Band 8.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 8.5 · 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 8.5)
Access to Clean Water is a Basic Human Right
Access to clean and safe drinking water is one of the most essential human needs. Some people believe that every household should receive a free water supply because clean water is a basic human right. I strongly agree with this opinion because water is necessary for survival, health, and improving the quality of life.
Firstly, clean water is essential for maintaining good health. Without access to safe drinking water, people are more likely to suffer from serious diseases such as cholera, typhoid, and diarrhea. Providing free water to every home would reduce the spread of these illnesses and improve public health. In many developing countries, families cannot afford clean water, which forces them to use unsafe sources. As a result, children and elderly people are especially at risk.
Secondly, access to free water promotes equality and supports economic development. Every person, regardless of income, deserves the opportunity to live a healthy life. When people do not have to spend a large portion of their income on basic water needs, they can use their money for education, food, or healthcare. For example, in some countries, governments provide subsidized or free water to low-income households, which has improved living standards and reduced poverty.
However, governments should also encourage responsible water usage. If water is completely free without any limits, people may waste it. Therefore, a basic amount of water should be provided free of charge, while excessive use should be paid for to promote conservation.
In conclusion, I believe that every home should receive a free supply of clean water because it is a fundamental human right. At the same time, sensible policies should be introduced to prevent unnecessary waste and ensure sustainable use of this valuable resource.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 8.5 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 8.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 8.0 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 8.5 |
| Overall | 8.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 8.5
The response fully addresses all parts of the task. You clearly state your position in the introduction and maintain it throughout the essay. The arguments regarding health benefits and economic equality are well-developed and supported with relevant examples, such as the mention of subsidized water programs. You also demonstrate a nuanced understanding of the topic by acknowledging the potential for waste and suggesting a tiered pricing model, which adds depth to your argument. The ideas are extended logically, and the conclusion effectively summarizes your stance while incorporating the balanced view presented in the body paragraphs. This is a very strong, well-reasoned response that meets all requirements of the prompt.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 8.5
The essay is logically organized with a clear progression of ideas. Each paragraph has a central theme, introduced by effective transition signals such as 'Firstly', 'Secondly', 'However', and 'In conclusion'. These cohesive devices are used naturally and help guide the reader through your argument. The paragraphing is appropriate, with each section serving a distinct purpose in the overall structure. Referencing is clear throughout, and the relationship between ideas is easy to follow. The flow is smooth, and there is no evidence of mechanical or repetitive use of linking words, which contributes to a very coherent piece of writing.
Lexical Resource — Band 8.0
You demonstrate a good range of vocabulary appropriate for an academic task. You use topic-specific terms such as 'fundamental human right', 'subsidized', 'economic development', and 'sustainable use' effectively. The word choice is generally precise and contributes to the clarity of your argument. While the vocabulary is accurate and fits the context well, there is room to incorporate more sophisticated or less common collocations to reach the highest band. However, the current range is more than sufficient to convey your ideas with precision and style, and there are no errors in word choice that impede communication.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 8.5
Your control of grammar is excellent. You use a variety of complex sentence structures, such as conditional sentences ('If water is completely free... people may waste it') and subordinate clauses ('When people do not have to spend... they can use their money...'). The majority of your sentences are error-free, and your punctuation is accurate throughout. There are no significant grammatical slips that distract the reader. You demonstrate a high level of flexibility in your writing, successfully combining simple and complex forms to create a natural and professional tone. The accuracy is consistent, reflecting a strong command of English syntax.
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