Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 7.5 · Cambridge IELTS 20 · 2026-08-03
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 7.5)
Access to clean water is a basic human right. Therefore every home should have a water supply that is provided free of charge. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Access to clean and safe water is essential for human health and well-being, and it is widely recognised as a fundamental human right. However, I disagree that every household should receive an unlimited water supply free of charge. Instead, governments should ensure that basic water needs are affordable while charging for excessive consumption.
One reason for my opinion is that supplying clean water requires substantial investment. Water must be collected, treated, tested, and distributed through an extensive network of pipelines and treatment plants. These systems involve high construction and maintenance costs, which are usually funded through taxes or utility bills. If water were provided entirely free of charge, governments might struggle to maintain the quality and reliability of the service, particularly in developing countries with limited financial resources.
Another important consideration is that charging a reasonable fee encourages people to use water responsibly. When a valuable resource is completely free, individuals may waste it by leaving taps running, overwatering gardens, or using excessive amounts for non-essential purposes. In contrast, a pricing system promotes conservation and helps protect water resources for future generations. Nevertheless, low-income families should receive subsidies or a free basic allowance to ensure that everyone can meet their essential daily needs.
In conclusion, although access to clean water is undoubtedly a basic human right, I do not believe that all household water should be supplied free of charge. A fairer and more sustainable solution is to guarantee affordable access to a basic amount of water while requiring payment for additional consumption.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 7.5 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 7.0 |
| Lexical Resource | 7.0 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 7.5 |
| Overall | 7.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.5
The response fully addresses all parts of the prompt. You have taken a clear position from the introduction and maintained it consistently throughout the essay. Your arguments are well-developed, particularly the distinction between basic needs and excessive consumption, which adds depth to the discussion. The inclusion of a nuanced solution—subsidies for low-income families—demonstrates a sophisticated understanding of the topic. The ideas are relevant and logically extended, meeting the requirements for a high band score.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.0
The essay is logically organized with a clear progression of ideas. Each paragraph has a central theme, starting with the economic reality of water supply and moving to the behavioral impact of pricing. Cohesive devices such as 'In contrast', 'Nevertheless', and 'One reason for my opinion' are used effectively to guide the reader. The paragraphing is logical and contributes to the overall flow of the argument. The transition between the acknowledgment of water as a right and the practical limitations of free supply is seamless.
Lexical Resource — Band 7.0
You demonstrate a wide and flexible range of vocabulary. Phrases such as 'fundamental human right', 'substantial investment', 'sustainable solution', and 'excessive consumption' are used accurately and naturally. The vocabulary is precise and appropriate for an academic context. There are no noticeable errors in word choice or collocation, and the language used is sophisticated enough to convey your arguments with clarity and precision.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.5
The essay displays a wide range of grammatical structures with high accuracy. You effectively use complex sentences, such as 'If water were provided entirely free of charge, governments might struggle to maintain the quality...', which shows good control over conditional forms. Punctuation is used correctly throughout, and the majority of your sentences are error-free. The control over tense and subject-verb agreement is consistent, reflecting a high level of grammatical competence.
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