What is the basis for water's high melting / freezing point?

The basis for water's high melting or freezing point is because it forms hydrogen bonds between adjacent molecules. Hydrogen bonds in water form between the partially positive hydrogen atom and partially negative oxygen atom. Molecules with stronger inter-molecular forces have higher freezing points. In this case, presence of hydrogen bonds in water raises the temperature enough to overcome these forces of attraction in water molecules. 

We can’t you if you only tell us that you have to show us what the answers are

Both models are effective because they show the valence electrons, and these valence electrons indicate the reactivity of an element.