Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.5 · Cambridge IELTS 20 · 2026-09-29

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 6.5)

It is widely acknowledged that access to clean water is a fundamental human right and that every household should be equipped with a free water supply. While I agree that water should be provided to every home without cost, I also believe that strict maintenance and usage policies must be established. This essay will first discuss why water should be free and then address the concerns regarding its potential misuse.

Water is considered a basic human right because every individual depends on it for survival. It is inextricably linked to human life, as people require clean and safe water for daily consumption. Furthermore, essential household activities such as washing clothes, bathing, and cleaning are impossible without an adequate supply. If citizens cannot access clean water, various waterborne diseases may emerge, which will eventually affect their physical and mental well-being. For instance, many people in certain African regions currently lack free access to safe water and are forced to collect contaminated water from lakes and canals. Consequently, a substantial portion of the population is constantly battling life-threatening illnesses.

However, when households receive water free of charge, there is a risk that people may become indifferent to its conservation. This often leads to significant waste rather than efficient utilization. Additionally, free water is not always distributed equitably; in some cases, wealthy individuals receive the majority of the supply while the poor receive the least. For example, in Bangladesh, some affluent individuals and politicians have been known to hoard clean water for their own purposes. As a result, those living in poverty are often forced to stand in long queues just to obtain their basic share of this free resource

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 6.5

The response effectively addresses the prompt by taking a clear and balanced position. The student agrees that water should be provided free of charge while acknowledging the necessity of strict maintenance and usage policies. In the body paragraphs, the writer explores both aspects: why water is a fundamental human right for survival and hygiene, and the risks associated with free distribution, such as waste and inequitable hoarding. Ideas are well-developed and supported with relevant, albeit slightly generalised, examples from regions like Africa and Bangladesh. The position remains consistent throughout, satisfying the Band 7 descriptors as all parts of the task are addressed and supported with extended reasoning.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 6.5

The essay presents a clear logical organisation and progression throughout. The introduction outlines the direction of the essay effectively using cohesive devices like 'first discuss' and 'then address'. Paragraphing is used sufficiently and appropriately, separating the introduction, the argument for free water, and the counter-arguments regarding misuse. Cohesive devices are used flexibly, such as 'Furthermore', 'Consequently', and 'Additionally', although occasionally transitional phrases feel slightly formulaic. Referencing throughout the text is clear, and the overall progression guides the reader smoothly from the thesis statement through to the final arguments.

Lexical Resource: Band 6.5

The student demonstrates a sufficient range of vocabulary that allows for flexibility and precision, such as 'fundamental human right', 'inextricably linked', 'efficient utilization', and 'equitably'. There is a clear attempt to use less common items with some awareness of style and collocation, such as 'substantial portion' and 'life-threatening illnesses'. While the vocabulary is largely appropriate, there are occasional minor inaccuracies in word choice or minor phrasing choices, but these do not impede communication. The lexical range easily satisfies the Band 7 descriptors.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 6.5

The writer displays a good command of grammar and punctuation, successfully integrating a variety of complex sentence structures. Examples include conditional structures like 'If citizens cannot access clean water...' and subordinate clauses such as 'While I agree that water should be provided...'. There are frequent error-free sentences, and grammar and punctuation are generally well controlled. A few minor slips occur, but they do not cause difficulty for the reader and do not impede communication, placing the response comfortably within the Band 7 range.

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