Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.5 · Cambridge IELTS 20 · 2026-09-24

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)

As the world’s population continues to grow, the demand for fresh water is gradually increasing. Many people believe that every human being should have free access to water because it is a basic human right. I strongly disagree with the view that all household water should be provided free of charge.

First, charging people according to their consumption can encourage them to conserve water. Overpopulation has become a serious threat to humanity, while supplies of clean water are under increasing pressure. If households receive unlimited water free of charge, people may be less careful about how much they use. This could lead to unnecessary waste and eventually cause severe shortages. In contrast, a water bill based on consumption would encourage residents to use water only for essential purposes.

Second, supplying water completely free of charge could place a heavy burden on governments, particularly in developing countries. These nations often depend on taxes and public-service charges to finance essential infrastructure. If water were provided to every household at no cost, governments might have fewer resources to maintain pipelines, treat wastewater, and expand water networks. As a result, the quality and reliability of the water supply could decline, and economic development could be affected.

Admittedly, supporters of free water argue that it is necessary for human survival and should therefore be available to everyone, including poor families. However, governments can protect vulnerable citizens without making unlimited water free for all. For example, they could provide each household with a basic quantity free of charge and charge only for excessive consumption.

In conclusion, I disagree that every home should receive an unlimited supply of water free of charge. A reasonable payment based on consumption would reduce waste, support the maintenance of water infrastructure, and help preserve this vital resource for future generations.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 7.5

The response fully addresses all parts of the task prompt, taking a very clear position against making all household water entirely free of charge. The ideas are well-developed and supported with logical arguments regarding resource conservation and government infrastructure burdens. The writer extends their reasoning effectively in paragraphs two and three, and even concedes and refutes a counter-argument concerning vulnerable populations by suggesting a tiered solution (providing a basic quantity free of charge). The position is consistent throughout, meeting the criteria for a high band.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 7.5

Ideas are logically sequenced and progress naturally from introduction to specific arguments, concession, and conclusion. Paragraphing is used sufficiently and appropriately, with each paragraph focusing on a distinct central topic (conservation, economic burden, and counter-argument). Cohesive devices such as 'First', 'Second', 'Admittedly', 'However', and 'In conclusion' are managed well without feeling mechanical. Referencing and substitution are clear throughout, ensuring the text is easy to follow and cohesive.

Lexical Resource: Band 7.0

The student demonstrates a wide, fluent, and flexible range of vocabulary appropriate for an academic essay. Less common lexical items are used skillfully and naturally, such as 'conserve water', 'essential purposes', 'infrastructure', 'vulnerable citizens', and 'excessive consumption'. Word choice and collocation are generally accurate, showing a good awareness of style. There are only occasional minor inaccuracies, but communication is smooth, precise, and easily readable.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 7.5

The response features a wide range of complex sentence structures used with a high degree of accuracy. The majority of sentences are error-free, and control over grammar and punctuation is strong throughout. Examples of successful complex structures include conditional clauses ('If households receive unlimited water free of charge, people may be less careful...') and participial phrases. Only very occasional, non-systematic errors occur, which do not impede understanding in any way, aligning well with the Band 8 descriptor.

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