Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.5 · Cambridge IELTS 12 · 2026-09-01

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 7.5)

There is a growing demand for new housing, while the availability of land in many urban areas is limited. Although this creates pressure to expand into the countryside, I believe that rural areas should be protected because they provide valuable agricultural resources, and alternative forms of urban development can accommodate population growth.

One major reason for protecting the countryside is that much of this land is used for agriculture. Building residential developments on fertile farmland would reduce the area available for growing crops, potentially lowering domestic food production and increasing dependence on imported food. This could also affect food prices and national food security. For example, in countries where crops such as rice are an important part of the agricultural economy, the conversion of productive farmland into housing could reduce local agricultural output. Preserving such land is therefore important not only for environmental reasons but also for maintaining a reliable food supply.

Admittedly, some people argue that countryside development is necessary because populations are growing and more people need homes. However, governments can address this problem without extensively expanding into rural areas. Increasing housing density in existing towns and cities would allow more people to be accommodated on limited amounts of land. For instance, the construction of well-planned multi-storey apartment buildings could house several families on the same area that would otherwise be occupied by a small number of detached houses. This would help meet housing demand while limiting the loss of valuable rural land.

In conclusion, although the need for additional housing cannot be ignored, I believe that protecting the countryside should take priority. Expanding urban housing through higher-density development is a more sustainable way of meeting population needs without unnecessarily sacrificing agricultural land.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.5

The response fully addresses all parts of the task. You have clearly stated your position in the introduction and maintained it consistently throughout the essay. The arguments regarding agricultural preservation and urban densification are well-developed and supported with relevant examples, such as the mention of rice production and the suggestion of multi-storey apartment buildings. The ideas are extended logically, providing a balanced view by acknowledging the opposing argument before refuting it. The response is focused and directly answers the prompt, demonstrating a clear understanding of the requirements.

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 introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion is smooth. You have used a variety of cohesive devices effectively, such as 'Although', 'For instance', and 'In conclusion', which help guide the reader through your argument. The paragraphing is appropriate, with each section serving a distinct purpose. The flow of information is natural, and there is no evidence of mechanical or repetitive use of linking words.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.0

You demonstrate a good range of vocabulary that is appropriate for the task. Phrases such as 'growing demand', 'agricultural resources', 'urban development', and 'housing density' show a solid command of topic-specific language. The word choice is precise and contributes to the clarity of your arguments. While the vocabulary is accurate and functional, it could be further elevated to reach the highest band by incorporating more sophisticated or idiomatic collocations. However, the current level is more than sufficient to convey your ideas with precision and style.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.5

The essay displays a high level of grammatical accuracy. You have successfully used a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, such as the use of conditional and concessive clauses (e.g., 'Although this creates pressure...', '...that would otherwise be occupied by...'). Punctuation is used correctly throughout, and there are no significant errors that impede communication. The majority of your sentences are error-free, and the control over tense and subject-verb agreement is consistent. The writing is polished and demonstrates a strong command of English syntax.

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