Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 15 · 2026-10-12

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 Sandy,

I hope you are doing well. I heard that you are planning a summer vacation this time. There are a lot of camping spots for fall season, where you can enjoy the colorful view along with trails.

It is best opportuinity to spend some time with your family. Camping is like a mini vacation at your favourite spot. I know you to hike and explore more in greenary. In my suggestion, Alongquin park would be the best for holiday.

However, there are some cons as well. There are no facilities available such as washrooms. It may not be comfortable in terms of sleeping.

I wish I could go with you. But I have busy schedule this time. I have some imfortant task and meetings to cover before next month.

In the end, enjoy your time with your loved ones.

Your friend,

Mann

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 5.5

You address all three points: you explain that camping could offer scenic views and trails, mention the lack of washrooms and uncomfortable sleeping, and say you cannot join because of your schedule. However, the reasons your friend might enjoy the trip are only briefly developed, and the reference to spending time with family does not clearly explain why Sandy would enjoy camping. Your advice about Algonquin Park is relevant, but could be supported with a specific reason. The letter is also six words below the required minimum, so it needs a little more development. Add practical, personal details—for example, what activities Sandy could enjoy and how to prepare for the disadvantages.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 6.0

The letter has a clear overall arrangement: an opening, positive reasons, disadvantages, your response about joining, and a closing. Paragraphing helps the reader follow these stages, and transitions such as “However” and “In the end” signal changes in focus. Some connections are less clear, though. The shift from a summer holiday to “camping spots for fall season” is confusing, and “It is best opportunity” does not clearly link to the previous idea. The final closing is also quite abrupt. Use more precise links between ideas and make sure each paragraph develops one connected point; a warmer sign-off could make the letter feel more complete.

Lexical Resource: Band 5.0

You use some relevant vocabulary for the topic, including “camping spots,” “trails,” “washrooms,” and “sleeping,” so the main message is understandable. There is also an attempt at more specific language in “colorful view” and “mini vacation.” However, the range is limited, and several word-choice, collocation, and spelling problems reduce naturalness: “greenary,” “imfortant,” and “best opportuinity” are noticeable, while “In my suggestion” is not an idiomatic way to introduce advice. Choose familiar expressions accurately before trying less common ones. For example, describe “scenery” or “landscape,” and say “I suggest Algonquin Park” or “Algonquin Park would be a good choice.” Proofreading spelling would also improve clarity.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 5.5

You communicate using mostly straightforward sentences, with some attempts to connect ideas, such as “However, there are some cons as well” and “I wish I could go with you. But I have busy schedule this time.” The basic meaning is generally clear, but there are some errors in sentence structure and grammatical forms. In “I know you to hike,” the verb pattern is incorrect; write “I know you like to hike.” “It is best opportunity” needs an article, and “I have busy schedule” should be “I have a busy schedule.” Capitalisation after the comma in “In my suggestion, Alongquin park” also needs attention. Practise accurate verb patterns, articles, and punctuation while adding a wider mix of sentence forms.

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

Browse more IELTS Writing model answers or get your own writing scored by the same AI examiner.