Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 6.0 · 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 6.0)
Given that clean water is essential to human life, it is often argued that every household should be guaranteed access to a free water supply. I partially agree with this statement I will provide my opinion on both side.
In the one hand, Providing free access to clean water can protect people's health and ensure that everyone can meet their basic needs. In addition,
water is essential for drinking, cooking, and maintaining hygiene. However, low-income families may struggle to pay for an adequate supply of clean water. If governments provide a basic amount of water free of cost, disadvantaged people can maintain better living standards and avoid water-related diseases.For example, in poorer communities where household incomes are low, free access to safe drinking water could help families spend their limited income on other necessities such as food, education, and healthcare.
In the other hand, providing unlimited water completely free of charge could place a significant financial burden on governments and encourage unnecessary consumption.Additionally, water treatment, transportation, and the maintenance of pipelines require considerable investment. If consumers do not have to pay anything, they may also be less careful about how much water they use. As a result, governments might have to increase taxes or reduce spending on other public services. For instance, households might leave taps running or use excessive amounts of water for gardening if there is no financial incentive to conserve it.
In conclusion, I believe that every household should be guaranteed access to a basic amount of clean water free of charge, while excessive consumption should be paid for.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 6.5 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 6.0 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.5 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.5 |
| Overall | 6.0 |
Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 6.5
The student successfully addresses all parts of the task by presenting a clear, nuanced position ('I partially agree with this statement'). Both sides of the argument are explored effectively: the necessity of free water for health and poverty alleviation, and the financial burden and risk of wastage associated with entirely free supplies. Ideas are extended and supported with relevant examples, such as low-income families spending saved money on other necessities and the potential for excessive consumption like leaving taps running. While the introduction contains a punctuation error and run-on phrasing ('statement I will provide'), the overall development aligns well with Band 7 descriptors.
Coherence and Cohesion: Band 6.0
The response is logically organised with a clear introduction, two distinct body paragraphs representing opposing views, and a concise conclusion. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate ideas. Cohesive devices are employed to guide the reader, such as 'In the one hand', 'In addition', 'However', and 'For example'. However, there are minor cohesion flaws, most notably the incorrect fixed phrases ('In the one hand' instead of 'On the one hand' and 'In the other hand'), which slightly detract from natural flow. Referencing and progression remain clear throughout, placing this firmly at Band 6.5 or 7.0.
Lexical Resource: Band 5.5
The student demonstrates an adequate and generally appropriate range of vocabulary for the task, successfully using topic-specific terms such as 'disadvantaged people', 'financial burden', 'unnecessary consumption', and 'financial incentive'. There are a few vocabulary and collocation errors, notably the incorrect prepositional phrases ('In the one hand' and 'In the other hand' instead of 'On the one hand/other hand'). Despite these slips, the language is natural enough to communicate ideas clearly without causing strain for the reader, fitting the Band 6.0 to 6.5 profile well.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 5.5
The response features a mix of simple and complex sentence forms, demonstrating control over conditional and subordinate structures, such as 'If governments provide a basic amount of water free of cost...' and 'If consumers do not have to pay anything...'. There are some punctuation and structural errors, including a run-on sentence in the introduction ('statement I will provide my opinion on both side') and a missing space after a full stop ('diseases.For example'). Nevertheless, these errors rarely impede communication, and the writer shows a solid grasp of grammar overall.
See this exact question answered at other band scores. The same prompt compared across bands.
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