Band 8.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 8.5 · Cambridge IELTS 15 · 2026-08-01

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 8.5)

Dear Shreeyu,

I was delighted to hear that you are planning your first camping holiday this summer. I think you will really enjoy it because it is a fantastic way to escape the busy city life and spend time in nature. Camping gives you an opportunity to relax, breathe fresh air, explore beautiful landscapes, and enjoy activities such as hiking, fishing, and sitting around a campfire. It is also a great way to create unforgettable memories.

That said, camping does have a few drawbacks. Since you will be outdoors, you may have to deal with insects, sudden changes in weather, and limited facilities such as showers or electricity. Sleeping in a tent may also feel uncomfortable if you are not used to it. However, with proper planning and the right equipment, these issues can be minimized.

As for me, I would be more than happy to join you this summer. It would be great fun to experience your first camping trip together, and I could also help you set up the tent and prepare meals. Let me know what you think.

Best wishes,

Abhinay

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 8.5

The response fully addresses all three bullet points in the prompt. You clearly explain the benefits of camping, such as escaping city life and enjoying nature, and provide a balanced view by describing potential disadvantages like insects and limited facilities. Your position regarding joining your friend is also clearly stated and supported. The tone is appropriate for a letter to a friend, maintaining a friendly and helpful persona throughout. All parts of the task are well-developed, and the response is coherent and focused on the requirements.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 8.5

The letter is logically organized with a clear introduction, body paragraphs for each point, and a natural closing. Each paragraph has a clear central theme, and the transition between the benefits and the drawbacks is smooth, using the cohesive phrase 'That said'. You use a variety of linking words and phrases effectively, such as 'Since', 'However', and 'As for me', which helps the reader follow your train of thought easily. The paragraphing is appropriate and contributes to the overall clarity of the message.

Lexical Resource — Band 8.0

You demonstrate a good range of vocabulary that is well-suited to the context of a friendly letter. Phrases like 'escape the busy city life', 'unforgettable memories', and 'proper planning' are natural and accurate. You avoid repetition and use a variety of descriptive terms to convey your ideas. While the vocabulary is not highly sophisticated or academic, it is precise and perfectly appropriate for the task type, showing a good level of control over word choice and collocation.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 8.5

Your grammar is highly accurate, with a variety of sentence structures used throughout the letter. You successfully combine simple and complex sentences, such as 'Since you will be outdoors, you may have to deal with insects...' and 'It would be great fun to experience your first camping trip together, and I could also help you...'. Punctuation is used correctly, and there are no significant errors that impede communication. The control over verb tenses and modal verbs is consistent and natural.

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