IELTS Writing Correction Service
Writing Samples
Band 6.5

The best way to provide enough homes in large cities is to build tall apartment blocks. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement

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Building Tall Apartment Blocks to Provide Enough Homes in Large Cities The assertion that constructing high-rise apartment blocks is the optimal solution to urban housing shortages is widely debated.
While
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 vertical development is undeniably necessary in densely populated metropolises, I only partially agree with
this
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 statement, as it overlooks critical social and infrastructural dimensions of sustainable urban living. Admittedly, tall buildings offer a pragmatic response to land scarcity. In cities like Tokyo or Singapore, where horizontal expansion is geographically or economically unfeasible, high-density residential towers
maximize
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 limited space and can accommodate thousands within a small footprint.
Furthermore
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, concentrating populations vertically can improve the efficiency of public transport and utility networks, reducing per-capita infrastructure costs and curbing urban sprawl that consumes agricultural land.
However
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,
labeling
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 high-rises as the "best" solution is reductive. Sole reliance on vertical density often exacerbates social isolation, inadequate natural light, and strain on local services
such
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 as schools and hospitals. More importantly, housing adequacy encompasses not just quantity but
also
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 affordability, community cohesion, and long-term livability. Alternative or complementary strategies -
such
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 as adaptive reuse of industrial buildings, incentivising medium-density "missing middle" housing, and reforming zoning laws to allow mixed-use neighbourhoods - can address supply gaps
while
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 fostering more resilient communities.
Additionally
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, without robust rent controls and inclusionary zoning, new high-rises frequently cater to investors rather than low- and middle-income residents, worsening inequality. In conclusion,
while
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 tall apartment blocks are a vital component of urban housing strategy, they are insufficient alone. A truly effective approach must integrate diverse housing typologies with equitable policies and holistic urban planning to ensure cities are not only housed but
also
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 humane and sustainable.

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task response
Score: 9. This is a full and well-developed answer. To keep this level, add one very clear real-life example for the problems of tall blocks, such as long waits for lifts or too few schools near new homes.
task response
Some ideas are very general. You could make the point about homes for low- and middle-income people more direct by saying how new flats may be too costly for them.
coherence and cohesion
Score: 9. Your order is very easy to follow. For an even smoother read, use a few shorter sentences in the third paragraph. This will make the key points stand out more.
coherence and cohesion
The links are good, but do not use too many long link phrases in every essay. Sometimes a simple link, such as 'Also' or 'But', is enough.
task response
You answer the question very clearly. You partly agree, and you keep this view from the start to the end.
task response
Your main ideas are strong: tall blocks save land, but homes must also be low-cost, good to live in, and fair for all people.
task response
The examples of Tokyo and Singapore help show why tall homes can work in some big cities.
coherence and cohesion
The essay has a very clear four-part plan: start, reasons for, reasons against, and end.
coherence and cohesion
Each paragraph has one main job. The link words, such as 'Furthermore', 'However', 'More importantly', and 'In conclusion', guide the reader well.
coherence and cohesion
The last paragraph gives a clear final answer and matches the view in the first paragraph.
Fully explain your ideas

To get an excellent score in the IELTS Task 2 writing section, one of the easiest and most effective tips is structuring your writing in the most solid format. A great argument essay structure may be divided to four paragraphs, in which comprises of four sentences (excluding the conclusion paragraph, which comprises of three sentences).

For we to consider an essay structure a great one, it should be looking like this:

  • Paragraph 1 - Introduction
    • Sentence 1 - Background statement
    • Sentence 2 - Detailed background statement
    • Sentence 3 - Thesis
    • Sentence 4 - Outline sentence
  • Paragraph 2 - First supporting paragraph
    • Sentence 1 - Topic sentence
    • Sentence 2 - Example
    • Sentence 3 - Discussion
    • Sentence 4 - Conclusion
  • Paragraph 3 - Second supporting paragraph
    • Sentence 1 - Topic sentence
    • Sentence 2 - Example
    • Sentence 3 - Discussion
    • Sentence 4 - Conclusion
  • Paragraph 4 - Conclusion
    • Sentence 1 - Summary
    • Sentence 2 - Restatement of thesis
    • Sentence 3 - Prediction or recommendation

Our recommended essay structure above comprises of fifteen (15) sentences, which will make your essay approximately 250 to 275 words.

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Topic Vocabulary:
  • housing shortage = not enough homes for people
  • apartment block = a large building with many flats
  • high-rise building = a very tall building
  • limited land = not much land available
  • population growth = the number of people increases
  • urban spread = the city grows into outer areas
  • public transport = buses, trains, and metro systems
  • living conditions = the quality of daily life at home
  • city planning = the way a city is designed and managed
  • green space = parks and open natural areas
  • daily needs = things people need every day
  • costly land = land that is very expensive
  • mixed housing = different kinds of homes in one area
  • sense of community = the feeling of belonging with neighbors
  • traffic pressure = too many cars on the roads
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