Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.5 · Cambridge IELTS 20 · 2026-08-08

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 essential for human survival, and many people believe that every household should receive a free water supply because it is a fundamental human right. I largely agree with this view, although I believe that providing unlimited water completely free of charge may not be practical.

Firstly, clean water is necessary for maintaining basic health and hygiene. Without a reliable supply of safe water, people are more likely to suffer from diseases and poor living conditions. This is particularly important for low-income families, who may struggle to afford essential utilities. If governments ensure that every household has access to a minimum amount of clean water free of charge, they can protect vulnerable members of society and help guarantee a basic standard of living. In this sense, access to water should be treated as a basic public service rather than simply as a commercial product.

However, providing unlimited water for free could create several problems. Water treatment, transportation and infrastructure require substantial financial resources, and governments would need to cover these costs through taxation or other sources of public funding. Furthermore, when people do not have to pay for water, they may be less careful about how much they consume. This could encourage unnecessary usage and place additional pressure on limited water resources, especially in regions that already experience droughts or water shortages.

A more effective solution would therefore be to provide every household with a basic quantity of clean water free of charge while charging for excessive consumption. Such a system would ensure that everyone can meet their essential needs while also encouraging responsible use of water. Governments could additionally provide financial assistance to disadvantaged families who need more than the basic allowance.

In conclusion, I agree that clean water should be accessible to every household as a basic human right. Nevertheless, rather than making unlimited supplies completely free, governments should provide a sufficient basic amount at no cost and charge for excessive consumption. This approach would balance social responsibility with the need to conserve valuable water resources.

AI examiner evaluation

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 throughout the essay. The ideas are well-developed, particularly the distinction between a basic human right and the practicalities of unlimited consumption. You have provided a balanced argument by acknowledging the necessity of water for health while addressing the economic and environmental consequences of free, unlimited supply. The conclusion effectively synthesizes your position, offering a nuanced solution that demonstrates a high level of critical thinking. The response is well-structured and directly answers the prompt's requirements.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5

The essay is logically organized with a clear progression of ideas. Each paragraph has a central theme, starting with the health benefits, moving to the economic challenges, and concluding with a balanced proposal. You have used a variety of cohesive devices effectively, such as 'Firstly', 'However', 'Furthermore', and 'In conclusion', which guide the reader smoothly through your argument. The referencing is clear, and the paragraphing is used appropriately to separate distinct points. The flow of ideas is natural and coherent throughout the entire piece.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.0

You demonstrate a good range of vocabulary appropriate for an academic task. Phrases like 'fundamental human right', 'vulnerable members of society', 'substantial financial resources', and 'responsible use of water' show a strong command of topic-specific language. The vocabulary is used with precision and contributes to the formal tone of the essay. While the range is sufficient and accurate, incorporating a few more sophisticated or idiomatic collocations could elevate the score further. Overall, the lexical control is consistent and supports clear communication.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.5

The essay displays a wide range of grammatical structures, including complex sentences with conditional clauses ('If governments ensure...', 'when people do not have to pay...') and passive constructions ('should be treated as', 'could be provided'). The majority of your sentences are error-free, and your control over punctuation is excellent. There are no significant grammatical errors that impede meaning. The use of modal verbs ('should', 'could', 'may') is handled with high accuracy, reflecting the tentative and analytical nature of the argument.

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