Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.5 · Cambridge IELTS 20 · 2026-08-20

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 undeniable that clean water is fundamental to human survival and should be accessible to all people. However, I disagree with the view that water should be delivered to every household free of charge, since this approach would be impractical in some countries and could also encourage wasteful consumption.

To begin with, providing water without cost is unrealistic in regions where water is scarce due to geographical or climatic conditions. For example, many South African nations have faced prolonged droughts, which make fresh water insufficient even for basic daily use. In such cases, governments need to purchase water from external sources, invest in desalination plants, or build extensive pipeline systems. These processes require substantial financial resources, and therefore charging users is necessary to cover costs and maintain the water supply system.

Another key reason against free water distribution is that it would likely lead to overconsumption. Although fresh water is a natural resource, it is by no means inexhaustible. If households were granted unlimited access without payment, many people would take it for granted, leading to irresponsible usage such as leaving taps running or using large volumes of water for non-essential purposes. By contrast, when consumers are charged, even at a modest rate, they are more conscious of their consumption and more motivated to save water. This contributes to the sustainability of the resource for future generations.

In conclusion, while the right to clean water should be guaranteed, making it free for every household is neither feasible nor sustainable.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.5

The response fully addresses the prompt by taking a clear position and supporting it with two well-developed arguments: economic feasibility and resource conservation. The introduction clearly states the stance, and the body paragraphs provide logical reasoning and relevant examples, such as the mention of South African droughts. The ideas are extended and supported effectively throughout the essay. The response maintains a consistent focus on the prompt, and the conclusion provides a concise summary of the main points. The development is balanced, and the arguments are persuasive, meeting the requirements for a high band score.

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 introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion is smooth. Cohesive devices such as 'To begin with', 'Another key reason', 'By contrast', and 'In conclusion' are used effectively to guide the reader through the argument. Paragraphing is used appropriately, and referencing is clear throughout the text. The flow of information is natural, and the relationship between ideas is consistently well-managed, demonstrating a high level of coherence and cohesion.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.5

The vocabulary is precise and well-suited to the academic context. The student demonstrates a good range of vocabulary, including terms like 'fundamental', 'impractical', 'prolonged droughts', 'desalination plants', and 'inexhaustible'. These items are used accurately and naturally. There are no significant errors in word choice or collocation, and the language is sophisticated enough to convey complex ideas clearly. The range is sufficient to allow for flexibility and precision, contributing to the overall clarity and professional tone of the essay.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.5

The essay displays a wide range of grammatical structures, including complex sentences with subordinate clauses (e.g., 'If households were granted unlimited access without payment, many people would take it for granted'). The majority of sentences are error-free, and the control over punctuation and syntax is excellent. There are no noticeable grammatical errors that impede communication. The use of modal verbs and conditional structures is accurate, and the overall grammatical control is strong, reflecting a high level of proficiency.

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