Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 7.5 · 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 7.5)
Access to clean water is undeniably a fundamental human necessity, and some people argue that every household should receive a free water supply because it is a basic human right. While I strongly agree that everyone should have access to safe and clean water, I do not believe that providing unlimited water completely free of charge is the most practical solution.
On the one hand, clean water is essential for maintaining public health and human dignity. Lack of access to safe drinking water can lead to the spread of diseases and can severely affect vulnerable groups such as children and low-income families. Therefore, governments have a moral responsibility to ensure that all citizens can obtain a minimum amount of clean water, regardless of their financial circumstances. For example, in many rural areas, government-funded water programs have significantly improved living conditions by providing communities with reliable sources of safe water.
On the other hand, making water entirely free for every household could create financial and environmental challenges. Water purification, transportation, and maintenance of supply systems require substantial investment. If people are not required to pay anything, they may consume water excessively and waste this valuable resource. A more sustainable approach would be to provide a basic amount of water free of charge while applying reasonable charges for higher consumption.
In my view, clean water should be treated as a basic right, but a completely free unlimited supply is unrealistic. A fair pricing system can ensure that essential needs are met while encouraging responsible usage and allowing governments to maintain and improve water infrastructure.
In conclusion, every individual should have guaranteed access to clean water, but charging a reasonable amount for regular household consumption is a more effective and sustainable solution than providing unlimited free water.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 7.5 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 7.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 7.5 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 7.5 |
| Overall | 7.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.5
The response fully addresses all parts of the task by clearly taking a nuanced position and exploring both sides of the argument. You present a well-developed view that while access to clean water is a fundamental right, making an unlimited supply completely free is impractical due to financial and environmental concerns. Your ideas are thoroughly extended and supported with relevant examples and logical reasoning, such as mentioning government-funded water programs and the risk of excessive consumption. This meets the criteria for Band 8.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5
Your essay demonstrates a clear logical organisation and progression throughout. Each paragraph has a distinct focus, moving smoothly from the introduction to the arguments for free water, the counter-arguments regarding sustainability, and a balanced conclusion. Cohesive devices such as 'On the one hand', 'On the other hand', and 'In my view' are used flexibly and appropriately to guide the reader through your argumentation. Paragraphing is used skillfully, and referencing is clear and consistent, justifying a solid Band 7.5 score, rounded to 8.0.
Lexical Resource — Band 7.5
You demonstrate a wide and flexible vocabulary range suitable for an academic task. You use less common and precise terms effectively, such as 'undeniably', 'vulnerable groups', 'purification', 'infrastructure', and 'sustainable approach'. Word choices and collocations are generally accurate and natural, for instance, 'maintaining public health' and 'financial and environmental challenges'. There are no noticeable spelling or word-choice errors that impede communication, reflecting a strong command of lexical resource consistent with Band 7.5, rounded to 8.0.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.5
The writing exhibits a wide range of complex sentence structures used with a high degree of accuracy. The majority of your sentences are error-free, and you skillfully employ subordination and conditional structures, such as 'While I strongly agree that...' and 'If people are not required to pay anything...'. Punctuation is well-managed, and control over grammar is strong throughout the essay, with only very occasional, minor non-systematic slips. This performance strongly aligns with the Band 8 descriptors.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
Browse more IELTS Writing model answers or get your own writing scored by the same AI examiner.