Band 8.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 8.0 · 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 8.0)

Access to clean water is undeniably a fundamental human right, and I strongly agree that every household should be guaranteed a water supply free of charge. This essay will argue that providing free access to clean water is not only a moral obligation but also a strategic investment in public health and social equity.

To begin with, clean drinking water is essential for survival, and the lack of it can lead to severe health consequences, particularly in developing countries. Waterborne diseases such as cholera, typhoid, and dysentery are still prevalent in regions where water is inaccessible or unaffordable. By ensuring free water supply to all homes, governments can drastically reduce the burden on public healthcare systems. For instance, in countries like Norway and Switzerland, where clean water is considered a public good and is either free or heavily subsidized, the incidence of water-related illnesses is almost negligible.

Furthermore, providing clean water at no cost promotes social equality. In many parts of the world, low-income families struggle to afford basic utilities. Charging for water can exacerbate the wealth gap, leaving the poor vulnerable to health risks and forcing them to rely on contaminated sources. If water becomes a privileged commodity rather than a guaranteed right, it will undermine the principles of human dignity and fairness.

Admittedly, some might argue that making water free may lead to overconsumption or financial strain on government budgets. However, this concern can be mitigated through smart water management systems that monitor usage and penalize excessive waste. In addition, the long-term benefits of a healthier population and reduced inequality far outweigh the short-term costs.

In conclusion, access to clean water is not a luxury but a necessity, and therefore, it should be available to all households at no cost. By prioritizing this right, societies can move closer to achieving universal health coverage, environmental sustainability, and social justice.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 8.0

The response fully addresses all parts of the task by presenting a clear position agreeing with the prompt and supporting it with well-developed ideas. The writer covers both public health and social equality in separate body paragraphs, providing relevant examples such as Norway and Switzerland to illustrate the points. The arguments are extended logically, considering counter-arguments like overconsumption and addressing them effectively with smart management solutions. There is no repetition, and the position remains consistent from the introduction to the conclusion, fully satisfying the requirements for a Band 8 level.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 8.0

The essay is logically sequenced with a clear overall progression from introduction to conclusion. Paragraphing is used sufficiently and appropriately, with each body paragraph focusing on a distinct theme. Cohesive devices such as 'To begin with', 'Furthermore', and 'Admittedly' are managed well to guide the reader through the argument without being overly mechanical. Referencing throughout the text is clear, ensuring smooth transitions between sentences and ideas, demonstrating solid control over the structural flow of the essay.

Lexical Resource: Band 8.0

The writer demonstrates a wide and flexible lexical range suitable for an academic task. Less common vocabulary items and collocations are used skillfully, such as 'fundamental human right', 'moral obligation', 'social equality', and 'privileged commodity'. Word choice and phrasing are natural throughout the text. There are only occasional minor inaccuracies, but these do not impede communication in any way. The vocabulary effectively conveys complex ideas with precision and style.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 8.0

The response features a wide range of complex grammatical structures used with a high degree of accuracy. The majority of sentences are error-free, and complex constructions—such as 'where clean water is considered a public good and is either free or heavily subsidized'—are handled with strong control. Punctuation is accurate, and verb tenses are managed consistently. Only very occasional minor slips occur, placing the response comfortably within the Band 8 descriptor for grammatical range and accuracy.

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.