Band 7.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.0 · Cambridge IELTS 12 · 2026-09-02

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 7.0)

In many places, there is a growing need for new homes because the population is increasing. Some people believe that the countryside should be protected instead of using it for housing. I agree that new homes are necessary, but I believe that the countryside should be protected as much as possible.

Firstly, building new houses in rural areas can increase pollution. Construction requires many vehicles and machines to transport materials and build houses. These vehicles can produce a large amount of air pollution, while construction work can also create noise pollution. In addition, new housing areas require roads and other facilities, which can increase traffic in the countryside. For example, if a large number of houses are built outside a city, more cars and trucks may use the roads in that area, leading to higher levels of pollution.

Secondly, building houses in the countryside can destroy natural land and wildlife habitats. Although people need more places to live, forests, farmland and other natural areas are also important for the environment. When these areas are used for construction, animals may lose their natural homes, while farmland can also be reduced. This would mean that there is less space for agriculture and wildlife. For instance, farmland near large cities is sometimes replaced by residential buildings because there is a high demand for housing.

In conclusion, although new homes are important, I believe that protecting the countryside is more beneficial in the long term because it reduces environmental damage and protects natural land. Therefore, governments should focus on developing urban areas before using rural land for housing.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.0

The response addresses all parts of the task and maintains a clear position throughout. You have identified the need for housing while arguing for the protection of the countryside. The ideas are relevant and supported by logical reasoning, such as the impact of construction on pollution and the loss of biodiversity. To reach a higher band, you could further extend your ideas by discussing potential solutions, such as brownfield site development, which would provide a more nuanced perspective on the 'how' of balancing these competing needs. Overall, the argument is well-developed and consistent.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5

The essay is logically organized with a clear introduction, two body paragraphs, and a conclusion. Each paragraph has a central theme, and the progression of ideas is easy to follow. You use cohesive devices such as 'Firstly', 'In addition', 'For example', and 'In conclusion' effectively to guide the reader. The paragraphing is appropriate and contributes to the overall clarity of the argument. To improve, you could vary your linking phrases slightly more to avoid a somewhat mechanical feel, but the current structure is effective and coherent.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.5

You demonstrate a sufficient range of vocabulary to discuss the topic with precision. Phrases like 'natural land and wildlife habitats', 'residential buildings', and 'long term' are used accurately. While the vocabulary is functional and appropriate for the task, it lacks a degree of sophistication or 'less common' lexical items that would elevate the score to an 8.0. The word choices are generally accurate, and there are no spelling errors that impede communication. Expanding your repertoire to include more academic collocations would be beneficial.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.5

The essay displays a good mix of simple and complex sentence structures. You use conditional sentences ('if a large number of houses are built...') and complex clauses effectively. The grammar is generally accurate, with very few errors, and punctuation is used correctly throughout. The majority of your sentences are error-free, which is a strong indicator of control. To reach a higher band, you could incorporate a wider variety of complex structures, such as passive voice constructions or inverted conditionals, to demonstrate greater flexibility in your writing.

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

Browse more IELTS Writing model answers or get your own writing scored by the same AI examiner.