Band 8.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 8.0 · Cambridge IELTS 12 · 2026-08-19

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 8.0)

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 an 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 8.0

The response fully addresses all parts of the task. You have taken a clear position from the introduction and maintained it consistently throughout the essay. The ideas are well-developed, with the first body paragraph focusing on environmental consequences and the second on urban planning alternatives. Each point is supported by logical reasoning and relevant examples, such as the mention of brownfield sites and the impact of suburban sprawl on traffic. The response is balanced and demonstrates a sophisticated understanding of the prompt, meeting all requirements for a high band score.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5

The essay is logically organized with a clear progression of ideas. Each paragraph has a central theme, and the transition between the environmental argument and the urban planning solution is smooth. You make effective use of cohesive devices such as 'Furthermore', 'Moreover', and 'Therefore' to link sentences and paragraphs naturally. The paragraphing is appropriate, and the structure of the essay—introduction, two body paragraphs, and a conclusion—is standard and effective. The flow of information is logical, and the referencing is clear throughout the text.

Lexical Resource — Band 8.0

You demonstrate a wide and flexible range of vocabulary, which is used with precision. Phrases such as 'acute shortage', 'irreparable environmental damage', 'urban sprawl', and 'brownfield revitalization' show a high level of lexical control and an ability to use topic-specific terminology effectively. The language is natural and sophisticated, and there are no noticeable errors in word choice or collocation. The vocabulary is well-suited to the academic tone of the task, contributing significantly to the overall quality of the writing.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 8.0

The essay exhibits a wide range of complex grammatical structures, including conditional-like reasoning, participial phrases, and well-constructed compound-complex sentences. The majority of sentences are error-free, and your control over punctuation and syntax is excellent. There are no significant grammatical errors that impede communication. The use of varied sentence lengths and structures keeps the reader engaged and demonstrates a high level of grammatical competence. The writing is consistently accurate and demonstrates a sophisticated command of English grammar.

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