Band 9.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 9.0 · Cambridge IELTS 20 · 2026-07-28

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 9.0)

While access to clean water is indisputably a fundamental human right essential for survival, the proposal that it should be supplied to every household completely free of charge is financially and practically unsustainable. I strongly disagree with the notion of unconditional, unlimited free water provision for all households. Instead, I advocate for a targeted subsidies model that guarantees basic utility needs while charging for higher consumption.

The primary argument against universal free household water is the massive financial burden it places on public infrastructure and state budgets. Extracting, treating, testing, and piping safe drinking water to millions of residences requires substantial capital expenditure and continuous, expensive maintenance. If municipal water authorities are completely deprived of user revenues, the funding for these critical services must be sourced entirely from general taxation. In many developing or economically strained nations, this would inevitably lead to underfunded water systems, severe deterioration of infrastructure, and ultimately a decline in water quality and safety.

Furthermore, making water entirely free creates a significant moral hazard regarding resource management and conservation. When a vital, finite resource is provided without a direct financial cost, consumers tend to undervalue it, leading to widespread negligence and unnecessary waste. Households would have little financial incentive to repair leaking pipes, install water-efficient appliances, or limit non-essential usages such as watering lawns and filling swimming pools. In an era where global climate change and droughts are intensifying water scarcity, encouraging unrestricted consumption through a zero-cost policy is ecological folly.

A far more pragmatic approach is a progressive or tiered pricing system. Under this framework, a basic allowance of water necessary for daily hygiene, cooking, and drinking is provided either free or at a heavily subsidized rate to all households, ensuring that no individual is deprived of their human right due to poverty. However, consumption exceeding this baseline threshold is charged at increasing rates. This ensures social equity for vulnerable populations while simultaneously penalizing wastefulness and generating the revenue required to maintain and upgrade the water supply grid.

In conclusion, although the basic requirement for clean water is indeed a human right, making household water entirely free for everyone is both economically viable and environmentally damaging. A tiered pricing structure represents a superior balance, safeguarding fundamental rights without compromising utility infrastructure or resource conservation.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 9.0

The response fully addresses all parts of the prompt. You take a clear position from the introduction and maintain it consistently throughout the essay. The arguments regarding financial sustainability and the 'moral hazard' of free resources are well-developed and supported with logical reasoning. You provide a balanced view by acknowledging the human right aspect while proposing a pragmatic alternative (tiered pricing), which demonstrates a sophisticated approach to the task. The ideas are extended and supported effectively, meeting the requirements for a high band score.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 9.0

The essay is logically organized with a clear progression of ideas. Each paragraph has a central theme, and the transition between the arguments is smooth. You use a variety of cohesive devices effectively, such as 'Furthermore', 'Instead', and 'Under this framework', which help guide the reader through your argument. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate the introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion. The flow of information is natural, and there is no evidence of mechanical or repetitive usage of linking words.

Lexical Resource — Band 9.0

You demonstrate a wide and sophisticated range of vocabulary. Phrases such as 'financially and practically unsustainable', 'capital expenditure', 'moral hazard', and 'pragmatic approach' are used with precision and natural collocation. The language is academic and appropriate for the task. There are no noticeable errors in word choice or spelling, and the vocabulary contributes significantly to the clarity and impact of your arguments. This level of lexical control is indicative of a high-level user.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 9.0

The essay displays a wide range of complex sentence structures, including conditional clauses, participial phrases, and well-constructed compound-complex sentences. The grammar is highly accurate throughout, with no significant errors that impede communication. Punctuation is used correctly to manage the flow of information. The majority of your sentences are error-free, and the control over tense, aspect, and modal verbs is excellent. The writing is fluent and demonstrates full flexibility in handling complex ideas.

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