Band 8.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 8.0 · Cambridge IELTS 20 · 2026-09-27

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 8.0)

Access to clean and safe drinking water is undeniably essential to human life, and many people argue that every household should therefore receive a free water supply. I strongly agree that everyone should have access to a basic quantity of clean water without charge, although I do not believe that unlimited household consumption should be completely free.

The primary reason for providing free access to water is that it is fundamental to human health and dignity. Unlike many other household necessities, water is indispensable for drinking, cooking and maintaining basic hygiene. If low-income families are unable to afford an adequate supply, they may be forced to reduce their consumption or rely on unsafe sources. This can increase the spread of waterborne diseases and place additional pressure on public health systems. For example, in poorer communities where reliable water infrastructure is unavailable, residents may have to collect water from contaminated rivers or wells, exposing them to serious health risks. Providing a minimum amount of safe water free of charge would help ensure that nobody is deprived of this essential resource because of poverty.

However, making all household water completely free could create significant problems. Water treatment, storage and distribution require substantial investment, while water itself is a finite resource. If consumers face no financial consequences for excessive usage, some households may waste large quantities through unnecessarily long showers, leaking taps or excessive garden irrigation. A more sustainable approach would therefore be to provide every household with a reasonable basic allowance free of charge and charge progressively higher rates for consumption beyond that limit. Such a system could protect vulnerable households while encouraging wealthier consumers to use water responsibly.

In addition, governments have a responsibility to ensure that free water provision does not undermine the maintenance of water infrastructure. Revenue from higher levels of consumption could be invested in treatment facilities, pipelines and conservation projects. This would make the system financially sustainable while ensuring that essential water remains universally accessible.

In conclusion, I strongly support the principle that every person should have free access to a sufficient quantity of clean water because it is a fundamental necessity of life. Nevertheless, unlimited consumption should not be free. A system that guarantees a basic free supply while charging for excessive use would provide a fair balance between human needs, environmental sustainability and responsible consumption.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 8.0

The response fully addresses all parts of the task by presenting a well-developed, nuanced position. The student directly answers the prompt in the introduction ("I strongly agree that everyone should have access to a basic quantity of clean water without charge, although I do not believe that unlimited household consumption should be completely free") and maintains this clear stance throughout. Ideas are thoroughly extended and supported with relevant explanations and real-world examples, such as the discussion on low-income families and waterborne diseases in the second paragraph. The counter-argument regarding excessive usage and finite resources is thoughtfully integrated in the third paragraph, leading to a balanced and logical conclusion. The response meets all the requirements for a high band score under Task Achievement.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 8.0

Ideas are logically sequenced and progress naturally from the introduction through body paragraphs addressing health and sustainability, to a clear conclusion. Paragraphing is used sufficiently and appropriately, with each paragraph focusing on a distinct central topic. Cohesive devices are managed skilfully and unobtrusively, using transition markers such as "Unlike many other household necessities," "However," and "In addition" to guide the reader smoothly through the argument. Referencing is clear throughout, and lexical cohesion is well maintained without sounding mechanical or repetitive, reflecting strong control over text structure.

Lexical Resource: Band 8.0

The student demonstrates a wide, flexible, and natural lexical resource suitable for an academic task. Less common and precise vocabulary is used skilfully and appropriately throughout the text, including terms such as "indispensable," "waterborne diseases," "finite resource," "progressive higher rates," and "financial sustainability." Word choice and collocations are generally precise, with only occasional minor stylistic awkwardness that never impedes communication. Spelling and word formation are entirely accurate, showcasing a strong command of academic vocabulary.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 8.0

The response exhibits a wide range of complex grammatical structures used with a high degree of flexibility and accuracy. The majority of sentences are error-free, featuring sophisticated syntactic constructions such as conditional clauses ("If low-income families are unable to afford...") and participial phrases. Punctuation is handled with precision. Only very occasional minor non-systematic slips occur, but these do not detract from the overall fluency or communicative quality of the writing. Control over grammar is strong and consistent throughout.

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.