Band 8.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 8.0 · Cambridge IELTS 20 · 2026-08-15

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 undeniably a fundamental human right, and I strongly agree that every household should be guaranteed a water supply free of charge. This essay will argue that providing free access to clean water is not only a moral obligation but also a strategic investment in public health and social equity.

To begin with, clean drinking water is essential for survival, and the lack of it can lead to severe health consequences, particularly in developing countries. Waterborne diseases such as cholera, typhoid, and dysentery are still prevalent in regions where water is inaccessible or unaffordable. By ensuring free water supply to all homes, governments can drastically reduce the burden on public healthcare systems. For instance, in countries like Norway and Switzerland, where clean water is considered a public good and is either free or heavily subsidized, the incidence of water-related illnesses is almost negligible.

Furthermore, providing clean water at no cost promotes social equality. In many parts of the world, low-income families struggle to afford basic utilities. Charging for water can exacerbate the wealth gap, leaving the poor vulnerable to health risks and forcing them to rely on contaminated sources. If water becomes a privileged commodity rather than a guaranteed right, it will undermine the principles of human dignity and fairness.

Admittedly, some might argue that making water free may lead to overconsumption or financial strain on government budgets. However, this concern can be mitigated through smart water management systems that monitor usage and penalize excessive waste. In addition, the long-term benefits of a healthier population and reduced inequality far outweigh the short-term costs.

In conclusion, access to clean water is not a luxury but a necessity, and therefore, it should be available to all households at no cost. By prioritizing this right, societies can move closer to achieving universal health coverage, environmental sustainability, and social justice.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 8.0

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 arguments regarding public health and social equity are well-developed and supported with relevant examples, such as the reference to Norway and Switzerland. You also effectively acknowledge and refute a counter-argument, which demonstrates a high level of critical thinking. The ideas are extended logically, and the conclusion provides a strong summary of your main points. The response is well-structured and directly answers the question posed in the prompt.

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 'To begin with', 'Furthermore', and 'In conclusion'. The use of referencing is precise, and the flow of information is natural. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate the introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion. There is no evidence of mechanical or repetitive use of linking words, and the overall structure supports the reader's understanding of your argument perfectly.

Lexical Resource — Band 8.0

You demonstrate a wide and flexible range of vocabulary, which allows for precise expression of your ideas. Phrases such as 'strategic investment', 'public good', 'privileged commodity', and 'mitigated through smart water management' show a high level of lexical control. You use less common items with good awareness of style and collocation. There are no significant errors in word choice or spelling, and the vocabulary is consistently appropriate for an academic essay. The language used is sophisticated and contributes to the overall clarity and impact of your argument.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 8.5

The essay displays a wide range of grammatical structures, including complex sentences and conditional clauses, used with high accuracy. The majority of your sentences are error-free, and your control over punctuation is excellent. You successfully integrate various sentence types, such as 'If water becomes a privileged commodity rather than a guaranteed right, it will undermine...', which demonstrates your ability to handle complex grammatical relationships. There are no noticeable errors that impede communication, and the grammatical control is consistent throughout the entire piece of writing.

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