Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.5 · Cambridge IELTS 20 · 2026-09-30

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 and safe water is widely regarded as a fundamental human right because it is essential for life, health, and sanitation. While I strongly agree that every household should have access to clean water, I disagree that the entire water supply should be provided free of charge. Instead, governments should guarantee a basic amount of free water while charging for excessive consumption.

There are several reasons why every home should receive a minimum supply of water at no cost. Water is indispensable for drinking, cooking, and maintaining hygiene. Without it, people are exposed to serious health risks, including dehydration and waterborne diseases. Families living in poverty may struggle to afford water bills, making free access to a basic supply an effective way to reduce inequality and improve public health. For example, during natural disasters or economic crises, governments often provide emergency water services free of charge to protect citizens' well-being.

However, making all water completely free could create significant financial and environmental challenges. Water treatment plants, pipelines, and distribution systems require continuous investment, maintenance, and skilled workers. If consumers were not required to pay anything, governments would face a heavy financial burden, and many people might waste water because it would appear to have no value. This could lead to shortages, particularly in regions already facing water scarcity. Charging households for consumption beyond essential needs encourages responsible use while generating revenue to maintain infrastructure.

In my view, the most practical solution is a balanced pricing system. Every household should receive enough clean water free of charge to meet essential daily needs, while additional usage should be billed at reasonable rates. This approach protects human rights, promotes water conservation, and ensures that water services remain financially sustainable.

In conclusion, although access to clean water is undoubtedly a basic human right, providing unlimited free water is neither practical nor sustainable. A policy that guarantees a free basic supply while charging for higher consumption is the fairest and most effective solution.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 7.5

The response fully addresses all parts of the prompt by presenting a nuanced position that agrees with clean water as a right, while disagreeing with the notion that the entire supply should be free. The writer introduces a clear and well-developed thesis in the introduction: 'Instead, governments should guarantee a basic amount of free water while charging for excessive consumption.' This position is maintained consistently throughout the essay. The body paragraphs are well supported with relevant arguments, such as public health benefits, economic burdens on governments, and the prevention of water wastage. Ideas are extended effectively, demonstrating a high level of task response that aligns strongly with the Band 8 descriptors.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 7.5

The essay displays a clear logical organisation and progression throughout. Each paragraph has a distinct central topic, starting from the introduction of the balanced pricing system, moving to health benefits, financial challenges, and a conclusive summary. Cohesive devices are used naturally and effectively, such as 'There are several reasons', 'However', and 'In my view'. Paragraphing is used skillfully and appropriately to separate distinct strands of argument. Referencing is consistently clear, ensuring the reader can follow the writer's line of reasoning effortlessly. The structural progression meets the criteria for Band 8.

Lexical Resource: Band 7.5

The writer demonstrates a wide, fluent, and flexible range of vocabulary appropriate for an academic context. Less common lexical items are used skillfully and with good control, such as 'indispensable', 'waterborne diseases', 'financial burden', and 'financially sustainable'. Word choice and collocations are generally precise, with only very occasional minor issues. Spelling and word formation are entirely accurate. The vocabulary choices elevate the piece and fully support the persuasive arguments presented, making a solid case for a Band 8 score in this criterion.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 7.5

The response exhibits a wide range of complex grammatical structures used with a high degree of accuracy. The majority of sentences are error-free, and the writer handles complex clauses smoothly, as seen in 'While I strongly agree that every household should have access to clean water, I disagree that the entire water supply should be provided free of charge.' Punctuation is used correctly throughout, and verb tenses are handled with precision. Only very occasional non-systematic slips might occur, but these never impede communication. The control over grammar matches the requirements for a Band 8.

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