Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 15 · 2026-11-05

IELTS Writing Task 1 question

A friend of yours is thinking of going on a camping holiday for the first time this summer. He/She has asked for your advice. Write a letter to your friend. In your letter

• explain why you think your friend would enjoy a camping holiday
• describe some possible disadvantages
• say whether you would like to go camping with your friend this summer

You do NOT need to write any addresses.

Begin your letter as follows:

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

Student answer (Band 5.5)

Dear Ashleen,

I hope you are doing Well,

I recieve your message about the planning for going on a camping holidays for the very first time in this summer, i think it is superior idea for spend a self time from outside the daily responsibilities of work and studies as it is good idea for taking a healthy break.

Along with merits, there are some possible demerits that you need to know before going there is weather because last time i was gone the weather is too hot for camping in outside because its rainy some time, so make sure you can plan accordingly. I also want to go with you to enjoy this trip but unfortunatily i have urgent work in my hometown thats why this time i am not able to join you, but i hope you can spend great time and make good memories.

Best Wishes,

Reet

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 6.0

You address all three points: you explain that camping offers a break from work and studies, mention weather as a disadvantage, and say you would like to go but cannot because of urgent work. The friendly opening and closing also suit the letter. However, the reasons your friend might enjoy the trip are only briefly stated, and the disadvantage is not fully clear: “the weather is too hot” is followed by “it’s rainy some time,” without explaining how either condition could affect the holiday. Develop these points with a specific benefit, such as enjoying nature or spending time together, and clarify the practical problems. This would make the response more complete and persuasive.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 6.0

The ideas follow a generally sensible order: you introduce the camping plan, discuss a possible drawback, and then explain whether you can join. The contrast signalled by “Along with merits” helps the reader see the shift from benefits to disadvantages, and the closing is appropriate. However, most of the letter is presented in two very long blocks, so the main points are not clearly separated. Some links are also awkward or unclear, particularly the movement from hot weather to rain and then to “plan accordingly.” Use separate paragraphs for the benefits, disadvantages, and your availability, and make the relationship between each idea explicit. This would improve progression and make the letter easier to follow.

Lexical Resource: Band 5.5

You use some vocabulary relevant to the topic and purpose, including “daily responsibilities,” “healthy break,” “demerits,” and “make good memories.” These choices show an attempt to use more than basic language. However, several expressions are inaccurate or unnatural, such as “camping holidays,” “a self time,” and “camping in outside.” Spelling and word-form errors, including “recieve” and “unfortunatily,” also reduce accuracy. Aim for natural collocations and check spelling carefully; for example, describe camping as “a refreshing break from your routine” and refer to “camping outdoors.” More precise wording would help you express your ideas clearly and naturally.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 5.0

You attempt to connect ideas in longer sentences, using structures such as “because” and “but,” and the overall meaning can generally be understood. However, the long sentences contain several grammatical problems. For example, “I recieve your message about the planning” has an incorrect verb form and awkward structure, while “last time i was gone the weather is too hot” shifts tense and lacks clear sentence boundaries. Capitalisation and punctuation are also inconsistent, as in the lowercase “i” and the comma after “Well.” Use a mix of shorter, accurate sentences and longer sentences with clear clauses. Pay particular attention to past-tense forms, articles, and punctuation when joining ideas.

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

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