Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.5 · Cambridge IELTS 12 · 2026-08-27

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 6.5)

There is an increasing demand for new houses. The options to build them are limited to the countryside only, and many people contest the significance of preserving it. From my perspective, they are right to do so.

An increase in population over the years is a major contributing factor for the growing demand for residential areas. Areas that are not inhabited, like the countryside can be utilised; however, it will negatively impact the environment and economy of the country. The fields are generally used for agricultural crops. The agricultural produce shapes the economy of every country. Urbanistation will have a direct detrimental effect on the produce, which is also a catalyst for downfall of any country's economy. Countrys that are self reliant by cultivation do not import livestock as much, rather they earn more by exports.

On the other hand, it is also argued that many people are exhausted by this persisting problem and are choosing to move out of the country to seek a comfortable life. To counter this problem, governments must take an active role and seek solutions to improve infrastructure. For instance, promote the construction of multistory high-rise buildings with subsidised rents instead of the conventional bunglaws that are limited to housing only one family. This would act as a long term solution protecting our valuable nationals from moving abroad and investing in their countrys economy and welfare.

In conclusion, the benefits of preserving countryside areas significantly outweigh the downsides. The people are rightly concerned on the significance of protecting them. A collaborative effort by the government and a nation can assist in mutually beneficial arrangement.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.5

You have clearly addressed the prompt by taking a firm position in favor of protecting the countryside. Your main ideas, such as the importance of agricultural land for the economy and the need for high-density urban planning, are relevant and well-supported. However, the development of these ideas could be more nuanced. For instance, while you mention the economic impact of urbanization, you could further explain how high-rise developments specifically mitigate the need for rural expansion. Overall, you have provided a clear, consistent argument throughout the response, meeting the requirements for a Band 7.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5

The essay is logically organized with a clear introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion. You use cohesive devices such as 'On the other hand', 'For instance', and 'In conclusion' to guide the reader through your argument. However, some transitions feel slightly mechanical, and the referencing in the second paragraph ('this persisting problem') is a bit vague. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate distinct ideas, and the progression of your argument is easy to follow. To reach a higher band, ensure that the flow between sentences is more natural and less reliant on standard linking phrases.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

You demonstrate a sufficient range of vocabulary to convey your ideas clearly, using terms like 'urbanisation', 'detrimental', and 'subsidised'. There are some spelling errors, such as 'Urbanistation', 'Countrys', and 'bunglaws', which slightly detract from the professional tone. Additionally, some word choices are slightly imprecise, such as 'valuable nationals' when referring to citizens. While you attempt to use less common vocabulary, the occasional errors in spelling and collocation suggest a Band 6 level, as these do not impede communication but are noticeable.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.0

You use a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, such as 'Areas that are not inhabited, like the countryside can be utilised; however, it will negatively impact...'. While you show good control over complex sentences, there are persistent errors in punctuation and grammar, such as missing commas after introductory phrases and incorrect pluralization (e.g., 'countrys' instead of 'countries'). Despite these errors, your meaning remains clear throughout the essay. The frequency of these minor errors prevents a higher score, placing your performance firmly in the Band 6 range.

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

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