Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.5 · Cambridge IELTS 15 · 2026-09-30

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 recent years,the desire to own residential property rather than live in rented accommodation has become increasingly prevalent across many parts of the world.

In my opinion, although this trend presents a few minor drawbacks, it is largely a positive development due to to the long-term financial security it offers and the sense of social stability it fosters.

On the one hand, critics argue that prioritizing home ownership over renting can lead to substantial financial pressure and reduced geographic flexibility

This is primarily because purchasing property usually requires significant long-term commitments, such as taking on high-interest mortgage debts and taking responsibility for maintenance costs.

For example, young professionals who take out heavy loans to buy property early in their careers may find themselves trapped in one location, making it difficult to relocate for better job opportunities. As a result, this obsession with buying property can restrict personal mobility and strain household budgets.

On the other hand, II firmly believe that this is a positive development because it offers significant benefits, most notably building personal wealth and security

When individuals invest in their own real estate, their monthly mortgage payments contribute to an appreciating physical asset rather than simply enriching a landlord. A clear illustration of this is seen in many developing nations, where family homes serve as the primary vehicle for generational wealth accumulation and financial insulation during economic crises. Furthermore, home ownership instills a deeper sense of community attachment and civic pride, which ultimately leads to safer, more cohesive neighborhoods where residents actively care for their environment.

In conclusion, while acquiring a property can impose financial strain and limit career-related mobility for some individuals, I would argue that it is fundamentally a positive development. Overall, the benefits in terms of long-term financial stability and community cohesion far outweigh any potential downsides.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 6.5

The response addresses all parts of the prompt effectively. You clearly explain why home ownership is important for people, citing financial security and social stability, and you give a clear opinion on whether this trend is positive or negative. Your position is maintained throughout the essay. Ideas are well developed and extended, particularly in the body paragraphs where you discuss both the drawbacks of home ownership, such as reduced geographic mobility and financial strain, and its benefits, such as building personal wealth and fostering community attachment. The arguments are supported with logical explanations and examples, aligning well with the Band 7 descriptors.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 6.5

The essay demonstrates a clear overall progression with a logical organization of ideas. Each paragraph has a clear central topic, starting with an introduction that presents your stance, followed by well-sequenced body paragraphs introduced by appropriate cohesive phrases such as 'On the one hand' and 'On the other hand'. Cohesive devices are used effectively to guide the reader through your arguments. Paragraphing is used sufficiently and appropriately. Minor mechanical errors, such as a missing full stop after 'flexibility', are present, but they do not disrupt the overall flow or logical progression of your ideas.

Lexical Resource: Band 6.5

You demonstrate a sufficient range of vocabulary with some flexibility and precision to discuss the topic. Phrases like 'residential property', 'generational wealth accumulation', and 'community attachment' show a good awareness of style and collocation. However, there are a few minor typographical errors, such as a duplicated preposition in 'due to to the long-term financial security', and occasional word choices that could be more sophisticated. Overall, the vocabulary is adequate to convey precise meanings without impeding communication, fitting comfortably within the Band 7 descriptor.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 6.5

Your response contains a good variety of complex structures alongside simpler sentences. You successfully utilize complex clauses, such as 'while acquiring a property can impose financial strain... I would argue that it is fundamentally a positive development.' There are frequent error-free sentences, and your control of grammar and punctuation is generally good. However, there are minor slips, such as the double punctuation error at the start of the second body paragraph ('On the other hand, II firmly believe...'). These occasional errors do not impede communication, demonstrating solid Band 7 performance.

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