Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.5 · Cambridge IELTS 20 · 2026-09-26

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 therefore receive a free water supply. I largely agree with this view because clean water is essential for maintaining public health and ensuring a basic standard of living. However, I believe that free access should be guaranteed only for essential household consumption rather than unlimited use.

First and foremost, providing households with a basic supply of clean water free of charge would help protect public health. Water is necessary for drinking, cooking and personal hygiene, meaning that people cannot reasonably be expected to live without it. If water were entirely dependent on people's ability to pay, low-income families could be forced to reduce their consumption to an unhealthy level. For example, a family struggling financially might avoid using sufficient water for bathing or cleaning in order to reduce its bills, increasing the risk of poor hygiene and disease. Therefore, guaranteeing a minimum amount of clean water could ensure that everyone can meet their basic needs regardless of their financial situation.

Nevertheless, making all water completely free could encourage excessive consumption and place a significant financial burden on governments. Water is a limited resource in many parts of the world, and people may be less careful about their consumption if they do not have to pay for it. This could lead to unnecessary waste, particularly through activities such as excessively long showers or frequent washing of cars and gardens. A more sustainable approach would therefore be to provide each household with a sufficient amount of water free of charge while charging for consumption beyond this basic allowance. This would protect people's fundamental right to clean water while also encouraging responsible use.

In conclusion, I agree that every household should have access to a free supply of clean water because it is essential for human health and dignity. However, this should apply to a reasonable amount required for basic needs, while excessive consumption should be charged to prevent waste and protect this valuable resource.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 7.5

The student fully addresses all parts of the task by taking a clear, nuanced position ('I largely agree... however, I believe that free access should be guaranteed only for essential household consumption'). The ideas are well-developed throughout the response. In the second paragraph, the student supports their argument with a relevant example regarding low-income families and public health risks. In the third paragraph, they extend the discussion by addressing the counter-argument regarding excessive consumption and waste, leading to a well-reasoned compromise. The response meets all the requirements of an academic task with a cohesive and well-supported argument that flows logically from introduction to conclusion, aligning well with the Band 8 descriptors.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 7.5

The response demonstrates a clear logical organization and progression throughout. Ideas are effectively sequenced, beginning with an introduction that outlines the writer's stance, followed by well-structured body paragraphs addressing public health and potential waste, and concluding with a concise summary. Cohesive devices are used flexibly and appropriately (e.g., 'First and foremost', 'Nevertheless', 'A more sustainable approach would therefore be'). Paragraphing is used skillfully, with each paragraph focusing on a distinct aspect of the argument. Referencing is clear and unambiguous, ensuring the reader can effortlessly follow the line of reasoning from start to finish.

Lexical Resource: Band 7.0

The student demonstrates a wide, fluent, and flexible range of vocabulary suited to the academic topic. Less common lexical items are used naturally and with a strong awareness of style and collocation, such as 'fundamental human necessity', 'unlimited use', 'excessive consumption', and 'sustainable approach'. Word choice is generally precise, allowing the writer to convey complex ideas clearly. There are only occasional minor inaccuracies, but these do not impede communication. Spelling and word formation are accurate throughout, reflecting a strong command of vocabulary that comfortably meets the criteria for Band 7.5 to 8.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 7.5

The writer uses a wide variety of complex sentence structures with a high degree of flexibility and accuracy. The majority of sentences are error-free, and control of grammar and punctuation is consistently strong. Examples of complex structures include conditional and participial clauses seamlessly integrated into the text, such as 'If water were entirely dependent on people's ability to pay...' and '...increasing the risk of poor hygiene and disease.' Errors are extremely rare and non-systematic, representing only occasional slips rather than a lack of control. This level of grammatical command easily satisfies the Band 8 descriptors.

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