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)

While clean water is undeniably a fundamental necessity for survival, the proposition that it should be supplied to every household entirely free of charge is a subject of intense debate. In my opinion, although access to clean water is a basic human right, providing it completely free of charge is economically unsustainable and could lead to severe resource mismanagement.The primary reason why water should not be entirely free is the immense financial cost associated with its purification and distribution. Natural water sources are rarely safe for direct consumption; they must undergo rigorous chemical treatment and filtration at specialized plants to meet health standards. Furthermore, transporting this water to millions of homes requires an extensive network of pipes, pumps, and continuous maintenance. If governments were to absorb these astronomical costs completely, it would severely strain public budgets, likely leading to higher income taxes or a decline in the quality and safety of the water supply itself.Another critical factor to consider is conservation. When a vital resource is provided free of charge, there is a natural human tendency to undervalue and waste it. Without financial accountability, individuals might ignore leaking pipes, leave taps running unnecessarily, or use excessive amounts of treated water for non-essential purposes like washing cars or filling large swimming pools. Introducing a financial cost acts as a necessary deterrent against wastefulness, encouraging households to practice responsible consumption and protect a finite global resource.However, since water is a basic human right, a balanced approach is necessary to ensure that low-income families are not deprived of it. Governments can implement a tiered pricing system where a baseline quantity of water—sufficient for essential cooking, drinking, and basic hygiene—is provided free or at a heavily subsidized rate. Any consumption beyond this vital threshold would then be charged at progressively higher rates. This model ensures that no one is denied their basic rights due to poverty, while still generating revenue from heavy users to maintain public infrastructure.In conclusion, while the ethical argument for free water is understandable, making it completely free for all households is practically unfeasible. A system that charges for water usage above a basic, free survival threshold is the most effective way to fund infrastructure, prevent waste, and still protect human rights.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 8.0

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 arguments regarding economic sustainability and resource conservation are well-developed and supported with logical reasoning. Furthermore, you provide a nuanced solution in the third body paragraph, which demonstrates a sophisticated understanding of the topic. The ideas are extended and supported effectively, 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 arguments is smooth. You use a variety of cohesive devices such as 'Furthermore', 'However', and 'In conclusion' effectively to link sentences and paragraphs. The paragraphing is logical and contributes to the overall clarity of the argument. The flow of information is natural and never attracts negative attention.

Lexical Resource — Band 8.0

You demonstrate a wide and flexible range of vocabulary, using precise terms such as 'economically unsustainable', 'rigorous chemical treatment', 'financial accountability', and 'tiered pricing system'. The language is natural and sophisticated, showing a high level of control. There are no noticeable errors in word choice or collocation, and the vocabulary is well-suited to the academic nature of the task.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 8.0

The essay displays a wide range of complex structures, including conditional sentences and well-constructed subordinate clauses. The majority of sentences are error-free, and the punctuation is used accurately throughout. You demonstrate excellent control over grammar, with no significant errors that impede communication. The sentence variety is impressive, contributing to the overall fluency of the text.

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