Band 8.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 8.0 · Cambridge IELTS 20 · 2026-08-25

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)

It is widely argued that clean water is a fundamental human right and consequently, every household should receive a water supply free of charge. I completely agree with this view because access to safe water is essential for health and equality, although governments need a sustainable way to fund the system.

The primary reason why water should be free is that it is vital for survival and public health. Without clean drinking water, people are exposed to waterborne diseases such as cholera, typhoid and diarrhea, which disproportionately affect children and low-income communities. If families are charged for water, the poorest may be forced to use unsafe sources, leading to higher healthcare costs for the government in the long run. Therefore, providing a basic supply at no cost protects both individuals and society.

Furthermore, treating water as a right rather than a commodity promotes social equality. In many countries, bills for utilities place a heavy burden on poor households. By guaranteeing free water for essential needs such as drinking, cooking and sanitation, governments ensure that no one is denied dignity due to poverty. This approach is similar to other basic services like primary education, which are already provided free in most nations because they benefit the whole population.

However, completely free and unlimited water could create problems. Water treatment, pumping and pipe maintenance require significant investment. If there is no charge at all, there is a risk of wastage and a lack of funds for infrastructure. To address this, a practical solution is a "lifeline" system. Each household could receive a fixed amount of water free every month to cover basic needs, while any consumption above that limit is charged. Revenue from excessive use by companies or wealthy households could then subsidize the system and fund repairs.

In conclusion, I agree that every home should have access to clean water free of cost because it is a basic human right linked to health and equality. To make this feasible, governments should provide a free basic allowance and charge only for usage beyond that. This ensures both universal access and the long-term sustainability of water services.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 8.0

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 regarding public health and social equality are well-developed, and you provide a nuanced perspective by acknowledging the potential for wastage and proposing a 'lifeline' system. This demonstrates a sophisticated approach to the task, as you do not simply agree but provide a balanced, practical solution that addresses the counter-argument. The ideas are extended and supported with relevant examples and logical reasoning, meeting the criteria 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, starting with health, moving to social equality, and then addressing the practical limitations of free water. You use a variety of cohesive devices effectively, such as 'consequently', 'furthermore', and 'in conclusion', which help the reader follow your argument without difficulty. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate distinct points. The transition between the argument for free water and the counter-argument regarding sustainability is smooth and well-managed, demonstrating a high level of control over the structure of the essay.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.5

You demonstrate a wide and flexible range of vocabulary, which is used with precision. Phrases such as 'fundamental human right', 'disproportionately affect', 'commodity', and 'long-term sustainability' show a strong command of academic language. The word choices are natural and contribute to the clarity of your argument. There are no significant errors in word choice or collocation. You successfully use less common lexical items to convey your ideas effectively, which is characteristic of a high-scoring response.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 8.0

The essay displays a wide range of grammatical structures with a high degree of accuracy. You use complex sentences effectively, such as conditional structures ('If families are charged... the poorest may be forced...') and relative clauses. The majority of your sentences are error-free, and the punctuation is used correctly throughout. Your control over verb tenses and subject-verb agreement is consistent. The writing is fluent and sophisticated, with no noticeable grammatical slips that would impede communication or distract the reader.

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