Band 8.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 8.5 · Cambridge IELTS 20 · 2026-08-17

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 8.5)

It is often argued that clean water is a fundamental human right, and consequently, governments should supply piped water to all households at no cost. I completely agree with this proposition because state-funded water safeguards essential public health standards and alleviates severe financial burdens on low-income families. This essay will outline the main arguments supporting this stance.

The primary reason why universal free water provision is valid is that it guarantees baseline hygiene and prevents widespread disease outbreaks. This is because when citizens are guaranteed clean water without financial barriers, they can maintain necessary sanitation practices, which directly eliminates transmission routes for waterborne pathogens. As a result, public healthcare systems experience significantly reduced strain and lower operational costs associated with treating preventable infectious illnesses. For example, municipal projects in South America that introduced free basic water quotas observed a 30% reduction in dysentery and cholera admissions within two years.

Another compelling factor supporting this position is the alleviation of socio-economic inequality among disadvantaged populations. When access to essential utilities is decoupled from household income, it systematically leads to disposable income preservation for vulnerable families, enabling them to afford nutritious food, healthcare, and education. A clear illustration of this is seen in South Africa, where the Free Basic Water policy provides impoverished households with a mandatory monthly allowance of clean water, resulting in improved household savings and higher school attendance rates in rural districts. Thus, providing water free of charge acts as an effective anti-poverty mechanism that upholds basic human dignity.

In conclusion, I firmly maintain that municipal water supplies should be provided to every home free of expense. This is due to its critical role in safeguarding community health and its power to relieve financial pressure on marginalized households. Ultimately, societies should embrace this approach to foster a healthier, more equitable future for all citizens.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 8.5

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 ideas are well-developed, with each body paragraph focusing on a distinct, logical argument—public health and socio-economic equality. The inclusion of specific examples, such as the municipal projects in South America and the Free Basic Water policy in South Africa, adds significant weight to your arguments and demonstrates a high level of task engagement. The conclusion effectively synthesizes your main points without introducing new information, meeting all requirements for a Band 9 performance in this criterion.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 8.5

The essay is logically organized with a clear progression of ideas. Each paragraph has a central topic sentence that is well-supported by subsequent explanations and examples. Cohesive devices are used naturally and effectively, such as 'consequently,' 'as a result,' and 'another compelling factor,' which guide the reader smoothly through your argument. 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 referencing is precise throughout the text, contributing to a seamless flow of information.

Lexical Resource — Band 8.5

You demonstrate a wide and sophisticated range of vocabulary, using terms like 'fundamental human right,' 'alleviates,' 'socio-economic inequality,' 'decoupled,' and 'disposable income preservation' with precision. The collocation is natural and accurate throughout the text. You show a strong ability to use less common lexical items to convey complex ideas effectively. There are no noticeable errors in word choice or spelling, and the language used is highly appropriate for an academic context. The vocabulary is not only sufficient but also adds depth and nuance to your arguments.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 8.5

The essay exhibits a wide range of complex grammatical structures, including conditional clauses, passive voice, and sophisticated subordinate clauses. The majority of sentences are error-free, and the control over punctuation and syntax is excellent. For instance, the sentence 'When access to essential utilities is decoupled from household income, it systematically leads to disposable income preservation...' is grammatically complex yet perfectly executed. There are no significant errors that impede communication or distract the reader. Your control over tense and agreement is consistent, reflecting a high level of grammatical competence.

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