Band 8.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 8.0 · 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 8.0)

Access to clean, potable water is a fundamental human right essential for basic survival and sanitation. I completely agree that every household should be provided with a domestic water supply free of charge, as financial barriers to water access endanger public health and exacerbate social inequality.

First and foremost, making water freely accessible to all households is a vital preventative measure for public health. When low-income families are charged for water usage, financial constraints may force them to limit essential hygiene practices or consume unsafe, contaminated alternatives. This significantly increases the transmission of waterborne pathogens and contagious diseases throughout entire communities. For example, ensuring unhindered access to clean water for basic bathing and handwashing halts the spread of viral and bacterial infections in densely populated areas. Therefore, providing water without cost serves as a critical defense line for overall community health.

Furthermore, because water is a non-negotiable biological necessity, treating it as a commercial commodity penalizes the most vulnerable members of society. Unlike luxury goods or non-essential utilities, individuals cannot choose to opt out of water consumption. Charging household water fees forces impoverished families to make severe trade-offs between purchasing food or paying utility bills. Providing a baseline allocation of domestic water free of charge guarantees that every citizen, regardless of socioeconomic status, can maintain human dignity and meet their basic biological needs.

In conclusion, safe water is essential for biological survival and public disease prevention. Given that charging for this basic resource disproportionately impacts poor households and creates wider public health hazards, domestic water supplies should be provided to every home free of charge.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 8.0

The response fully addresses the prompt by taking a clear position and supporting it with well-developed arguments. You effectively link the necessity of water to public health and social equity. Each paragraph introduces a distinct, relevant point—preventative health measures and the socioeconomic burden on vulnerable populations—which are then extended with logical reasoning. The position is consistent throughout, and the conclusion effectively synthesizes the main points. The ideas are well-supported, and the response demonstrates a sophisticated understanding of the topic, meeting all requirements of the task.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 8.0

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 effective cohesive devices such as 'First and foremost', 'Furthermore', and 'In conclusion'. Referencing is precise, and the flow of information is natural. The structure is coherent, and the use of linking words is neither mechanical nor repetitive, which contributes to a very readable and professional tone. The paragraphing is appropriate and supports the overall logical development of the argument.

Lexical Resource — Band 8.0

You demonstrate a wide and flexible range of vocabulary, using sophisticated terms such as 'potable', 'exacerbate', 'non-negotiable', and 'socioeconomic status' with precision. The collocations are natural and enhance the academic tone of the essay. There are no noticeable errors in word choice or spelling, and the vocabulary is used with a high degree of control. The language is precise and contributes significantly to the clarity and impact of your arguments, fitting well within the criteria for a high band score.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 8.0

The essay displays a wide range of complex grammatical structures, including conditional-like reasoning ('When low-income families are charged...'), relative clauses, and sophisticated sentence variety. The majority of sentences are error-free, and the punctuation is used accurately to manage complex ideas. There is a high level of control over grammar, with no significant errors that impede communication. The use of varied sentence lengths and structures keeps the reader engaged and demonstrates a high level of grammatical competence.

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