Band 8.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 8.5 · Cambridge IELTS 12 · 2026-07-27

IELTS Writing Task 2 question

In many places, new homes are needed, but the only space available for building them is in the countryside. Some people believe it is more important to protect the countryside and not build new homes there.

What is your opinion about this?

Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.

 

Student answer (Band 8.5)

In many areas, new houses are required but the problem is there is less space in city area so its compulsion for peoples to build them in countryside.

Primarily, safeguarding natural landscapes is essential for environmental conservation. Preserving these areas ensures the protection of diverse ecosystems, which in turn supports the proliferation of flora and fauna, aids in maintaining air quality through oxygen production by forests, and serves as a buffer against climate change. In contrast, the conversion of land for housing often results in the destruction of greenery and the displacement of native species. A notable illustration of this phenomenon can be observed in New Delhi, the capital of India, where extensive deforestation occurred to accommodate residential apartments in response to rapid population growth. The aftermath has been a drastic reduction in plant life and a consequent decline in air quality, compelling residents to seek greener surroundings outside the urban sprawl. This scenario underscores the critical importance of prioritizing environmental conservation over new housing developments, as the loss of farmland can be irreparable and detrimental to the well-being of the community.

In addition to environmental benefits, the stewardship of fertile landscapes significantly contributes to the nation's economic prosperity. Agriculture, which relies on the preservation of these areas, not only sustains the livelihood of numerous farmers but also generates local and national economic benefits. By cultivating crops for local markets, farmers create job opportunities during the growing and harvesting seasons, thereby enhancing community welfare. For instance, Punjab, a major agricultural state in India, exemplifies this dynamic, as its farmers, primarily engaged in wheat cultivation, contribute substantially to the national tax revenue. The high demand for locally grown crops exemplifies how safeguarding agricultural land not only supports financial stability for individuals but also boosts the overall economy. Such examples serve as compelling evidence for the necessity of conserving the countryside for long-term economic sustainability.

In conclusion, after examining both perspectives, it is evident that the protection of farmland is paramount for preserving the environment and fostering economic growth. The encroachment on natural landscapes not only threatens clean air and biodiversity but also undermines the economic foundations that depend on agricultural productivity. Therefore, prioritizing the conservation of rural areas over urban expansion is crucial for ensuring a healthier and more sustainable future for all.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 8.5

The response fully addresses all parts of the task. You have taken a clear position from the outset and maintained it throughout the essay. The ideas are well-developed, with each paragraph focusing on a distinct argument—environmental conservation and economic prosperity—supported by relevant examples from India. The introduction is slightly informal in its phrasing, but the body paragraphs provide a sophisticated and logical exploration of the topic. The conclusion effectively synthesizes your arguments, ensuring the response is balanced and persuasive. You have successfully met the requirements of the prompt by providing clear reasons and illustrative examples.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 8.5

The essay is logically organized with a clear progression of ideas. Each paragraph has a central theme, and the transition between the environmental and economic arguments is smooth. You make effective use of cohesive devices such as 'In contrast', 'In addition to', and 'Therefore', which help guide the reader through your argument. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate distinct points. The referencing is clear, and the flow of information is natural. There is no evidence of mechanical or repetitive use of linking words, which contributes to a high level of coherence throughout the text.

Lexical Resource — Band 8.5

You demonstrate a wide and flexible range of vocabulary, which allows for precise expression of your ideas. Phrases such as 'safeguarding natural landscapes', 'urban sprawl', 'stewardship of fertile landscapes', and 'economic sustainability' show a high level of lexical control. There are no significant errors in word choice or collocation that impede communication. While the opening sentence is slightly simplistic, the remainder of the essay uses sophisticated and academic language that is well-suited to the task. You successfully incorporate less common lexical items to enhance the quality of your writing.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 8.0

The essay displays a wide range of grammatical structures, including complex sentences with subordinate clauses and varied sentence beginnings. The majority of your sentences are error-free, and your control over punctuation is strong. While there is a minor grammatical slip in the opening sentence ('its compulsion for peoples'), the rest of the essay is highly accurate. You use a variety of verb tenses and structures effectively to convey your arguments. The grammatical complexity is consistent with a high band score, as the errors are rare and do not interfere with the clarity of your message.

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