Band 4.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 4.0 · Cambridge IELTS 15 · 2026-10-29

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 4.0)

Dear Sir or Madam, I came into know that you are looking for some individuals who wants to do voluntary work at museum. I am writing to apply for this position. I want to do this work because I am free now a days and it will help me to further improve knowledge about museum.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 3.0

You identify the purpose of the letter and give one reason for applying: you are currently free and hope to improve your knowledge of museums. However, the response addresses only part of the task. It does not describe any relevant skills or personal qualities, and it gives no information about when you are available. The reason provided is also brief and could be made more specific, for example by explaining your interest in museum work or what you hope to contribute. The required minimum length is not met, so the application remains very incomplete. Develop all three requested points and include a suitable closing to make this a complete letter.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 4.5

The purpose is understandable: you state that you are applying for voluntary work and then give a reason. The ideas follow a basic, sensible order, but the response is too brief to show clear paragraphing or progression across the full letter. The opening combines the greeting and the first sentence, and there are no separate sections for your motivation, relevant qualities, and availability. Use a conventional letter layout, with the greeting on its own line, a short paragraph for each main point, and a closing sentence. Linking phrases such as “In addition” or “I would also be available” can help connect the information without making the letter feel like a list.

Lexical Resource: Band 4.5

Your vocabulary communicates the basic purpose, using phrases such as “voluntary work,” “apply for this position,” and “improve knowledge.” However, the range is narrow, and some expressions are not natural or precise for a formal application. “Came into know” is an awkward phrase, while “free now a days” is informal and unclear about your schedule. “Improve knowledge about museum” also needs more natural wording. Use precise language to explain your interest, skills, and availability—for example, “I learned that you are seeking volunteers” and “I would like to deepen my understanding of local history.” This would make the letter sound more fluent and appropriately formal.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 4.5

The response uses simple sentence structures that make the main message understandable, but it shows limited grammatical variety and several errors in basic sentence construction. In “individuals who wants,” the verb does not agree with the plural noun; use “individuals who want.” The phrase “at museum” needs an article, and “I am free now a days” has an incorrectly formed time expression. The final sentence also needs an article or plural form in “knowledge about museum.” Try combining ideas with accurate clauses, such as “I am available at present, and I would welcome the opportunity to gain experience while supporting the museum.” Careful proofreading for agreement and articles will improve control.

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

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