Band 8.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 8.5 · Cambridge IELTS 12 · 2026-09-03

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 8.5)

In many countries, the demand for housing is increasing, while suitable land for new construction is becoming increasingly scarce. As a result, some people argue that the countryside should be protected from residential development. Although I agree that rural areas are valuable and should be preserved as much as possible, I believe that carefully planned construction may sometimes be necessary to meet the growing demand for homes.

On the one hand, protecting the countryside is important for both environmental and social reasons. Rural areas often contain forests, farmland and natural habitats that support a wide range of wildlife. If large areas of land are converted into housing estates, this can lead to habitat destruction, soil degradation and a loss of biodiversity. In addition, agricultural land is essential for food production, so excessive urban expansion could make countries more dependent on imported food. The countryside also provides people with opportunities for recreation and allows them to escape the pollution and congestion of cities.

On the other hand, completely preventing new housing developments in rural areas could create serious social problems. In many growing cities, there is already a shortage of affordable accommodation, which can result in extremely high property prices and rents. If governments refuse to permit any development outside existing urban boundaries, this problem may become even worse. Furthermore, modern construction does not necessarily have to cause significant environmental damage. Governments can restrict building in ecologically sensitive areas while allowing carefully designed developments on less valuable land. New communities could also incorporate green spaces, renewable energy systems and efficient public transport in order to minimize their environmental impact.

In my view, the best approach is to achieve a balance between housing needs and environmental protection. Governments should first encourage the construction of apartments and the redevelopment of unused land within existing cities. However, where this is insufficient, limited development in suitable rural locations should be permitted under strict environmental regulations. This would enable countries to provide much-needed housing without unnecessarily sacrificing their natural landscapes.

In conclusion, although the countryside should undoubtedly be protected, an absolute ban on building homes there is unrealistic. A combination of urban redevelopment and carefully controlled rural construction is, in my opinion, the most sustainable solution to the housing shortage.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 8.5

The response fully addresses all parts of the prompt. You clearly state your position in the introduction and maintain it consistently throughout the essay. Each paragraph is well-developed with relevant arguments. For instance, your discussion on the environmental impact of urban sprawl versus the social necessity of affordable housing provides a balanced and logical perspective. You support your ideas with clear reasoning, such as the mention of food security and the potential for sustainable design in new developments. The conclusion effectively synthesizes your arguments, providing a clear and well-reasoned final stance that directly answers the question asked.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 9.0

The essay is logically organized with a clear progression of ideas. Each paragraph has a central theme, and the transition between the arguments is smooth. You use a variety of cohesive devices effectively, such as 'On the one hand', 'In addition', 'Furthermore', and 'In my view', which help guide the reader through your argument. The paragraphing is logical and contributes to the overall clarity of the response. Referencing is precise, and there is no evidence of mechanical or repetitive use of linking words. The structure is sophisticated and supports the development of your argument perfectly.

Lexical Resource — Band 8.5

You demonstrate a wide and flexible range of vocabulary, which is used with precision and natural control. Phrases such as 'increasingly scarce', 'residential development', 'habitat destruction', 'soil degradation', and 'sustainable solution' show a high level of lexical sophistication. You use less common items appropriately and demonstrate a strong awareness of collocation. There are no noticeable errors in word choice or spelling. The vocabulary is not only accurate but also contributes to the formal and academic tone required for this task. Your ability to use topic-specific terminology effectively is a significant strength.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 8.5

The essay displays a wide range of grammatical structures with high accuracy. You use complex sentences effectively, such as 'Although I agree that rural areas are valuable and should be preserved as much as possible, I believe that carefully planned construction may sometimes be necessary'. The majority of your sentences are error-free, and your control over punctuation and verb tenses is excellent. There are no significant grammatical errors that impede communication. The variety of structures, including conditional sentences and passive voice constructions, is handled with confidence and ease, reflecting a high level of grammatical competence.

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