Band 8.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 8.5 · Cambridge IELTS 15 · 2026-07-28

IELTS Writing Task 1 question

A friend of yours is thinking about applying for the same course that you did at university. He/She has asked for your advice about studying this subject. Write a letter to your friend. In your letter

• give details of the course you took at the university
• explain why you recommend the university
• give some advice about how to apply

You do NOT need to write any addresses.

Begin your letter as follows:

Dear .................. ,

Student answer (Band 8.5)

I hope you’re doing well. I was really happy to hear that you’re considering applying for the same university course as I did. I’m sure you’ll enjoy it, and I’d be glad to share my experience.

The course I completed was a Master's in International Business Management with a specialisation in Logistics. It covered a wide range of subjects, including supply chain management, international trade, procurement, transportation, and business strategy. We also worked on practical projects, case studies, and group assignments, which helped us develop both technical knowledge and teamwork skills.

I strongly recommend this university because it offers excellent academic support and experienced professors who are always willing to help students. The classes are interactive, and the curriculum is closely connected to real business practices. Moreover, the university provides career services, networking events, and internship opportunities, making it much easier for students to prepare for future employment.

As for the application process, I suggest that you start as early as possible. Make sure you collect all the necessary documents, such as your academic transcripts, English language test results, passport, and statement of purpose. Double-check every detail before submitting your application, and don't miss any deadlines. If possible, contact the admissions office if you have any questions, as they are usually very helpful.

I’m sure you’ll have a wonderful experience if you decide to join this course. Let me know if you need any help with your application, and I’ll be happy to assist you.

Best wishes,

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 8.5

The response fully addresses all three bullet points in the prompt. You provided clear details about your Master's course, offered a well-reasoned recommendation for the university, and gave practical, step-by-step advice on the application process. The tone is appropriate for a letter to a friend, and the ideas are developed sufficiently to meet the requirements of the task. The structure is logical, and the purpose of the letter is clear from the beginning. You have successfully covered all parts of the task with relevant and helpful information.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 8.5

The letter is well-organized with a clear progression of ideas. Each paragraph focuses on a specific aspect of the prompt, which makes the information easy to follow. You have used a variety of cohesive devices effectively, such as 'Moreover', 'As for', and 'If possible', to link your sentences and paragraphs. The paragraphing is logical and contributes to the overall flow of the letter. The referencing is clear, and the transition between the introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion is smooth, demonstrating a high level of control over the structure of the text.

Lexical Resource — Band 8.0

You have used a good range of vocabulary that is appropriate for the context of university applications and academic study. Phrases like 'specialisation in Logistics', 'curriculum is closely connected', and 'academic transcripts' demonstrate a sufficient range for the task. The word choice is precise and natural throughout the letter. While the vocabulary is accurate and fits the tone well, it remains relatively standard. To reach the highest band, you could incorporate slightly more sophisticated or idiomatic expressions, but the current range is more than adequate for clear and effective communication.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 8.5

Your grammar is very strong, with a good mix of simple and complex sentence structures. You have used various tenses correctly, such as the present perfect ('I’ve been'), past simple ('I completed'), and future forms ('you’ll enjoy'). Punctuation is used accurately throughout, and there are no significant errors that impede communication. The majority of your sentences are error-free, and you demonstrate good control over complex structures, such as conditional sentences ('If possible, contact the admissions office if you have any questions'). The writing is fluent and easy to read.

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