Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 20 · 2026-09-17
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 5.5)
It is widely believed that a clean water supply should be provided free of charge, as it is a basic human right. I strongly disagree with a free water supply in every home because inhabitants will ignore the necessity of water conservation, and they will waste excessive water in daily use.
To begin with, a water supply without cost may harm our environment. For instance, if every resident has water access without charge, they may use excessive water unnecessarily. As a result, we may witness water shortages in the future. In addition, people may avoid managing water consumption as they are not bound to pay the fee. Moreover, the government may lose the revenue which they earn from water supply. For example, the government invests in the water supply, including equipment, workers' salaries, and the purification process. If they do not charge for this, it may harm their income.
On the other hand, supplying drinkable water without charge has advantages; I believe its disadvantages are more significant than its advantages. However, underprivileged residents are unlikely to pay for water. So, it is very crucial for them to have a free water supply. Otherwise, it will be very difficult for them. One effective solution can be providing drinkable water only for the poor. The government could ensure its responsibility to provide basic human rights.
In conclusion, providing a free water supply has some advantages as well as disadvantages. Although it has some merits, its demerits will outweigh its advantages.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 5.5 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 5.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.5 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.5 |
| Overall | 5.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5
The student presents a clear position and addresses the prompt by discussing the disadvantages and merits of a free water supply. Main ideas are supported with relevant arguments, such as environmental concerns and government revenue, alongside a concession regarding underprivileged groups. However, there is a minor flaw in task completion due to length: the text contains 248 words, falling slightly short of the mandatory 250-word minimum specified in the instructions. This slight under-length prevents the response from fully developing all supporting points to a Band 7 standard, keeping the task achievement score at a solid 6.0.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5
The essay displays a coherent overall arrangement with logical progression. The writer uses standard cohesive devices effectively to link paragraphs and ideas, such as "To begin with", "In addition", "On the other hand", and "In conclusion". Paragraphing is utilised appropriately, separating the introduction, body paragraphs focusing on negative impacts and exceptions, and the conclusion. Referencing is generally clear, though occasional transitional links feel somewhat formulaic. Overall, the structural flow meets the criteria for Band 6.5, but due to standard half-band increments, a band score of 6.5 or 6.0 is applicable. A score of 6.0 is awarded as cohesion can occasionally feel mechanical.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.5
The student demonstrates an adequate range of vocabulary for the task, successfully incorporating topic-related terms such as "water conservation", "water consumption", "purification process", and "underprivileged residents". There are also attempts at less common vocabulary phrases like "bound to pay the fee" and "more significant than its advantages". While word choice is mostly accurate, some minor inaccuracies or repetitions occur, such as "supply drinkable water without charge" rather than varying collocations. Spelling and word formation are generally accurate throughout the essay, supporting a solid Band 6 performance.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5
The writer uses a mix of simple and complex sentence forms, including conditional structures ("if every resident has water access without charge, they may use excessive water unnecessarily") and concessive clauses. There are some minor grammatical errors and awkward phrasings, such as "supplying drinkable water without charge has advantages; I believe its disadvantages are more significant than its advantages", which displays slight punctuation or conjunction clumsiness. Nonetheless, these errors do not impede communication, and the sentence structures demonstrate a reasonable level of control, warranting a Band 6.0.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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