Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 12 · 2026-08-23

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 5.5)

I believe that when looking to build new housing is advantageous at country side, because require appropriate space, and only country side having enough space for new housing.

For instance, new housing construction is a beneficial approach to fulfil human housing requirements; in current days, humans papulation is increasing day by day resultant the need for new housings are also increasing. This approach will have a positive impact on human and new societies will be developed.

Additionally, these kinds of projects could be constructed in the countryside by introducing new strict laws to protect the heritage, with less impact on forests at country side. However, new housing construction in the countryside will consequently increase the tourism industry in the country and will produce more job resources for the community.

In conclusion, considering everything, such as strict laws and policies for the protection of heritage and to reduce forest loss, new housing construction at country side will create new opportunities for tourism and fulfil the human housing requirement.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.0

The response fails to meet the minimum word count requirement of 250 words, reaching only 167 words. This significantly impacts the development of ideas, as the arguments remain superficial and lack sufficient supporting evidence or examples. While the essay presents a clear position, the under-length nature of the response means that the task is only partially addressed. To improve, you must expand on your points with detailed explanations and specific, illustrative examples to ensure the topic is fully explored.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.0

The essay is organized into logical paragraphs, which helps the reader follow the progression of ideas. However, the use of cohesive devices is somewhat mechanical and repetitive (e.g., 'Additionally', 'For instance', 'In conclusion'). The referencing is occasionally unclear, and the flow between sentences could be smoother. To reach a higher band, focus on using a wider variety of linking words and ensure that each paragraph has a clear central theme that is fully developed before moving to the next point.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.5

The vocabulary is adequate for the task but lacks the range and precision required for higher bands. There is frequent repetition of basic terms like 'housing', 'construction', and 'countryside'. Some word choices are unnatural or inaccurate, such as 'humans papulation' instead of 'human population' and 'job resources' instead of 'employment opportunities'. To improve, try to incorporate more sophisticated synonyms and collocations related to urban planning and environmental conservation.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5

The essay relies heavily on simple sentence structures. While there are attempts at complex sentences, they often contain grammatical errors, such as 'because require appropriate space' (missing subject) and 'resultant the need for new housings are also increasing' (incorrect word form and subject-verb agreement). Punctuation is generally functional, but the frequency of errors in basic grammar and sentence construction hinders the overall clarity of the writing.

See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.

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