragraph has a distinct focus, beginning with an introduction, followed by body paragraphs exploring renting versus owning, and ending with a concise conclusion. Cohesive devices are used reasonably well, such as 'Firstly', 'Secondly', 'On the other hand', and 'All things considered'. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate different arguments. However, some of the transitional phrases feel slightly mechanical, and referencing could occasionally be smoother. Despite these minor flaws, the overall structure allows the reader to follow the argument effortlessly, supporting a Band 7.0 score for coherence and cohesion.

Lexical Resource: Band 6.5

The student demonstrates an adequate to good range of vocabulary suitable for an academic essay. Phrases such as 'contemporary society', 'financial instability', 'insufficient land availability', and 'one-time huge investment' show a sufficient range for flexibility and precision. Less common lexical items are attempted with some awareness of style, though there are minor inaccuracies in word choice and collocation, such as 'collecting a huge figure' instead of 'accumulating a large sum'. Spelling and word choices are generally accurate and do not impede communication. This performance aligns well with the Band 6.5 or 7.0 descriptors, comfortably sitting at a Band 6.5 due to occasional slight unnaturalness in phrasing.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 7.0

The essay displays a good mix of simple and complex sentence forms. Examples of complex structures include conditional clauses ('If everyone who moves to the city considers ownership, it would be very difficult...') and concessive clauses ('Although buying a home requires a one-time huge investment, it prevents you...'). There are frequent error-free sentences, and good control of grammar and punctuation is maintained overall. While a few minor errors occur, such as 'people choose owning a home' instead of 'people choose to own a home', these errors do not impede communication and are typical of a competent writer using varied structures. Therefore, a Band 7.0 is well-deserved.

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