Table of Contents
BEST IELTS Writing Task 2, 5th August
IELTS WRITING TASK 2

IELTS WRITING TASK 2
Access to clean water is a basic human right. Therefore every home should have a water supply that is provided free of charge. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
SAMPLE ANSWER
It is often argued that since access to clean water is a fundamental human right, it should be given to every household free of charge. I agree that clean water is essential and should be universally accessible, despite the potential expense of such a proposal.
IELTS Writing Task 2
One the one hand, the argument that clean water is a human right is supported by strong moral and humanitarian reasoning. Water is vital not only for drinking, but for cooking, hygiene, and sanitation. Without it, communities are vulnerable to diseases such as cholera, dysentery, and typhoid, all of which are preventable with access to clean water. For example, in sub-Saharan Africa, where millions still lack safe water access, avoidable waterborne illnesses cause more deaths each year than armed conflicts.
In this context, expecting individuals to pay for water they cannot afford fosters an unjust system where survival equates to income. Governments, therefore, have a duty to ensure that no citizens are denied this basic resource, especially in less affluent or rural areas.
IELTS Writing Task 2
On the other hand, providing unlimited free water to every home engenders serious logistical and financial challenges. Water treatment, maintenance of pipelines, and distribution all require funding, skilled labour, and dedicated infrastructure. If water were completely free, there would be little incentive for consumers to use it responsibly, leading to wastage and overconsumption. Consider the example of California during its 2011–2017 drought: despite public campaigns, many affluent neighbourhoods continued to overwater their lawns and fill large swimming pools, as water prices were heavily subsidized. This overuse strained reservoirs and forced emergency water restrictions. As a response, nations like Singapore have implemented a tiered pricing system where basic water needs are affordable, but excessive use is charged at higher rates.
IELTS Writing Task 2
In conclusion, I strongly agree that every individual deserves access to clean water as a basic human right, despite the practical challenges posed. A fair solution would safeguard free access to water for the general public regardless of the financial ramifications.
