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)

The issue of whether the water supply should be free of charge to every resident has sparked a considerable debate. Some people believe that water is a basic necessity of life for drinking, cooking, and washing, so it should be provided to every home at no cost, while others argue that it is impractical to supply free water. From my perspective, I disagree that all water should be supplied for free. Instead, governments should guarantee a basic amount for free, while charging for excessive consumption.

One of the main reasons why I strongly support that there should be a minimum amount of free water is that it is indispensable for everyone's daily tasks and is significant for people's hygiene. Without it, people are exposed to serious health risks, such as dehydration and waterborne diseases. Families living in poverty may struggle to afford water bills, so free access to a basic supply of water will help to reduce inequality and improve public health. For example, during natural disasters and economic crises, governments provide emergency water supplies for citizens' well-being.

However, making all water supply 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 any amount, governments would face a heavy financial burden, and many people would waste water because when it costs nothing, it ultimately has no value. This will lead to shortages, particularly in regions already facing water scarcity. Charging households beyond essential needs encourages responsibility while generating revenue for infrastructure. In my opinion, the most practical solution is a balanced pricing system. Every household should get free water for essential needs, while additional needs should be billed at reasonable rates. This protects human rights and promotes water preservation.

Taking everything into account, although free water supply is undoubtedly a basic human right, providing unlimited water is neither practical nor sustainable. A policy that guarantees the basic supply free of charge and charges for high consumption is the fairest and most effective approach.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 7.5

The candidate has fully addressed all parts of the task by presenting a clear and well-developed position on whether free water should be provided to every home. The introduction clearly states a nuanced stance: disagreeing with completely free water for all consumption, but advocating for a basic free allowance combined with paid excessive usage. This position is maintained consistently throughout the response. The body paragraphs are well-developed, with the second paragraph exploring the benefits of free water for public health and equality, and the third paragraph thoughtfully addressing the economic and environmental consequences of completely free water. Ideas are extended and supported with relevant explanations and examples, such as natural disasters and economic crises, meeting the criteria for a high band score.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 7.5

Ideas are logically sequenced and flow smoothly from one paragraph to the next. The essay demonstrates a clear overall progression, moving from the introduction of the topic and the writer's stance, to the arguments supporting a basic free supply, followed by the counter-arguments regarding sustainability, and finally concluding with a synthesized summary. Cohesive devices are used effectively and naturally without being intrusive, such as 'One of the main reasons why', 'However', and 'Taking everything into account'. Paragraphing is used sufficiently and appropriately, with each paragraph focusing on a distinct central theme, which satisfies the requirements for a strong band score.

Lexical Resource: Band 7.0

The candidate displays a wide, fluent, and flexible lexical resource suitable for an academic task. Less common vocabulary items are used with good awareness of style and collocation, such as 'indispensable', 'waterborne diseases', 'distribution systems', and 'water scarcity'. The phrasing 'charges for excessive consumption' and 'balanced pricing system' demonstrates precise word choice. There are only occasional minor limitations or inaccuracies, but overall the vocabulary allows the writer to convey precise meanings smoothly and effectively. Spelling and word formation are accurate throughout the essay.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 7.5

The essay exhibits a wide range of grammatical structures, including complex sentences with subordinate clauses ('Although free water supply is undoubtedly a basic human right, providing unlimited water is neither practical nor sustainable'). The majority of sentences are error-free, and control over grammar and punctuation is consistently good. There are occasional minor awkwardnesses or minor slips, but these do not impede communication or reduce the clarity of the argument. Complex structures are handled with good control and flexibility, which aligns well with the descriptors for a high band score.

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