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 a healthy life, and many people believe that every household should receive a free water supply. I would argue that clean water should be available to everyone on the grounds that it is a basic human necessity. However, I do not completely agree that unlimited household water should be provided free of charge.

Firstly, governments have a responsibility to ensure that all citizens have access to safe drinking water. Many people strongly believe that this is of paramount importance, particularly for low-income families who may struggle to pay for essential services. Providing a basic amount of clean water free of charge could prevent serious health issues and ensure that no one is forced to live without this essential resource. For example, governments could provide every household with a minimum amount of water for drinking, cooking and basic hygiene.

However, I acknowledge that providing unlimited water completely free of charge could create several drawbacks. Water treatment, transportation and infrastructure require significant investment, and governments would need to recover these costs somehow. Moreover, when a resource is completely free, people may waste it unnecessarily. This could face several issues in areas where water is already limited. I would therefore advocate a system in which a basic quantity is free, while households pay for excessive consumption. This could alleviate the issue of water wastage while still protecting people’s basic rights.

In conclusion, I partially agree that every home should receive a free water supply. I strongly believe that providing free access to a basic amount of clean water is essential, but charging for excessive use is reasonable. In my view, the benefits exceed the drawbacks of such a balanced approach.

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, arguing for a nuanced approach rather than a binary 'agree' or 'disagree'. The ideas are well-developed, particularly the distinction between basic needs and excessive consumption. You provide relevant justifications for both sides of the argument, such as the economic burden of infrastructure and the risk of wastage. The conclusion effectively synthesises your position, ensuring the response is balanced and logical throughout. The development is consistent and directly relevant to the prompt.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5

The essay is logically organised with a clear progression of ideas. Each paragraph has a central theme, and the transition between the acknowledgement of the opposing view and your own proposal is smooth. You use a range of cohesive devices effectively, such as 'Firstly', 'However', 'Moreover', and 'In conclusion'. The referencing is clear, and the paragraphing is used appropriately to separate distinct arguments. The flow of information is natural, and the relationship between sentences is easy to follow, meeting the requirements for a high band score.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.0

You demonstrate a good range of vocabulary that is appropriate for an academic context. Phrases such as 'paramount importance', 'essential resource', 'significant investment', and 'alleviate the issue' show a level of sophistication. The word choice is generally precise and contributes to the clarity of your argument. While there are no major errors in collocation, the vocabulary is functional and accurate rather than highly idiomatic or exceptionally varied. It is sufficient to convey your meaning with precision and style.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.5

The essay displays a good variety of complex sentence structures, including conditional clauses and relative clauses. The grammar is highly accurate, with very few errors. You maintain control over punctuation and tense usage throughout the text. Most sentences are error-free, and the few minor slips do not impede communication in any way. The range of structures used—such as 'I would therefore advocate a system in which...'—shows a strong command of English syntax, which is consistent with a high level of proficiency.

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