Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 15 · 2026-08-04

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 5.5)

Dear friend,

I hope you are doing well. First of all I am happy to see your outstanding grades on your college. Now, you want a join my university for the masters programs. Moreover, I did Master of Management at UNFC. It is not only give you theorical knowledge but it will also gives you practical, too. Additionally, this university has various different courses. This is the most attractive thing as well it has beautiful campus area, library and many more.

However, you can apply as we apply for the college but make sure you do not forget to submit your recent marksheet with them. They will give you scholarship based on your last year grade. You will definietly enjoy your study here.

Your best friend,

Zainab Patel.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.0

The letter addresses all three bullet points: the course details, the reasons for recommending the university, and application advice. However, the response is significantly under the 150-word minimum, which limits the development of ideas. The explanation of the course is quite brief, and the advice on how to apply is somewhat vague. To improve, you should expand on your personal experience with the course and provide more specific, helpful steps for the application process to ensure the letter is fully developed and meets the length requirement.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.0

The letter is organized into three short paragraphs, which is appropriate for the task. There is a basic logical progression from the introduction to the advice. However, the use of cohesive devices is somewhat mechanical and repetitive, such as the frequent use of 'Moreover' and 'Additionally'. Some transitions feel forced, and the connection between sentences could be smoother. To achieve a higher band, focus on using a wider variety of linking words and ensuring that ideas flow more naturally from one to the next.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.5

The vocabulary is generally adequate for a simple letter but lacks the range and precision expected at higher levels. There are some errors in word choice, such as 'want a join' instead of 'want to join' and 'theorical' instead of 'theoretical'. The phrasing is quite basic, and there is little attempt to use less common or more sophisticated vocabulary. To improve, try to incorporate more descriptive adjectives and precise terminology related to academic study and university life.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5

The writing contains a mix of simple and some complex sentence structures, but there are frequent grammatical errors that occasionally distract the reader. Examples include 'I am happy to see your outstanding grades on your college' (should be 'at your college'), 'It is not only give you' (should be 'It not only gives you'), and 'as we apply for the college' (which is unclear). Punctuation is generally acceptable, but the sentence construction needs more attention to ensure accuracy and clarity.

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

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