Band 8.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 8.0 · Cambridge IELTS 20 · 2026-08-19

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 safe and clean water is universally recognized as a fundamental human right essential for survival. While the moral argument for making water accessible to all is strong, providing a free water supply to every household presents significant practical and economic challenges. In my view, while vulnerable populations should receive heavily subsidized or free lifeline access, completely free water for every home is unsustainable and counterproductive to conservation efforts.

On the one hand, advocating for free water stems from the principle that water is a public good rather than a commercial commodity. Without financial barriers, impoverished families would not have to choose between purchasing basic hydration and fulfilling other necessities like food or healthcare. For instance, in various developing regions, exorbitant water tariffs force communities to rely on unsafe sources, leading to severe waterborne diseases. Ensuring a basic, free quota per household would safeguard public health and uphold basic human dignity.

On the other hand, providing completely free water without restriction often leads to severe inefficiencies. When a resource carries no financial cost, consumers are less incentivized to conserve it, resulting in massive wastage through leaks, over-irrigation, and unrestricted use. Municipal water treatment, infrastructure maintenance, and distribution networks require continuous capital investment. Without utility revenues, local governments would struggle to maintain the quality of the water supply, eventually leading to system failures and shortages that harm everyone.

A more balanced approach is a tiered pricing model. Governments can provide a free or heavily subsidized "lifeline" amount of water sufficient for basic domestic needs (such as drinking and sanitation), while charging progressive rates for higher consumption. This ensures that everyone can afford basic survival while penalizing excessive usage and generating revenue for infrastructure upkeep.

In conclusion, while the sentiment behind free water for every home addresses crucial equity concerns, complete deregulation and zero pricing are impractical. A regulated system combining free basic quotas with metered pricing for surplus usage is the most sustainable way to balance human rights with resource conservation.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 8.0

The response fully addresses all parts of the prompt. You have taken a clear, nuanced position from the introduction, arguing for a balanced approach rather than a binary 'yes' or 'no'. The ideas are well-developed, particularly the distinction between 'lifeline' access and unrestricted usage. The arguments are logical and supported by relevant examples, such as the mention of waterborne diseases and the economic necessity of infrastructure maintenance. The conclusion effectively synthesizes your position, demonstrating a sophisticated understanding of the topic. The response is well-structured and directly answers the question posed.

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 the 'on the one hand' and 'on the other hand' arguments is smooth. Cohesive devices such as 'while,' 'for instance,' and 'consequently' are used effectively to link ideas. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate the introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion. The flow of the argument is natural, and the relationship between the proposed solution and the initial problem is clearly articulated, making the text easy to follow.

Lexical Resource — Band 8.0

You demonstrate a wide and flexible range of vocabulary, which is used with precision. Phrases like 'fundamental human right,' 'commercial commodity,' 'exorbitant water tariffs,' and 'progressive rates' show a high level of lexical control. The vocabulary is not only accurate but also appropriate for an academic context. There are no noticeable errors in word choice or collocation, and the language used is sophisticated and natural throughout the essay. This level of lexical resource is indicative of a high-band performance.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 8.0

The essay displays a wide range of complex grammatical structures, including conditional sentences, participial phrases, and varied sentence lengths. The majority of sentences are error-free, and the control over punctuation and syntax is excellent. For example, the use of subordinate clauses in the introduction and the balanced structure of the conclusion demonstrate a high level of grammatical competence. There are no significant errors that impede communication, and the overall accuracy is very high, reflecting a strong command of English grammar.

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