Band 8.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 8.5 · Cambridge IELTS 12 · 2026-07-28

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 parts of the world, the demand for housing is increasing rapidly, and in some regions the only available land for new homes is in the countryside. While some people believe that these rural areas should be protected from development, I believe that carefully planned construction can take place without causing significant harm to the environment.

On the one hand, preserving the countryside is essential because it provides habitats for wildlife, supports agriculture, and maintains the natural beauty of a country. If large numbers of houses are built in these areas, forests and farmland may disappear, leading to environmental damage and a decline in biodiversity. Moreover, rural landscapes offer recreational opportunities and improve people's quality of life. Once such land is developed, it is extremely difficult to restore it to its original condition.

On the other hand, the increasing population has created a serious demand for housing. In many cities, there is little land available for new construction, and property prices continue to rise. Allowing limited development in suitable countryside locations can help reduce housing shortages and provide affordable homes for families. However, governments should introduce strict planning regulations to ensure that only appropriate areas are developed while protecting forests, agricultural land, and environmentally sensitive locations. For example, new housing projects can include parks, green spaces, and energy-efficient buildings to reduce their environmental impact.

In conclusion, I believe that protecting the countryside is important, but completely banning new housing developments is not a practical solution. Instead, governments should adopt a balanced approach by encouraging urban redevelopment first and permitting carefully planned construction in selected rural areas only when necessary. This would meet the growing demand for housing while preserving the natural environment for future generations.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 8.5

The response fully addresses all parts of the prompt. You clearly state your position in the introduction and maintain it throughout the essay. The arguments are well-developed, with the first body paragraph explaining the importance of environmental preservation and the second body paragraph providing a balanced perspective on the necessity of housing. You support your points with logical reasoning and relevant examples, such as the mention of parks and energy-efficient buildings. The conclusion effectively synthesizes your position, suggesting a balanced approach. The ideas are extended and supported well, meeting the requirements for a high band score.

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 paragraphs is smooth, using phrases like 'On the one hand' and 'On the other hand' to signal shifts in perspective. Cohesive devices are used effectively, such as 'Moreover', 'However', and 'In conclusion', which help guide the reader through your argument. The paragraphing is appropriate, with a clear introduction, two body paragraphs, and a concise conclusion. The flow of information is natural and easy to follow throughout the entire response.

Lexical Resource — Band 8.0

You demonstrate a sufficient range of vocabulary to discuss the topic with precision. You use topic-specific terms such as 'biodiversity', 'recreational opportunities', 'urban redevelopment', and 'environmentally sensitive locations' appropriately. The word choice is generally accurate and natural, contributing to the clarity of your arguments. While the vocabulary is effective and fits the context well, it could be slightly more sophisticated to reach the highest band, but it is certainly strong enough for a band 7.0 or higher. There are no noticeable errors in spelling or word formation.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 8.5

The essay displays a good variety of complex sentence structures, such as the use of conditional clauses ('If large numbers of houses are built...') and subordinate clauses ('...while protecting forests...'). The majority of your sentences are error-free, and your control over punctuation and grammar is consistent. You successfully combine simple and complex structures to convey your ideas clearly. There are no significant grammatical errors that impede communication, and the overall control of language is very high, reflecting a strong command of English syntax.

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