Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 15 · 2026-09-01

IELTS Writing Task 1 question

You have seen an advertisement from a couple, who live in Australia, for someone to teach their two children your language for a year. Write a letter to the couple. In your letter

• explain why you think you would be suitable for the job
• say what else you could do for the family
• give your reasons for wanting the job

You do NOT need to write any addresses.

Begin your letter as follows:

Dear .................. ,

Student answer (Band 5.5)

Dear sir/madam

I am writing this letter to you for information I want to give you about you research good language teacher for your children.

I am suitable to do this job according to your requirements. I saw the advertisement and watched all criteria of yours and I’m totally fit in all criteria for teach your children’s their language for a year.

I will teach your children’s very good way also I have do something for your family like if you have old mother and father so would like to help and also I would like to helping in your home something if you needed.

I want this job because I’m staying here for year and I want to get job for my survival and also for money because I want to help my family and I want became financially independent so I want to do this job.

I am waiting for your response please do needful as soon as possible if you want to know any other information about me feel free to contact me on [redacted phone].

Your sincerely

Shilpa Chaudhary

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5

The letter addresses all three bullet points: suitability, additional help, and reasons for applying. However, the development of these points is quite basic. For instance, the explanation of suitability is vague, relying on general statements like 'I’m totally fit in all criteria' rather than specific skills or experience. The reasons for wanting the job are also somewhat blunt, focusing primarily on financial survival. While the task requirements are met, the tone is not consistently appropriate for a formal letter to a family, and the ideas lack the depth required for a higher band score.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5

The letter is organised into paragraphs, which helps the reader follow the structure. However, the use of cohesive devices is very limited and often mechanical. There is a lack of variety in linking words, and some transitions between sentences are abrupt or missing. For example, the jump from teaching to helping with elderly parents is sudden. The referencing is sometimes unclear, such as the phrase 'do something for your family', which lacks specific context. While the overall message is understandable, the flow between ideas is not smooth.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.0

The vocabulary is basic and repetitive. There are several instances of awkward phrasing and word choice errors, such as 'watched all criteria of yours' instead of 'reviewed your requirements' and 'I want became financially independent' instead of 'I want to become'. The range of vocabulary is limited, and the student struggles to use more precise or formal language suitable for a job application. While the meaning is generally clear, the lack of variety and the frequent errors in word formation and collocation prevent a higher score.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0

The response relies heavily on simple sentence structures. There are frequent grammatical errors throughout the text, including subject-verb agreement issues ('I have do something'), incorrect verb forms ('I want became'), and missing articles or prepositions. Punctuation is also inconsistent, particularly with the salutation and sign-off. While the errors do not completely impede communication, they are frequent enough to cause difficulty for the reader and demonstrate a lack of control over complex structures. The grammar is consistently at a basic level.

See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.

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