Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 20 · 2026-08-04

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 5.5)

There has been widespread discussion over the past few decades regarding the topic of the availability of free clean water in homes as it is considered a basic human right. In fact, many people question the need for a water bill when it should not be something you need to pay for in order to receive it. This essay will state and explain the reasons for why I agree that water should exist free of charge in all homes.

There is no doubt that all people unanimously agree that water should not be something you need to pay for. Not in restaurants, not in cafes, and certainly not in the comfort of your own home. It is absurd to see how several governments expect all goods to be taxed- from luxuries to basic human rights. A cup of water should not come with a price. It is simply an added burden that should not exist, especially in a world where poverty is rampant, expanding into the most vulnerable communities who cannot afford a loaf of bread let alone a small cup of water. For example, studies done in poor areas of Sudan have illustrated that many are malnourished and deprived of food and drink and are forced to consume dirty, soiled water from the ground. So, why has mere water become a luxury in most communities?

Over and above that, water is a naturally occuring substance. With every winter, we are blessed with months of rainfall and heavy downpour that leave us with vast scattered puddles around the world. Thanks to the existence of true science, the water cycle means that this water will eventually evaporate, only to bestow its presence upon the Earth once again later on. It is an infinite supply, one that simply cannot run out due to mere logic. Many, including myself, find it ridiculous that we are expected to pay for a basic human need that is always present in enormous amounts. You should not be expected to suffer of dehydration simply because you do not have enough money to pay a useless bill.

In a world built on taxes and greed, it comes as no surprise that a water bill exists. The difference between an electricity bill and a water bill is quite vast- though both are needed for comfortability. However, one has a story behind its great expenses, as electricity truly is costly, but water is a gift from nature. So, why must we pay for water that has been provided to us by God Almighty?

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5

The response addresses the prompt clearly, maintaining a consistent position throughout. The arguments are relevant, focusing on the human rights aspect and the natural abundance of water. However, the development is somewhat uneven. The argument regarding the 'water cycle' and 'infinite supply' is scientifically simplistic and ignores the costs associated with infrastructure, treatment, and distribution, which are central to the debate. While the position is clear, the supporting arguments lack the depth and nuance required for a higher band, as they rely on emotional appeals rather than a balanced exploration of the economic or logistical complexities involved in providing free water.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.0

The essay is logically organized with a clear introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion. Each paragraph has a central theme, such as the human rights perspective or the natural availability of water. Cohesive devices are used, such as 'Over and above that' and 'In a world built on', though some transitions feel slightly mechanical. Paragraphing is used effectively to separate distinct ideas. The progression of ideas is generally smooth, although the link between the 'water cycle' argument and the conclusion could be more tightly integrated to improve the overall flow of the argument.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.5

The vocabulary is generally appropriate for the task, with some attempts at more sophisticated phrasing like 'unanimously agree', 'rampant', and 'bestow its presence'. However, there are instances of slightly unnatural collocations or word choices, such as 'comfortability' (comfort is preferred) and 'mere water' (which sounds slightly odd in this context). The range is sufficient to convey the writer's meaning clearly, but it lacks the precision and flexibility required for higher bands. The repetition of 'water bill' and 'basic human right' suggests a need for a broader range of synonyms to enhance the lexical variety.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5

The writer demonstrates a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. There are several error-free sentences, and the grammar is generally accurate enough to ensure the message is clear. However, there are occasional errors, such as 'suffer of dehydration' (should be 'suffer from') and 'naturally occuring' (spelling error: 'occurring'). While the punctuation is generally correct, the sentence structure could be more varied to demonstrate greater control. The errors present are non-systematic and do not impede communication, placing the response firmly in the 6.5 to 7.0 range.

See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.

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