Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 15 · 2026-10-31

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 John,

I am writing this letter to giving you advice on your first camping holidays for this upcoming summer.

I hope you are doing great in your studies. I really love your idea of camping this summer beacuse in there are a lot of things to do in mountains.First and formost, buy a perfect size tent that can even tolerate wind in case. Moreover, buy a good barbeque that consumes less fuel and wood for fire and other necessary things.

There would be some drawbacks of camping as well. there are some chances of injuries so dont forget to get first -aid kit with you. Futhermore, always aware from wild animals suck as bear. always stays in your tent at night time.

I will not ne able to join you guys sorry for that.

aman

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 5.0

You address the three requested points: you suggest camping activities and equipment, mention risks such as injuries and wild animals, and say you cannot join. However, the reasons your friend might enjoy the holiday are not clearly explained; most of this paragraph gives instructions about what to buy rather than describing the enjoyment camping could offer. The disadvantages are also brief, and the final decision is abrupt, with no explanation or alternative plan. The response is 136 words, so it does not meet the 150-word minimum. Develop each point with a little more detail—for example, describe the scenery or time outdoors, explain practical discomforts, and give a warmer reason for declining.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 6.0

The letter has a recognisable overall arrangement: an opening, a paragraph about camping, a paragraph on drawbacks, and a closing decision. Linking expressions such as “Moreover” and “Furthermore” help signal additions, and the reader can generally follow the main points. However, the progression within the first paragraph is not fully logical: the claim that you love the idea is followed mainly by shopping advice, rather than reasons for enjoyment. Some transitions feel mechanical, and the abrupt final sentence does not connect smoothly to the advice. Use clearer topic sentences and connect each detail to the point it supports; a brief closing sentence would also make the letter feel more complete.

Lexical Resource: Band 5.0

You use a range of task-related words, including “camping,” “tent,” “fuel,” “injuries,” and “wild animals,” so the basic message is understandable. There are also attempts at more specific vocabulary, such as “first-aid kit.” However, the range is limited and several spelling or word-choice errors make the letter less natural, including “beacuse,” “formost,” “Futhermore,” and “suck as.” Some phrases are awkward or unclear, such as “perfect size tent” and “always aware from wild animals.” Choose more natural collocations and check spelling carefully. More precise vocabulary for the benefits and drawbacks of camping would also help you explain your ideas rather than relying mainly on equipment terms.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 5.0

You attempt both simple sentences and a longer sentence beginning “I really love your idea,” but the range is limited and errors occur frequently enough to affect clarity. For example, “I am writing this letter to giving you advice” uses an incorrect verb form; “in there are a lot of things” has faulty sentence structure; and “always stays in your tent” does not agree with the implied subject. The sentence beginning “There would be some drawbacks” also shifts into a fragment-like sequence with “there are some chances.” Work on infinitives after “to,” complete sentence structure, and consistent subjects and verbs. Breaking longer ideas into accurate sentences will make your advice easier to follow.

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

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