Back to Writing Hub

User-written IELTS example

Writing Academic Task 2 Band 6.0 Example

Original task prompt, user essay, band score, and related examples in the same report workspace.

295 words AcademicTask 2
Task 2

Illustrative target band for this original model answer.

Plan your answer

Try your own response before reading the samples.

Ideas to explore

  • Homeownership may appeal because it can offer greater control over housing and protection from rent increases or a tenancy ending.
  • People may regard property as a long-term asset and a visible sign of financial or personal achievement.
  • When buying is treated as compulsory, people may take on unsustainable debt or overlook the flexibility that renting can provide.

Suggested structure

  1. Introduce the homeownership preference and state clearly whether you consider it positive or negative.
  2. Explain practical motives for buying, such as stability and the hope of building an asset.
  3. Explain how social expectations can reinforce the preference.
  4. Evaluate the drawbacks, linking social pressure to financial strain or reduced flexibility.
  5. Conclude with a qualified judgement that distinguishes owning a home from making ownership a social requirement.
Useful vocabulary & examples
housing stability
The security of having a reliable place to live without unexpected disruption.

Some people buy a home because they believe it will give their family greater housing stability.

long-term asset
Something of value that may provide financial benefit over an extended period.

Buyers may view a property as a long-term asset rather than simply a place to live.

social pressure
Influence from a community or other people to behave or make choices in a particular way.

Social pressure can make young adults feel that they should buy a home as soon as possible.

financial flexibility
The ability to manage money or adapt to changing circumstances without excessive constraint.

Renting can offer financial flexibility to people who are saving for a deposit.

Task Prompt

In some countries owning a home rather than renting one is very important for people. Why might this be the case? Do you think this is a positive or negative situation? Write at least 250 words.

User Essay Analysis

Review the public answer with report-style highlights.

Band 6.0

In some countries, the worth of a home rather than renting is often considered very important. Because, it is often viewed as a symbol of success for people. There could be several causes for this and I consider it to be a very positive trend. One of the prominent reasons is, why owning a home gives families long-term security. Owners do not have to worry that a landlord may ask them to leave or increase the rent. They can also decorate their house and make changes to it as they wish. This can make a home feel more personal and permanent.

Another reason is that a house can be a useful investment. If people own a property, they may be able to sell it later or leave it to their children. In some places, this is seen as a way to provide a better future for the family. Renting, in comparison, does not give people ownership of the place where they live, even if they pay rent for many years. These financial and family benefits help explain why home ownership is valued so highly.

I think this is mostly a positive situation because having a secure place to live can reduce stress and give people greater control over their lives. However, it can become negative if people feel pressured to buy a home that they cannot afford. A large mortgage may cause financial problems, and some people may delay other important plans in order to save for a house. Therefore, owning a home should be a personal choice rather than an expectation.

Overall, the importance placed on owning a home comes from its security, investment value and social meaning. It is positive when people can make this choice without taking on an unreasonable financial burden.

Targeted Improvement Tips

1
Replace the fragment beginning “Because” with a complete sentence that clearly links the social status of ownership to the reasons people value it.
2
Develop each cause with one clear explanation: state the benefit, explain how it affects households, and link it back to the importance of owning a home.
3
Keep the positive position consistent while briefly explaining when ownership may become harmful, such as when repayments are unaffordable.

Related examples for this topic

Compare different bands on the same IELTS prompt.

Browse all