IELTS Writing Task 2/ IELTS Essay:
You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.
Write about the following topic:
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.
Write at least 250 words.
Model Answer 1: [Agreement]
Access to clean water is widely recognised as a fundamental human right, essential for survival, health, and dignity. Therefore, many argue that it should be provided to citizens for free. I strongly agree with the view that every household should receive a basic water supply free of charge, as this ensures public well-being and promotes social equity.
First and foremost, providing free access to clean water is crucial for protecting public health. Water is indispensable for drinking, cooking, and sanitation, and without it, communities become vulnerable to serious diseases such as cholera and dysentery. When governments guarantee a minimum level of free water, they effectively reduce healthcare burdens and prevent the spread of waterborne illnesses. For instance, in several developing regions, initiatives that offer free or subsidised clean water have led to noticeable declines in child mortality and infectious diseases.
Moreover, free access to water promotes fairness and reduces social inequality. In many parts of the world, low-income families struggle to afford basic utilities, forcing them to rely on unsafe water sources. By ensuring that every household receives a sufficient amount of clean water at no cost, governments can bridge the gap between the rich and the poor. This policy improves living standards as well as enables disadvantaged populations to focus on education and employment rather than daily survival. For example, in some rural areas of India, government schemes that provide free or highly subsidised clean water to low-income households have significantly reduced reliance on contaminated wells and rivers. As a result, families no longer need to spend hours collecting water, allowing children to attend school regularly and adults to pursue stable employment.
In conclusion, guaranteeing free access to a basic water supply is both a moral obligation and a practical policy. It protects public health, fosters equality, and can be sustainably managed with appropriate regulations. Therefore, governments should prioritise this essential service for all citizens.
Model Answer 2: [Disagreement]
Access to clean water is undeniably a fundamental human necessity; however, I disagree with the view that water should be supplied free of charge to every household. While the intention behind this idea is admirable, making water entirely free is neither practical nor sustainable in the long term. In this essay, I will explain why.
One major concern is that providing unlimited free water can lead to overconsumption and wastage. When people are not required to pay for a resource, they are generally less mindful of how they use it. This can place immense pressure on already limited freshwater supplies, particularly in regions facing water scarcity. For example, in some cities where water has been heavily subsidised, excessive usage has resulted in depleted reservoirs and increased strain on infrastructure.
In addition, supplying free water to all households would impose a significant financial burden on governments. The processes of water purification, storage, and distribution require substantial investment and ongoing maintenance. If governments bear these costs entirely, it could divert funding away from other critical sectors such as healthcare, education, and transportation. In developing countries, this trade-off could slow overall economic progress and reduce the quality of public services.
A more balanced and effective approach would be to implement a controlled pricing system. Under such a model, households could receive a limited amount of water at a low or subsidised rate to meet basic needs, while higher consumption would be charged accordingly. This ensures that essential access is maintained without encouraging wasteful behaviour. Countries like Australia have successfully adopted tiered pricing systems, which promote both conservation and financial sustainability.
In conclusion, although access to clean water is a basic right, providing it entirely free of charge is not a viable solution. A regulated system that combines affordability with responsible usage is a far more practical and sustainable alternative.
Idea Generation for this IELTS Essay:
Essay 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?
Essay Type:
Opinion Essay.
The main question of this IELTS Essay:
Should governments provide free water to all households, or should people pay for it?
Arguments in favour of providing free water to every household:
Ensures basic human survival and dignity:
Clean water is essential for drinking, cooking, and maintaining hygiene, making it a fundamental requirement for human survival. Without guaranteed access, people may suffer from dehydration, poor sanitation, and life-threatening diseases. Governments have a moral responsibility to ensure that all citizens can meet these basic needs. For example, free water supply programs in some regions have significantly reduced waterborne diseases and improved overall public health.
Improves public health outcomes:
When people have access to safe and clean water, they are less likely to contract infectious diseases caused by contaminated sources. This reduces the burden on healthcare systems and improves national productivity. Preventative measures like free water access are often more cost-effective than treating illnesses later. For example, communities with improved water access have reported lower rates of cholera and diarrhoeal diseases.
Reduces social inequality:
Low-income households often struggle to afford basic utilities, forcing them to rely on unsafe water sources. Providing free water helps bridge the gap between rich and poor by ensuring equal access to an essential resource. This policy supports vulnerable populations and improves their quality of life. For example, free water schemes have enabled disadvantaged families to maintain better hygiene and living conditions.
Supports education and employment:
When families do not need to spend time and money collecting water, they can focus on more productive activities. Children are more likely to attend school regularly, and adults can pursue stable employment. This contributes to long-term economic development and social mobility. For example, in rural areas, access to nearby free water sources has reduced school absenteeism among children.
Promotes social welfare and stability:
Providing essential services like water strengthens trust between governments and citizens. It demonstrates a commitment to public welfare and can lead to greater social stability. When basic needs are met, people are less likely to experience unrest or dissatisfaction. For example, countries with strong public service systems often enjoy higher levels of citizen satisfaction and social cohesion.
Arguments against providing free water to every household:
Leads to overconsumption and wastage:
When water is provided free of charge, people may not value it and could use it excessively. This can result in unnecessary wastage, especially in areas where water resources are already limited. Overuse can strain supply systems and harm the environment. For example, regions with heavily subsidised utilities often experience higher levels of water consumption.
Creates financial burden on governments:
Supplying clean water involves significant costs, including treatment, infrastructure, and maintenance. If governments provide it entirely free, they must bear these expenses, which can strain national budgets. This may reduce funding available for other essential sectors. For example, developing countries may struggle to sustain free water programs without external financial support.
Encourages inefficient resource management:
Without a pricing mechanism, it becomes difficult to regulate water usage effectively. People may lack incentives to conserve water or invest in efficient technologies. Pricing often plays a key role in promoting responsible consumption. For example, households with metered water systems tend to use water more carefully compared to those with unlimited free access.
Infrastructure challenges and maintenance issues:
Providing free water to every household requires extensive infrastructure, which may not be feasible in all regions. Maintaining pipelines, treatment plants, and distribution systems requires continuous investment and management. Without sufficient funding, the quality of service may decline. For example, some areas experience water shortages due to poorly maintained supply systems.
Better alternative: tiered pricing system:
A more balanced approach is to provide a basic amount of water at low or no cost while charging for excessive usage. This ensures that essential needs are met without encouraging waste. It also helps governments recover costs and maintain infrastructure. For example, several countries use tiered pricing to promote conservation while ensuring affordability.