Band 8.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 8.0 · Cambridge IELTS 20 · 2026-08-10
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 8.0)
Access to clean water is fundamental to human survival and dignity. While I strongly agree that clean water is an absolute human right, I disagree that a completely free, unlimited supply for every household is sustainable. Instead, a balanced model providing a free baseline quota is necessary to prevent waste and fund vital infrastructure.Undeniably, guaranteeing a basic amount of clean water prevents disease and alleviates poverty. When governments provide a free daily baseline for drinking, cooking, and essential hygiene, public health outcomes improve dramatically, particularly in low-income communities. For example, South Africa's "Free Basic Water" policy successfully ensures that impoverished households receive a minimal allocation monthly without cost. This approach recognizes water as a fundamental human necessity rather than a commercial luxury, safeguarding vulnerable populations from waterborne illnesses.However, rendering all household water entirely free presents severe economic and environmental risks. Unlimited free access eliminates financial incentives to conserve water, leading to massive domestic wastage through negligent usage or unrepaired leaks. Furthermore, maintaining treatment facilities and expanding pipeline networks requires immense capital. Without utility revenues, infrastructure deteriorates, ultimately reducing water quality. Charging a tiered tariff for luxury usage, such as filling swimming pools or watering lawns, ensures financial sustainability while discouraging environmental exploitation.In conclusion, while access to clean water must be guaranteed as a universal human right, an unrestricted free supply is impractical. Governments should instead provide a free basic allowance to satisfy essential domestic needs, while charging for excess consumption to secure the funds needed for high-quality, long-term water management.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 8.0 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 7.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 8.0 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 8.0 |
| Overall | 8.0 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 8.0
The response fully addresses all parts of the prompt. You have taken a clear, nuanced position from the outset, arguing for a 'balanced model' rather than a binary agree/disagree. The ideas are well-developed and supported by a relevant example (South Africa's policy). The argument is logical and consistent throughout, demonstrating a sophisticated understanding of the complexities involved in public utility management. The conclusion effectively synthesizes your position, ensuring the task is addressed in a comprehensive and balanced manner. This is a strong, well-reasoned response that meets all the requirements of the task.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5
The essay is logically organized with a clear progression of ideas. Each paragraph has a central focus: the first body paragraph discusses the benefits of a baseline supply, while the second addresses the economic and environmental risks of unlimited free water. Cohesive devices such as 'Undeniably,' 'However,' and 'Furthermore' are used effectively to guide the reader through your argument. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate distinct stages of the discussion. The flow is natural, and the relationship between ideas is always clear, making the text very easy to follow.
Lexical Resource — Band 8.0
You demonstrate a wide and flexible range of vocabulary. You use precise, academic terminology such as 'fundamental human necessity,' 'environmental exploitation,' 'tiered tariff,' and 'infrastructure deteriorates' with natural control. The word choices are sophisticated and contribute to the formal tone of the essay. There are no noticeable errors in word choice or collocation. The vocabulary is not only accurate but also enhances the clarity and impact of your arguments, fitting the criteria for a high band score.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 8.0
The essay displays a wide range of complex structures, including conditional clauses ('If...'), participial phrases ('leading to...'), and well-constructed compound-complex sentences. The grammar is highly accurate, with the vast majority of sentences being error-free. Punctuation is used correctly to manage the flow of information. There are no significant grammatical slips that impede communication. The control over sentence structure is consistent throughout, demonstrating a high level of proficiency in English grammar.
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