Band 8.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 8.5 · Cambridge IELTS 20 · 2026-07-29
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. Therefore every home should have a water supply that is provided free of charge. Do you agree or disagree?
Access to clean water is widely recognized as one of the most basic human needs. Some people believe that every household should receive a free water supply because clean water is a fundamental human right. I strongly agree with this opinion, as it is essential for human survival and public health.
Firstly, clean water is necessary for life and maintaining good health. People require safe drinking water for cooking, cleaning, and personal hygiene. Without access to clean water, the risk of diseases such as cholera, typhoid, and diarrhoea increases significantly. Therefore, providing every household with a basic supply of clean water would improve public health and reduce healthcare costs. For example, many developing countries have experienced lower disease rates after governments invested in clean water systems.
Secondly, governments have a moral and social responsibility to ensure that all citizens can meet their basic needs. Just as governments provide public education and healthcare, they should also guarantee access to a minimum amount of clean water. Families living in poverty may struggle to afford sufficient water, and charging high prices could prevent them from meeting their daily needs. A free basic supply would ensure that no one is deprived of this essential resource.
However, this does not mean that unlimited water should be provided without charge. Excessive water consumption can lead to wastage and put pressure on limited natural resources. Therefore, governments could provide a reasonable amount of water free of charge while requiring households to pay for any additional usage. This would encourage responsible consumption while protecting everyone's basic rights.
In conclusion, I strongly agree that every household should receive access to a basic supply of clean water free of charge because it is essential for health and human dignity. Nevertheless, charging for excessive use is a sensible way to prevent unnecessary waste.
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 have taken a clear position from the introduction and maintained it throughout the essay. The ideas are well-developed, particularly the distinction between a basic free supply and the need to charge for excessive usage, which adds nuance to your argument. Each paragraph is supported by relevant reasoning, such as the link between clean water and public health, and the comparison to other public services like education. The conclusion effectively summarises your stance while acknowledging the practical limitations of your proposal. The response is balanced, logical, and directly answers the prompt.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 8.5
The essay is logically organised with a clear progression of ideas. Each paragraph has a central topic sentence, and the transition between paragraphs is smooth. You have used a variety of cohesive devices effectively, such as 'Firstly', 'Secondly', 'However', and 'In conclusion', which help guide the reader through your argument. The referencing is clear, and the paragraphing is appropriate for the structure of an IELTS essay. The flow of ideas is natural, 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 that is appropriate for the academic context. Phrases such as 'fundamental human right', 'excessive water consumption', and 'natural resources' are used accurately. You show an ability to use less common lexical items, such as 'deprived', 'dignity', and 'sensible', which enhances the quality of the response. The word choices are precise and contribute to the clarity of your argument. There are no significant errors in word choice or collocation, and the vocabulary is sufficiently varied to convey your points effectively throughout the essay.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 8.5
The essay displays a wide range of grammatical structures, including complex sentences and conditional-like logic (e.g., 'If... then' structures implied in your argument). The majority of your sentences are error-free, and your control over punctuation is excellent. You use a mix of simple and complex forms effectively to maintain interest and clarity. There are no noticeable grammatical errors that impede communication, and the overall control of syntax is strong. The writing is fluent and demonstrates a high level of accuracy, consistent with the requirements for a high band score.
Browse more IELTS Writing model answers or get your own writing scored by the same AI examiner.