Band 8.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 8.0 · Cambridge IELTS 12 · 2026-09-30

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 countries, the demand for housing is increasing, while suitable land in cities is becoming increasingly limited. Although some people argue that the countryside should be protected from housing development, I believe that building new homes in rural areas can sometimes be necessary, provided that development is carefully planned and environmentally responsible.

On the one hand, protecting the countryside is important for several reasons. Rural areas often contain forests, farmland and natural habitats that support a wide range of plants and animals. Excessive construction could destroy these ecosystems and reduce the amount of land available for agriculture. In addition, the countryside provides people with opportunities to enjoy nature and escape from crowded urban environments. Once natural areas are replaced by buildings and roads, they can be extremely difficult to restore.

On the other hand, a lack of affordable housing can create serious social problems. As populations grow, cities may not have enough space to accommodate everyone, leading to high property prices and overcrowded housing. In such circumstances, carefully planned development outside cities may be a practical solution. For example, new residential communities could be built on land that has already been degraded or is no longer suitable for farming, rather than on environmentally sensitive areas. Developers could also be required to preserve trees, create green spaces and use energy-efficient building methods.

In my opinion, neither unrestricted construction nor a complete ban on rural development is the best approach. Governments should first make better use of available urban land, including unused industrial sites and vacant properties. However, when this is insufficient, carefully selected areas of the countryside could be developed while protecting important farmland and natural habitats.

Overall, providing adequate housing is an important social responsibility, but it should not come at the expense of the natural environment. The most sensible approach is to balance these two needs through strict planning and sustainable development.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 8.0

The response fully addresses all parts of the task by discussing both the need to protect the countryside and the arguments for building new homes there. The writer maintains a clear and well-developed position throughout, noting that while rural protection is vital, careful and responsible development can be a practical solution to housing shortages. Ideas are extended and supported effectively with relevant details, such as mentioning degraded land, agricultural preservation, and sustainable building methods. The conclusion synthesizes these points neatly without contradicting the main stance, aligning well with the Band 8 descriptor.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 8.0

The essay is logically organized with a clear progression from introduction to body paragraphs presenting contrasting views, followed by a nuanced personal opinion and a summarizing conclusion. Paragraphing is used sufficiently and appropriately, with each paragraph focusing on a distinct central theme. Cohesive devices are managed well without feeling mechanical, utilizing transition phrases like 'On the one hand', 'On the other hand', and 'In my opinion' to guide the reader seamlessly through the argument. Referencing throughout the essay is clear and accurate.

Lexical Resource: Band 8.0

The student demonstrates a wide and flexible vocabulary range suited to the topic. Less common lexical items and collocations are used skillfully, such as 'environmentally responsible', 'excessive construction', 'biodegradable ecosystems' (implied through context), and 'environmentally sensitive areas'. Word choice and collocations are generally very accurate, with only occasional minor slips. Spelling and word formation are flawless throughout, easily meeting the expectations for a high band score.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 8.0

The response exhibits a wide range of complex sentence structures, including conditional structures ('provided that development is carefully planned'), participial phrases ('leading to high property prices'), and concessive clauses ('Although some people argue...'). The majority of sentences are completely error-free, and control over grammar and punctuation is strong throughout. The punctuation is precise, and complex clauses are integrated smoothly without causing any ambiguity, reflecting solid Band 8 capabilities.

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

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