Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

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

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)

Many people argue that, due to a lack of infrastructure in urban areas, there is a need to build more houses in the countryside. While some people believe this is an important solution to the growing housing shortage, others argue that it could cause significant damage to the local flora and fauna. This essay will discuss both perspectives before explaining why I believe it is important to preserve the countryside.

On the one hand, there are several reasons why people believe that additional housing should be developed in rural areas. Firstly, the population has increased significantly since the 19th century, leading to a greater demand for housing and other essential facilities. As a result, more people are looking for affordable accommodation and a better standard of living. For example, many individuals are moving to rural areas because they are attracted by organic produce, farming opportunities and a quieter lifestyle. Additionally, lower property prices in the countryside make these areas more appealing to people who cannot afford expensive homes in major cities.

On the other hand, others argue that protecting the natural environment and authentic beauty of the countryside is essential. One major concern is that an influx of residents could lead to overcrowding and permanently alter the character of rural communities. Moreover, constructing houses and other infrastructure could result in deforestation and the destruction of natural habitats. For instance, expanding residential areas may require forests to be cleared, which could threaten wildlife and disrupt local ecosystems.

In my opinion, although developing housing in the countryside may help address the shortage of affordable accommodation, it should not come at the expense of the natural environment. Instead, governments should make better use of available land in urban areas and develop sustainable housing projects to accommodate the growing population.

In conclusion, population growth and housing shortages can create a need for additional homes and accommodation. However, I believe that this demand should be addressed without exploiting or destroying the countryside, as protecting natural habitats is essential for future generations.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.5

The response fully addresses all parts of the task by discussing both sides of the argument regarding building homes in the countryside and clearly stating a personal opinion. The writer establishes a clear position from the introduction ("this essay will discuss both perspectives before explaining why I believe it is important to preserve the countryside") and maintains it consistently throughout. Ideas are well-extended and supported with relevant explanations and examples, such as mentioning the housing shortage drivers and the environmental impact of deforestation. The response meets all criteria for a Band 7.5 or 8.0, showing thorough development without any major omissions or irrelevancies.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 8.0

The essay displays a clear logical organisation and progression throughout. Each paragraph has a distinct central topic, starting with a well-formulated introduction, followed by body paragraphs with clear signposting ("On the one hand", "On the other hand", "In my opinion"), and ending with a concise conclusion. Cohesive devices are used effectively and flexibly without being overly mechanical. Paragraphing is managed appropriately to separate the contrasting viewpoints and the author's final stance. Referencing and substitution are handled smoothly, ensuring that ideas flow logically from sentence to sentence.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.0

The student demonstrates a sufficient and generally flexible range of vocabulary suited to the prompt. Less common items such as "infrastructure", "flora and fauna", "influx of residents", and "disrupt local ecosystems" are used accurately. Word choice and collocations are largely natural, with only occasional minor generalisations. Spelling and word formation are entirely accurate throughout the text. The lexical resource supports clear communication and shows a good awareness of academic style, comfortably meeting the standards of Band 7.0.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 8.0

The writer employs a wide variety of complex sentence structures with good control, such as conditional and concessive clauses ("While some people believe this is...", "although developing housing in the countryside may help..."). The majority of sentences are error-free, and punctuation is handled correctly throughout. Grammar and punctuation errors are virtually non-existent, and the few complex constructions attempted are executed with high accuracy. This level of control and variety easily corresponds to a Band 8.0 descriptor.

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