Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 7.5 · 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 7.5)
It is widely believed that access to clean water is a fundamental human right, and therefore, every household should be provided with a free water supply. I strongly agree with this view because clean water is essential for maintaining basic health and ensuring a decent standard of living.
On one hand, reports suggest that some countries are struggling to even fulfil the basic needs of clean water for the people because of water scarcity, lack of supply, and dry weather. For example, countries like North Africa experience severe water shortages due to their arid climate and limited rainfall, making it difficult for many communities to access a reliable supply of clean water. In such situations, providing water free of charge could help low-income families meet their basic needs and prevent serious health problems caused by the consumption of unsafe water.
On the other hand, providing a free water supply to every household could place a considerable financial burden on governments. Water needs to be treated, transported, and regularly maintained, all of which require significant investment. Therefore, governments may not be able to provide unlimited water completely free of charge. However, this problem could be addressed by providing every household with a basic amount of clean water for free and charging people for excessive consumption. This approach would ensure that everyone has access to their essential needs while also encouraging responsible water usage.
In conclusion, I believe that clean water should be regarded as a basic human right and that governments should provide a minimum supply free of charge. At the same time, additional consumption could be charged for in order to cover costs and prevent unnecessary wastage.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 7.5 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 7.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 6.5 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 7.5 |
| Overall | 7.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.5
The response fully addresses all parts of the prompt. You clearly state your position in the introduction and maintain it throughout the essay. The arguments are well-developed, particularly the balanced view in the third paragraph where you propose a tiered pricing system to address the financial concerns of governments. This shows a high level of critical thinking and task engagement. The examples provided, such as the reference to North Africa, are relevant and support your main points effectively. The conclusion provides a clear summary that aligns with your initial stance, ensuring the response is cohesive and focused.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5
The essay is logically organized with a clear progression of ideas. Each paragraph has a central theme, starting with the introduction, moving to the necessity of water, then the economic counter-argument, and finally the conclusion. You use cohesive devices such as 'On one hand', 'On the other hand', 'Therefore', and 'In conclusion' effectively to guide the reader through your argument. The paragraphing is appropriate, and the transition between the problem of scarcity and the proposed solution is smooth. The flow of ideas is natural and easy to follow throughout the text.
Lexical Resource — Band 6.5
You demonstrate a good range of vocabulary appropriate for an academic task. Phrases like 'fundamental human right', 'financial burden', 'excessive consumption', and 'unnecessary wastage' are used accurately and in the correct context. While the vocabulary is generally precise, it remains within a standard register. To reach a higher band, you could incorporate more sophisticated collocations or less common lexical items to add nuance. However, the current range is sufficient to convey your ideas clearly and effectively without any noticeable errors in word choice or spelling.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.5
The essay displays a good variety of complex sentence structures, such as the use of conditional and concessive clauses (e.g., 'In such situations, providing water free of charge could help...'). The grammar is highly accurate, with very few, if any, errors. Punctuation is used correctly to separate clauses and list items. The majority of your sentences are error-free, and the control over tense and modal verbs is consistent. This level of accuracy and structural variety is indicative of a strong command of English grammar.
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