Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.5 · Cambridge IELTS 15 · 2026-09-19

IELTS Writing Task 1 question

A museum near your home is looking for people to do part-time voluntary/unpaid work. You would like to do some voluntary/unpaid work at the museum. Write a letter to the museum director to apply for the voluntary/unpaid work. In your letter

• explain why you want to do voluntary/unpaid work at the museum
• describe some skills and qualities you have that would be useful
• give details of when you would be available for work

You do NOT need to write any addresses.

Begin your letter as follows:

Dear Sir or Madam,

Student answer (Band 7.5)

Dear Sir or Madam,

I am writing to express my interest in doing voluntary work at your museum. I would like to gain practical experience, improve my communication skills, and learn more about the history and culture of my local area. I believe this opportunity would also help me develop useful skills for my future career.

I am a hardworking, responsible and punctual person. I can communicate well with visitors and work comfortably as part of a team. I am also a quick learner and willing to take on different responsibilities.

I am available to work part-time on weekdays after 1 p.m. and I am also available throughout the day on Saturdays. I would be happy to adjust my schedule according to the museum's requirements.

I would appreciate the opportunity to discuss my application further. Thank you for considering my request. I look forward to hearing from you.

Yours faithfully,

Susan

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.5

The student fully addresses all parts of the task in a very clear manner. The letter opens with the appropriate formal salutation and immediately covers the first bullet point by explaining the reasons for wanting to volunteer, such as to 'gain practical experience' and 'learn more about the history and culture of my local area.' The second bullet point is thoroughly covered in the second paragraph, where specific personal qualities and skills are outlined, including being 'hardworking, responsible and punctual' and able to 'communicate well with visitors.' Finally, the third bullet point is addressed precisely in the third paragraph, providing clear availability on weekdays after 1 p.m. and Saturdays. The tone is consistently appropriate for a formal request. All requirements are fully and successfully met, warranting a high band score.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5

The response is exceptionally well-structured and easy to follow. Ideas are logically sequenced, moving naturally from the purpose of the letter in the first paragraph, to personal qualities in the second, and availability in the third. Paragraphing is used sufficiently and appropriately, with each main point housed in its own distinct section. Cohesive devices are managed naturally without being overly mechanical. For example, referencing is clear throughout, and phrases like 'I believe this opportunity would also help' create smooth transitions between sentences. The closing remarks flow naturally into a standard formal sign-off. The overall organisation supports clear communication from beginning to end.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.5

The student demonstrates an adequate and appropriate range of vocabulary suitable for a formal application letter. Useful vocabulary items such as 'practical experience,' 'responsible,' 'punctual,' and 'requirements' are used correctly and precisely. Collocations are natural, as seen in expressions like 'take on different responsibilities' and 'adjust my schedule.' While the vocabulary is not excessively sophisticated or ambitious, it is entirely functional, accurate, and fulfills the lexical demands of the task without any noticeable spelling or word-choice errors that would impede communication. This aligns comfortably with the criteria for a solid band 7.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.5

The student displays strong control over sentence structures, successfully blending simple and complex forms. Examples of complex sentences include 'I am available to work part-time on weekdays after 1 p.m. and I am also available throughout the day on Saturdays,' which are punctuated correctly. The majority of the sentences in the text are completely error-free. Verb tenses are used consistently and accurately, particularly the present simple for describing personal traits and the present continuous/modal structures for expressing current desires and availability. Punctuation is precise throughout, including the formal opening and closing. This high level of accuracy and control merits a strong score.

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

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