Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.5 · Cambridge IELTS 15 · 2026-09-28

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 7.5)

In many countries, owning a home is regarded as a life goal, while renting is seen as a temporary arrangement. This preference can be explained by cultural factors. Overall, I believe that a strong desire for home ownership is largely positive, provided that people do not take on unaffordable debt.

One reason people prioritise owning property is financial security. Unlike rent, mortgage payments contribute towards an asset that may appreciate over time. Once a mortgage has been repaid, homeowners can live without monthly housing costs and may leave the property to their children. Home ownership can therefore be viewed as a long-term investment and protection against rising rents. In addition, owning a home gives people greater control over their living environment, since they can renovate or modify the property without seeking a landlord’s permission.

Cultural expectations are another important factor. In some societies, owning a house is associated with adulthood, stability, and social success. Parents may encourage their children to purchase property before marriage or starting a family. This can create a sense of security and belonging, particularly in cultures where families remain connected. However, excessive pressure to buy a home can encourage people to borrow beyond their means, causing financial difficulties when interest rates or living costs rise.

In my view, the emphasis on home ownership is generally beneficial because it can promote financial stability, independence, and long-term wealth. Nevertheless, it should remain a personal choice rather than a social obligation. Governments should ensure that affordable rental housing is widely available so that people who cannot or do not wish to buy a property can enjoy truly secure accommodation.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 7.0

The response fully addresses all parts of the prompt by explaining why home ownership is important (financial security and cultural factors) and clearly discussing whether this is a positive or negative situation. The writer presents a well-developed position throughout the essay. Ideas are extended and supported with relevant examples, such as mortgage payments contributing towards an asset and the psychological benefits of stability. The conclusion effectively summarises the viewpoint without contradicting the arguments presented. The response meets all the requirements of a Band 7 or Band 8 level for Task Achievement by covering all aspects well and providing a clear, logical progression of ideas.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 7.5

The essay demonstrates a clear logical organisation and progression throughout. Each paragraph has a distinct central topic, starting with an introduction that outlines the scope, followed by body paragraphs focusing on financial security and cultural expectations respectively, and finishing with a balanced conclusion. Cohesive devices are used effectively and without noticeable mechanical strain, as seen in transition phrases like 'Unlike rent', 'In addition', and 'However'. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate distinct ideas, making the essay very easy to follow and navigate from one point to the next.

Lexical Resource: Band 7.0

The student uses a sufficient and flexible range of vocabulary suited to an academic discussion on housing and societal values. Less common lexical items are employed with good awareness of style and collocation, such as 'financial security', 'long-term investment', 'cultural expectations', and 'unaffordable debt'. Word choice is generally precise and natural, for instance, 'renovate or modify the property' and 'borrow beyond their means'. Spelling and word formation are entirely accurate throughout the text, reflecting a strong control of upper-intermediate to advanced vocabulary.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 7.5

The essay exhibits a wide range of grammatical structures, successfully incorporating both simple and complex sentence forms. The writer demonstrates good control over complex clauses, as shown in conditional structures ('provided that people do not take on') and relative clauses ('where families remain connected'). The majority of sentences are error-free, and punctuation is handled competently. Grammatical control remains high throughout, allowing the reader to comprehend complex arguments effortlessly without any noticeable interference from mechanical errors.

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