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 essential for human survival and good health. Many people believe that, because it is a basic human right, every household should receive water free of charge. While I strongly agree that everyone should have access to clean water, I do not believe that an unlimited water supply should be completely free.
One of the main reasons for providing free access to water is that it is necessary for life. Without clean water, people are unable to maintain proper hygiene, prepare food, or stay healthy. This is particularly important for low-income families who may struggle to afford basic necessities. By ensuring that every household receives a minimum amount of free water, governments can improve public health, reduce the spread of diseases, and enhance the overall quality of life. For example, several countries provide subsidised or free basic water services to support disadvantaged communities.
However, supplying unlimited water free of charge could lead to excessive consumption and wastage. Water is a limited natural resource, and many regions already face severe water shortages due to climate change and population growth. If people are not required to pay for the amount of water they use, they may have little incentive to conserve it. Furthermore, water treatment plants, pipelines, and maintenance require significant financial investment. Charging households for excessive water usage helps governments recover these costs and encourages responsible consumption.
In conclusion, I agree that access to clean water is a fundamental human right and that every household should receive enough water to meet its basic needs free of charge. However, I believe that charging for water used beyond this essential amount is a fair and practical approach, as it promotes conservation while ensuring the sustainability of water resources.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 7.5 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 7.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 7.5 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 7.5 |
| Overall | 7.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 7.5
The response fully addresses all parts of the prompt by taking a nuanced position that distinguishes between basic water needs and excessive consumption. The writer clearly agrees that clean water is a basic human right and that a minimum amount should be provided free, while arguing that unlimited free water is unsustainable. The ideas are well-developed and supported with relevant explanations and real-world examples, such as mentioning how disadvantaged communities and low-income families benefit from subsidised services. The position remains clear and consistent throughout the essay, demonstrating a sophisticated approach to a complex topic. There are no omissions or under-developed arguments, aligning with the criteria for a high band score.
Coherence and Cohesion: Band 7.5
The essay displays a very clear logical organization and progression throughout. Each paragraph has a distinct focus: introduction, arguments for free basic water, arguments against unlimited free water, and a balanced conclusion. Cohesive devices are used naturally and effectively, such as 'While I strongly agree', 'One of the main reasons', 'However', and 'In conclusion'. Paragraphing is used skillfully and appropriately to separate distinct thematic blocks of information. Referencing is clear and unambiguous, ensuring the reader effortlessly follows the writer's line of reasoning from beginning to end.
Lexical Resource: Band 7.5
The student demonstrates a wide, flexible, and natural lexical range appropriate for an academic task. Less common vocabulary items and collocations are used skillfully, such as 'excessive consumption', 'financial investment', 'disadvantaged communities', and 'sustainability of water resources'. Word choice is precise, and spelling as well as word formation are completely accurate throughout the response. The student successfully avoids overly repetitive phrasing, employing synonyms and thematic vocabulary related to economics, ecology, and public health with ease and control.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 7.5
The response features a wide variety of complex sentence structures used with a high degree of flexibility and control. Examples include concessive clauses ('While I strongly agree that...'), conditional structures ('If people are not required to pay...'), and relative clauses ('who may struggle to afford...'). The vast majority of sentences are completely error-free, with only occasional minor slips that never impede communication. Control of punctuation, articles, and subject-verb agreement is exceptionally strong, reflecting a high level of grammatical proficiency.
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