Band 4.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 4.5 · Cambridge IELTS 15 · 2026-11-09
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 4.5)
I hope you are doing well. I have just received your letter in which you have asked for my advice about a camping vacation this summer. I am glad that you have considered me for that
Firstly, I think you should take the opportunity and go on this trip as i believe you will thoroughly enjoy it.Such camping and outdoor activities have various advantages;it help you to be more self-reliant and get to know new people.A
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 2.5 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 4.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.5 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.5 |
| Overall | 4.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 2.5
The opening establishes the situation and the first point gives a relevant reason to camp: it could help your friend become “more self-reliant” and “get to know new people.” However, the response is incomplete and does not address two required parts: it gives no possible disadvantages and does not say whether you would go with your friend. The advice is also only briefly supported, and the letter ends abruptly at “A,” without a closing. The response is substantially below the required minimum of 150 words, which leaves too little space to develop the ideas and cover every bullet point. To improve, complete all three points, explain each with a specific example, and finish the letter appropriately.
Coherence and Cohesion: Band 4.5
There is a basic sequence: you introduce the reason for writing and then begin giving advice, with “Firstly” signalling the first point. This gives the reader some sense of direction. However, the response stops before the ideas can progress, and there are no paragraphs or transitions to organise the three requested points. The final “A” appears disconnected and makes the ending feel accidental. Develop a clear structure, for example, one paragraph explaining the benefits, another describing drawbacks, and a final one answering whether you would join the trip. Use linking phrases such as “On the other hand” and “As for going together” to make the progression clear.
Lexical Resource: Band 5.5
You use some suitable vocabulary for the topic, including “camping vacation,” “outdoor activities,” “opportunity,” and “self-reliant.” These choices communicate the general idea and show some range beyond very basic wording. However, the short response offers limited evidence of flexible vocabulary, and some expressions are less natural or precise in a friendly letter. “Considered me for that” is unclear, while “take the opportunity and go on this trip” could be expressed more naturally. The unfinished final “A” also leaves the message incomplete. Aim to use precise, natural phrases for advice and camping experiences, and include vocabulary for disadvantages, such as uncomfortable weather or limited facilities.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 5.5
The response includes both simple statements and a more complex sentence beginning “as I believe,” showing an attempt to vary sentence structure. The main meaning is generally understandable, but there are errors in agreement and sentence boundaries. In “Such camping and outdoor activities … it help you,” the plural subject requires “they help”; the sentence also needs clearer punctuation between the clauses. The opening sentence, “I am glad that you have considered me for that,” is grammatically possible but incomplete in meaning, and the response ends with a fragment. Use complete sentences, check subject–verb agreement, and punctuate after introductory phrases such as “Firstly.” More varied, accurately controlled sentences would make the letter easier to follow.
See this exact question answered at other band scores. The same prompt compared across bands.
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