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 essential for human survival, I completely disagree with the idea that it should be provided entirely free of charge to every household. Implementing a model where basic allocation is subsidised or capped, while excessive usage is paid for, is far more sustainable and equitable.

The primary argument against universal free water is the risk of massive wastage. When a vital resource is offered without financial cost, consumers often lose the incentive to conserve it. Household practices such as leaving taps running, taking excessively long showers, or using drinkable water for lawns and swimming pools would become widespread. In an era of increasing global water scarcity, non-metered, free access would severely deplete local reservoirs and place an unbearable strain on water treatment infrastructure.

Furthermore, processing and delivering safe, potable water involves immense operational costs. Maintaining pipelines, running filtration plants, and testing water quality require continuous public funding. If water utility companies or local governments receive no direct revenue from consumers, the financial burden falls entirely on taxpayers. This could lead to underfunded water systems, resulting in delayed repairs, frequent supply disruptions, and compromised water safety.

A more effective approach is to implement a tiered pricing system. Governments can guarantee a free or heavily subsidised quota of water per home to satisfy basic daily needs like drinking, cooking, and sanitation, ensuring human rights are upheld. Any consumption beyond this threshold should then be charged at standard or higher rates. This policy protects low-income families while discouraging excessive consumption among wealthier households.

In conclusion, although access to clean water is a fundamental right, providing unlimited water free of charge promotes wastefulness and jeopardises infrastructure quality. A balanced, tiered pricing strategy is essential to ensure both social equity and resource sustainability

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 8.5

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 the risk of wastage and the financial burden on infrastructure are well-developed and supported with logical reasoning. The proposal of a tiered pricing system provides a balanced solution that directly addresses the prompt's tension between human rights and resource management. The ideas are extended effectively, and the conclusion provides a strong summary of your stance.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5

The essay is logically organised with a clear progression of ideas. Each paragraph has a central topic, and the transition between the problem (wastage/costs) and the solution (tiered pricing) is smooth. You use a variety of cohesive devices effectively, such as 'Furthermore', 'In an era of', and 'In conclusion', which help guide the reader through your argument. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate distinct points, and referencing is clear throughout the text.

Lexical Resource — Band 8.0

You demonstrate a wide and sophisticated range of vocabulary. Phrases such as 'undeniably essential', 'potable water', 'operational costs', and 'resource sustainability' are used with precision and natural collocation. The language is academic in tone and fits the context of the task perfectly. There are no noticeable errors in word choice or spelling, and the vocabulary is used flexibly to convey complex ideas clearly.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 8.0

The essay displays a wide range of grammatical structures with high accuracy. You successfully use complex sentences, such as 'Implementing a model where basic allocation is subsidised or capped, while excessive usage is paid for, is far more sustainable and equitable.' Punctuation is used correctly to manage sentence flow, and there are no significant errors that impede communication. The majority of your sentences are error-free, reflecting a high level of control over English grammar.

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