Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 7.5 · Cambridge IELTS 15 · 2026-09-24
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,
Last week, I received a notice stating that the museum is looking for volunteers to help with various activities. I am very interested in this opportunity because I have always had a strong connection with museums. When I was a child, I frequently visited the museum with my grandfather, who worked there as a manager. Watching him work inspired me to become involved in this field one day.
During my visits, I gained some knowledge about how a museum is managed. In particular, my grandfather taught me about maintaining valuable artefacts, keeping the museum clean and ensuring that exhibits are properly looked after. I would also be happy to assist visitors by providing them with information about the museum and guiding them around the different sections.
At present, I am on school holidays, so I am available to volunteer at any time during the weekdays. I can also work on weekends if required. I believe this opportunity would allow me to gain valuable experience while contributing to the museum.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Yours faithfully,
Manpreet Kaur
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 8.0 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 7.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 7.0 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 8.0 |
| Overall | 7.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 8.0
The candidate has fully and effectively addressed all parts of the task prompt. The letter starts with the correct formal salutation and immediately explains the motivation for volunteering, linking it nicely to a personal childhood connection with the museum. Furthermore, the response successfully describes relevant skills and qualities, such as knowledge of artefact maintenance, cleanliness, and visitor assistance. Finally, clear and specific details regarding availability are provided, stating that the applicant is on school holidays and available on weekdays as well as weekends. All bullet points are fully covered, and the tone is appropriately polite and formal throughout, resulting in a well-developed and complete task response that earns a band 8.
Coherence and Cohesion: Band 7.5
The letter exhibits clear logical organization and progression from start to finish. Ideas are grouped logically into paragraphs, with the first paragraph serving as an introduction and explanation of purpose, the second detailing skills and qualities, and the third outlining availability. Cohesive devices are used appropriately and naturally, such as 'In particular,' 'At present,' and 'I can also,' which help guide the reader smoothly through the text. Paragraphing is used sufficiently and appropriately, and referencing throughout the letter is consistently clear, ensuring a coherent overall arrangement that meets the criteria for a band 7.
Lexical Resource: Band 7.0
The student demonstrates a sufficient range of vocabulary with good flexibility and precision. Words and phrases like 'valuable artefacts,' 'properly looked after,' and 'contributing to the museum' show an appropriate register for a formal application letter. The writer successfully uses less common items such as 'inspired,' 'frequently,' and 'connection' with an awareness of style and collocation. While the vocabulary is not overly complex or academic, it is entirely adequate for the task, containing no noticeable errors in spelling or word choice, which comfortably secures a band 7.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 8.0
The response displays a good variety of sentence structures, combining simple and complex sentences effectively. Examples such as 'When I was a child, I frequently visited the museum with my grandfather, who worked there as a manager' and 'I believe this opportunity would allow me to gain valuable experience while contributing to the museum' demonstrate control over subordinate clauses and complex grammatical forms. The majority of sentences are error-free, and punctuation is handled correctly throughout. Grammar and mechanics do not impede communication in any way, reflecting the high standard required for a band 8.
See this exact question answered at other band scores. The same prompt compared across bands.
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