Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.5 · Cambridge IELTS 20 · 2026-09-12

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 6.5)

Having access to clean water is a fundamental human right. Therefore, I strongly agree that every household should be provided with a free water supply, as clean water is essential for good health and should be available to everyone regardless of their financial situation.

One of the major reasons is that clean water plays a significant role in keeping individuals healthy. As contaminated water is full of germs, including bacteria, viruses and many other tiny creatures, it can be dangerous to human health. These microorganisms can lead to several health problems, such as indigestion, bloating, and kidney problems. For example, drinking unclean water on a daily basis may cause kidney stones and kidney failure. However, this is more likely to occur when other risk factors are present. In addition, dirty water can also have a negative impact on people's lives. When individuals suffer from waterborne illnesses, their ability to work can be negatively affected. They may be unable to continue their daily routines because they feel weak and tired due to illness. Therefore, everyone should have free access to clean water so that they can remain healthy and energetic.

Another reason is that poor people may struggle to afford basic necessities. If low-income families have to pay for clean water, they may not be able to afford it because they do not have enough money to meet their basic needs. That is why they may use cheap but unsafe water. As a result, this can create inequality because wealthier households can easily pay for clean water, whereas low-income families may struggle to afford it. For example, people living in rural areas may find it difficult to travel to nearby cities regularly to access clean water, especially if they have to pay for it. In that case, poor people may choose to use the water that is available in their areas, even if it is contaminated or unsafe to drink. That is why clean and safe water should be available to everyone at no cost.

In conclusion, access to clean water is necessary for everyone to live healthy lives, and it should be provided free of charge to ensure that all people can access this essential resource and avoid health problems.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.5

The student presents a clear and well-developed position throughout the essay, strongly agreeing that water should be provided free of charge. All parts of the task are addressed, with well-supported arguments. In the first body paragraph, the writer explains the health consequences of contaminated water, such as kidney problems and fatigue, and links this back to the prompt. The second body paragraph successfully addresses economic inequality and how low-income families might be forced to use unsafe water. The ideas are extended effectively with relevant examples, such as rural populations facing financial barriers. The response satisfies the requirements of Band 7 by fully addressing all parts with a clear, extended position.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5

The essay displays a clear logical organisation and progression throughout. Each paragraph has a distinct central topic, starting with health implications in the second paragraph and financial constraints in the third. The introduction and conclusion frame the essay nicely. Cohesive devices such as 'One of the major reasons', 'In addition', 'Another reason', and 'In conclusion' are used effectively to guide the reader through the argument, demonstrating the characteristics of Band 7. Paragraphing is used logically and appropriately to separate distinct ideas, ensuring the overall progression remains clear and easy to follow from start to finish.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

The student uses a sufficient range of vocabulary to allow some flexibility and precision throughout the response. Appropriate topic-specific vocabulary is deployed, including terms like 'fundamental human right', 'contaminated water', 'waterborne illnesses', and 'low-income families'. The writer also attempts less common items with general success, such as 'indigestion', 'bloating', and 'inequality'. While there are occasional minor inaccuracies in word choice or collocation—for instance, describing microorganisms as 'tiny creatures' which is slightly informal—the overall range is adequate for the task and allows the message to be communicated clearly and effectively, aligning with a solid Band 6.5 to 7.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.5

The response demonstrates a good mix of simple and complex sentence forms. The student successfully incorporates complex structures, such as conditional and subordinate clauses (e.g., 'If low-income families have to pay for clean water, they may not be able to afford it because they do not have enough money...'). There is a high frequency of error-free sentences, and grammar and punctuation are generally well controlled. Although minor slips occur—such as the slight redundancy in 'clean and safe water should be available to everyone at no cost'—these errors do not impede communication. The control of grammar aligns comfortably with the Band 7 descriptor.

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