Band 8.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 8.0 · Cambridge IELTS 20 · 2026-08-27

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 clean water is widely regarded as a fundamental human right, and some people therefore argue that every household should receive water completely free of charge. Although I agree that everyone should have access to safe drinking water regardless of their financial situation, I do not believe that an unlimited domestic water supply should be provided at no cost.

The main reason for providing a certain amount of free water is that it is essential for human survival and good health. People need clean water not only for drinking but also for cooking, washing and maintaining basic hygiene. Low-income families may struggle to pay utility bills, and cutting off their water supply could have serious consequences for their health and quality of life. Governments should therefore ensure that every household receives enough water to meet its basic daily needs, either free of charge or at a highly affordable price.

However, making all household water completely free could lead to unnecessary consumption. When people do not have to pay according to how much they use, they may have less incentive to conserve water. For example, some households might use excessive amounts for watering gardens, washing cars or filling swimming pools. This would be particularly problematic in countries such as Australia, where droughts and water shortages can occur. Charging consumers for usage above a basic allowance could encourage them to use this valuable resource more responsibly.

Furthermore, supplying clean water involves considerable costs. Water must be collected, treated, tested and transported through an extensive network of pipes. These systems also require regular maintenance and investment. If consumers paid nothing, governments would have to finance the entire system through taxation, which could place additional pressure on public budgets.

In conclusion, while access to clean water should be guaranteed as a basic human right, I disagree that all water should be supplied free of charge. A more practical approach would be to provide every household with a free or affordable basic allowance and charge for consumption beyond that level.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 8.0

You have fully addressed all parts of the task. Your position is clear from the introduction and is maintained consistently throughout the essay. You provide a balanced argument by acknowledging the necessity of water for survival while presenting a logical counter-argument regarding conservation and economic sustainability. The ideas are well-developed, with specific examples such as the mention of Australia to illustrate the risks of water wastage. The conclusion effectively synthesizes your main points, providing a clear, practical resolution to the prompt. Your response is well-structured and directly answers the question posed.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 8.0

The essay is logically organized, with a clear progression of ideas from one paragraph to the next. Each paragraph has a central topic sentence that guides the reader. You use a variety of cohesive devices effectively, such as 'Although', 'However', 'For example', and 'Furthermore', which help to link your arguments smoothly. The paragraphing is logical and appropriate, with a clear introduction, body paragraphs focusing on distinct aspects of the argument, and a concise conclusion. The flow of information is natural and easy to follow throughout the entire response.

Lexical Resource — Band 8.0

You demonstrate a wide and flexible range of vocabulary, which allows you to express your ideas with precision. You use topic-specific terminology such as 'fundamental human right', 'unnecessary consumption', 'incentive to conserve', and 'public budgets' appropriately. The collocations are natural, and there is a good command of less common lexical items. There are no noticeable errors in word choice or spelling, and the language used is sophisticated enough to convey your arguments clearly and effectively. Your vocabulary range is well-suited to the academic nature of the task.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 8.0

You display a high level of grammatical control, using a variety of complex sentence structures with ease. Your use of conditional sentences, relative clauses, and passive voice is accurate and enhances the quality of your writing. The majority of your sentences are error-free, and there are no significant grammatical or punctuation mistakes that impede communication. The control over tense and aspect is consistent, and the overall structure of the essay is sophisticated. Your writing demonstrates a high degree of accuracy and flexibility, which is characteristic of a high-band response.

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