Band 9.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 9.0 · Cambridge IELTS 12 · 2026-08-03

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 9.0)

Here is a Band 8.5 Model Essay written precisely to target every criteria in the official Band 8+ descriptors: complex grammatical structures, precise academic vocabulary, zero article errors, and deep, fully extended arguments.

Band 8.5 Task 2 Model Essay

Prompt: 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?

As urbanization accelerates globally, growing populations face an acute shortage of residential housing. While expanding into rural regions appears to be the most practical solution, opponents argue that preserving natural landscapes must take precedence. In my opinion, safeguarding the countryside is paramount, as unchecked rural development causes irreparable environmental damage and overlooks more sustainable urban alternatives.

The primary reason to restrict residential construction in the countryside is the severe ecological destruction it entails. Converting natural landscapes into residential housing projects disrupts delicate ecosystems, causes deforestation, and leads to a irreversible loss of biodiversity. Furthermore, rural expansion encourages urban sprawl, forcing residents to rely heavily on private vehicles for daily commutes. This increased reliance on automobiles significantly escalates carbon emissions, compounding global environmental challenges. For instance, in regions where agricultural land has been rezoned for suburban housing complexes, local wildlife habitats have been fragmented, and regional traffic congestion has surged, leading to heightened pollution levels.

Moreover, encroaching on rural areas is an inefficient approach to resolving housing shortages because urban centers can be repurposed more effectively. Instead of destroying natural environments, governments and urban planners should prioritize high-density development, such as constructing modern high-rise apartments on underutilized urban plots or brownfield sites. Developing upward rather than outward preserves agricultural land vital for food security while maximizing existing city infrastructure, such as public transport, water systems, and power grids. Promoting brownfield redevelopment allows municipalities to fulfill housing demands without sacrificing rural ecosystems.

In conclusion, protecting the countryside must be prioritized over expanding residential developments into untouched natural areas. Encroaching on rural spaces generates severe environmental costs and fosters inefficient commuting patterns. Therefore, authorities should focus on sustainable urban densification and brownfield revitalization to address accommodation needs without compromising the environment.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 9.0

The response fully addresses all parts of the prompt. You have taken a clear position from the introduction and maintained it consistently throughout the essay. The arguments are well-developed, with each paragraph focusing on a distinct, logical point—environmental impact and urban densification—supported by relevant examples. The ideas are extended effectively, demonstrating a sophisticated understanding of the topic. There are no omissions, and the response is balanced and persuasive, meeting all the requirements for a Band 9 level of task response.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 9.0

The essay is exceptionally well-structured. Each paragraph has a clear central topic, and the progression of ideas is logical and easy to follow. You have used a wide range of cohesive devices, such as 'Furthermore,' 'Moreover,' and 'Instead of,' which function naturally to link sentences and paragraphs. The use of referencing is precise, and the paragraphing is logical, contributing to a seamless flow of information. There is no evidence of mechanical or repetitive usage; the cohesion is unobtrusive and highly effective throughout the entire piece.

Lexical Resource — Band 9.0

You demonstrate a wide and sophisticated range of vocabulary. The use of precise, academic terminology such as 'urbanization,' 'irreparable environmental damage,' 'fragmented,' 'brownfield sites,' and 'sustainable urban densification' is excellent. The collocations are natural and accurate, showing a high level of control over the language. There are no errors in word choice or spelling, and the vocabulary is used with great flexibility to convey complex ideas clearly. This level of lexical sophistication is indicative of a Band 9 performance.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 9.0

The grammatical range is impressive, featuring a variety of complex sentence structures, including conditional clauses, participial phrases, and well-integrated relative clauses. The accuracy is near-perfect; the majority of sentences are error-free, and there are no noticeable slips in punctuation or syntax. The control over tense and aspect is consistent, and the sophisticated sentence construction enhances the overall clarity and impact of the argument. This performance demonstrates full flexibility and accuracy, consistent with the highest band descriptors.

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