Band 8.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 8.0 · Cambridge IELTS 20 · 2026-07-24
IELTS Writing Task 2 question
Access to clean water is a basic human right. Therefore every home should have a water supply that is provided free of charge.
Do you agree or disagree?
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.
Student answer (Band 8.0)
Access to clean water is considered one of the most basic human needs. Some people believe that every household should receive a free water supply because it is a fundamental human right. I partly agree with this opinion because everyone should have access to safe drinking water, but providing unlimited water free of charge may cause problems.
On the one hand, clean water is essential for people's health and survival. Without safe water, people can suffer from serious diseases and poor living conditions. Therefore, governments have a responsibility to ensure that every citizen has enough clean water for drinking, cooking, and personal hygiene. For example, in many developing countries, free access to clean water has helped reduce the spread of diseases and improve public health. This shows that providing basic water services can greatly benefit society.
On the other hand, making all water completely free may encourage people to waste it. Water treatment and distribution require large amounts of money for equipment, maintenance, and workers. If people do not pay anything, governments may struggle to cover these costs, especially in poorer countries. In addition, free water could lead to unnecessary consumption, which may increase water shortages in the future. Charging a reasonable fee can encourage people to use water more carefully.
In conclusion, I believe that every person should have access to a basic amount of clean water without charge because it is necessary for a healthy life. However, households should pay for any additional water they use. This system would protect human rights while also encouraging responsible water consumption.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 8.5 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 8.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 7.5 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 8.0 |
| Overall | 8.0 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 8.5
The response fully addresses all parts of the prompt. You have clearly stated your position in the introduction and maintained it throughout the essay. The ideas are well-developed, with the first body paragraph focusing on the health benefits of free water and the second addressing the economic and practical implications of unlimited free supply. The conclusion provides a balanced synthesis of your arguments. The response is well-structured and directly answers the question, providing relevant reasoning and examples to support your stance. The development is logical and consistent with the requirements for a high band score.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 8.5
The essay is logically organized with a clear progression of ideas. Each paragraph has a central topic sentence, and the transition between the two sides of the argument is smooth, using phrases like 'On the one hand' and 'On the other hand'. Cohesive devices such as 'Therefore', 'For example', and 'In addition' are used effectively to link sentences and ideas. The paragraphing is appropriate, with a clear introduction, two body paragraphs, and a conclusion. The flow of information is natural and easy to follow, meeting the requirements for a high level of coherence.
Lexical Resource — Band 7.5
You demonstrate a sufficient range of vocabulary to discuss the topic with precision. Phrases like 'fundamental human right', 'personal hygiene', 'unnecessary consumption', and 'responsible water consumption' are used accurately. While the vocabulary is appropriate and clear, it is generally functional rather than highly sophisticated or idiomatic. To reach a higher band, you could incorporate more nuanced collocations or less common academic vocabulary. However, the current range is more than adequate for the task, and there are no errors in word choice that impede communication.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 8.0
The essay displays a good mix of simple and complex sentence structures. You use complex sentences effectively, such as 'If people do not pay anything, governments may struggle to cover these costs'. The grammar is generally accurate, with very few errors. Punctuation is handled well, and the sentence structure is varied enough to maintain interest. The majority of your sentences are error-free, and the minor slips do not interfere with the clarity of your argument. Your control over grammatical structures is consistent and reliable throughout the text.
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