Band 8.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 8.0 · Cambridge IELTS 12 · 2026-09-27

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 8.0)

In many areas, the demand for housing is increasing while suitable land for new construction is becoming scarce. Although protecting the countryside is important, I believe that carefully planned development should be permitted when there is a genuine shortage of housing.

There are several reasons why rural areas should be protected. Countryside provides valuable habitats for wildlife and plays an important role in maintaining biodiversity. Large-scale construction could destroy agricultural land, reduce green spaces and damage natural ecosystems. Furthermore, replacing rural areas with housing developments could permanently change the character of the landscape. For example, farmland surrounding a growing city may be lost if new residential areas are built without proper planning.

However, completely preventing construction in the countryside could contribute to a serious shortage of affordable homes. As populations grow, housing demand increases, and limiting development to existing urban areas may cause property prices and rents to rise. In addition, some rural land located close to cities may be suitable for carefully planned housing without causing significant environmental damage.

In my opinion, governments should adopt a balanced approach. Priority should first be given to unused urban land, abandoned buildings and areas that can be redeveloped. If these options are insufficient, limited construction could be allowed on carefully selected rural sites. Strict environmental assessments should be required, and developers should be encouraged to include parks, trees and other green spaces in new communities.

In conclusion, protecting the countryside is essential, but an absolute ban on rural construction is not practical when housing demand is high. Carefully controlled development, combined with effective urban planning, can help meet housing needs while minimising environmental damage.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 7.5

The response fully addresses all parts of the task by exploring both the arguments for protecting the countryside and the pressing need for housing development. The writer establishes a clear and consistent position in the introduction that carefully planned development should be permitted when there is a genuine shortage. Ideas are well developed and supported with relevant logic, such as discussing wildlife habitats, agricultural loss, property prices, and urban redevelopment. The arguments are extended naturally throughout the body paragraphs without wandering off-topic, aligning well with the Band 7 and Band 8 descriptors.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 8.0

The essay demonstrates a clear logical organization and progression from introduction to conclusion. Paragraphing is used effectively and appropriately, with each paragraph focusing on a distinct sub-topic (arguments for protection, arguments against total bans, and a balanced solution). Cohesive devices such as 'Furthermore', 'However', 'In addition', and 'In my opinion' are used naturally and flexibly to guide the reader through the writer's arguments without feeling mechanical. Reference words are handled well, ensuring smooth transitions between sentences.

Lexical Resource: Band 7.5

The student displays a sufficient and flexible range of vocabulary suited to the topic of housing and urban planning. Words and phrases such as 'genuine shortage', 'biodiversity', 'ecosystems', and 'environmental assessments' show an ability to use less common items with good awareness of style and collocation. Word choices are precise, and there are virtually no spelling or lexical errors that impede communication. The control over vocabulary consistently supports the flow of ideas.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 8.0

The essay features a good variety of complex sentence structures, such as concessive clauses ('Although protecting the countryside is important...') and conditional constructions ('If these options are insufficient...'). The majority of sentences are error-free, and punctuation is handled securely throughout the text. Grammar and structural control are strong, allowing for natural and precise expression of complex arguments. Minor slips are absent, reflecting a high level of grammatical accuracy.

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