Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.5 · Cambridge IELTS 20 · 2026-08-13

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)

Some people argue that every household should have access to a free water supply because clean water is a fundamental human right. I strongly agree with this view, as people should not be denied access to such an essential resource because the cost can place a significant burden on low-income households, while eliminating water charges would allow them to allocate their limited income to other necessities.

First and foremost, access to clean water is essential for maintaining a basic standard of living. Unlike many goods and services, water is indispensable for everyday activities such as drinking, cooking, washing and maintaining personal hygiene. Charging people for the minimum amount of water required for these purposes could place an unfair burden on disadvantaged families, particularly those already struggling to meet their basic needs. For instance, during periods of financial hardship, a low-income family may have to choose between paying a water bill and purchasing essential food or medicine. Providing a basic quantity of clean water free of charge would therefore help ensure that everyone can maintain a dignified standard of living, regardless of their income.

Furthermore, removing charges for essential water consumption could allow households to redirect part of their limited budgets towards other important areas, particularly education and healthcare. Although the cost of water may appear relatively small, regular household expenses can accumulate and become significant for families with limited incomes. For example, a family that saves money on its monthly water bill could use those savings to purchase educational materials, pay for extracurricular classes or cover necessary medical expenses. In this way, free access to a basic level of water consumption could provide indirect financial support to vulnerable households.

Admittedly, providing water entirely free of charge could place a considerable financial burden on governments and might encourage unnecessary consumption. However, this problem could be addressed by providing a reasonable amount of water free of charge while charging households for excessive usage. Such a system would protect access to this fundamental resource while also discouraging waste.

In conclusion, I strongly believe that every household should be guaranteed free access to a basic supply of clean water. Since water is indispensable to human life and its cost can disproportionately affect low-income families, ensuring access to an essential amount of water is both socially responsible and beneficial to society.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.5

The response fully addresses the prompt by taking a clear position and supporting it with well-developed arguments. You effectively balance the humanitarian argument with a practical counter-argument regarding government costs, which adds depth to your analysis. The ideas are extended logically, such as the link between water costs and the ability to afford other necessities like education. The conclusion reinforces your stance while acknowledging the nuance of the topic. The response is well-structured and covers all parts of the task thoroughly, demonstrating a strong grasp of the requirements.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5

The essay is logically organized with a clear progression of ideas. Each paragraph has a central theme, and the transition between paragraphs is smooth, using cohesive devices such as 'First and foremost', 'Furthermore', and 'Admittedly'. Referencing is clear, and the use of linking words is natural rather than mechanical. The paragraphing is used effectively to separate the main arguments from the counter-argument and the conclusion, ensuring the reader can easily follow your line of reasoning throughout the text.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.5

You demonstrate a wide and flexible range of vocabulary, which allows for precise expression. Phrases such as 'fundamental human right', 'indispensable for everyday activities', and 'disproportionately affect' show a high level of lexical control. You use less common items appropriately and maintain a formal, academic tone throughout. There are no noticeable errors in word choice or collocation, and your vocabulary effectively conveys your arguments without any ambiguity or repetition.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.5

The essay displays a wide range of complex structures, including conditional sentences ('if... would') and sophisticated subordinate clauses. The majority of your sentences are error-free, and your control over punctuation and grammar is excellent. You use a variety of sentence lengths and types, which contributes to the overall flow of the writing. There are no significant grammatical errors that impede communication, and the accuracy is consistent throughout the entire response, reflecting a high level of proficiency.

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

Browse more IELTS Writing model answers or get your own writing scored by the same AI examiner.