Band 8.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 8.5 · Cambridge IELTS 15 · 2026-08-11
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 Sam,
I was thrilled to hear that you are planning a camping trip for this summer! Since it is your first time, I am more than happy to share my thoughts and give you some advice.I am absolutely certain you will love camping because you have always enjoyed being outdoors. It is a fantastic way to disconnect from the daily grind, breathe some fresh air, and truly clear your mind. Plus, it is highly budget-friendly compared to staying in luxury hotels, and you will get a great sense of accomplishment from setting up your own camp and cooking over an open fire.Of course, there are a few downsides to keep in mind for your first trip. The weather can be completely unpredictable, and getting stuck in a heavy downpour inside a small tent is never much fun. You will also have to deal with a lot of bugs, and depending on the campsite you choose, the lack of modern toilet facilities or hot water can be a bit of a shock at first.That being said, I would absolutely love to go camping with you this summer! Since I have done it a few times before, I can help you pick out the right gear, set up the tent, and make sure we don't get lost. Let me know what dates work best for you so we can start planning.
Best wishes
,Alex
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 9.0 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 8.0 |
| Lexical Resource | 8.0 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 8.0 |
| Overall | 8.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 9.0
The response fully addresses all three bullet points in the prompt. You clearly explain why your friend would enjoy camping, citing benefits like disconnecting from the daily grind and budget-friendliness. The disadvantages, such as unpredictable weather and lack of facilities, are well-described and relevant. Finally, you clearly state your willingness to join the trip and offer specific assistance. The tone is appropriate for a letter to a friend, and the ideas are well-developed and supported throughout the response. You have successfully met all requirements of the task.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 8.0
The letter is logically organized with a clear progression of ideas. Each paragraph focuses on a specific requirement of the prompt, and the transition between the benefits, the downsides, and the final offer to join is smooth. You use cohesive devices effectively, such as 'Of course,' 'That being said,' and 'Since,' which help guide the reader through the text. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate the different sections of the letter, making the overall structure easy to follow and coherent.
Lexical Resource — Band 8.0
You demonstrate a good range of vocabulary that is well-suited to the informal context of a letter to a friend. Phrases like 'daily grind,' 'budget-friendly,' and 'unpredictable' show a natural command of English. The word choices are precise and contribute to the clarity of your message. While the vocabulary is not overly complex, it is accurate and flexible enough to convey your thoughts effectively without any noticeable errors in collocation or word choice.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 8.0
The response displays a wide range of grammatical structures, including complex sentences that are used accurately. For example, 'Since I have done it a few times before, I can help you...' demonstrates good control over subordinate clauses. Punctuation is generally accurate, and the majority of your sentences are error-free. There are no significant grammatical slips that impede communication, and the overall control of syntax is strong, reflecting a high level of proficiency.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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