Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 7.5 · Cambridge IELTS 15 · 2026-08-11
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 7.5)
Dear Gold,
I am delighted to hear that you want to study Statistics, which was the course I studied at university.
First, Statistics is a very interesting discipline that requires a sound quantitative foundation, especially in basic mathematics. It is practical since you will be dealing with data. You will use statistical models to solve real-life problems.
I am recommending this course not because I studied it, but because of its relevance in the increasingly data-driven world. For instance, businesses need a statistician to analyze data to gain insights that will enable them to make informed decisions. Furthermore, most investors do not want to invest their money in a company without assurance that they will make enormous profits.
I would advice you to apply on time because the admission process is highly competitive. The summer batch is better than the winter batch because the weather is mild. It will enable you to settle quickly.
If you require any further advice please let me know. Thank you.
Yours sincerely,
Chinonso
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 8.0 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 8.0 |
| Lexical Resource | 7.0 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 7.0 |
| Overall | 7.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 8.0
The response successfully addresses all three bullet points of the task. You clearly described the Statistics course, provided a logical reason for recommending the university based on the current job market, and offered practical advice regarding the application process. The tone is appropriate for a letter to a friend, maintaining a consistent informal yet informative style. All parts of the prompt are covered well, and the ideas are developed sufficiently to meet the requirements of the task. No information is missing, and the purpose of the letter is clear from the beginning.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 8.0
The letter is well-organized with a clear logical progression. Each paragraph focuses on a specific aspect of the prompt, which helps the reader follow your ideas easily. You use cohesive devices such as 'First', 'Furthermore', and 'For instance' effectively to link your thoughts. The transition between the description of the course and the recommendation is smooth. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate the different sections of the letter. The overall structure is coherent, and the flow of information is natural throughout the text.
Lexical Resource — Band 7.0
You demonstrate a good range of vocabulary appropriate for the context, such as 'quantitative foundation', 'data-driven', and 'informed decisions'. The word choices are generally accurate and help convey your message clearly. There is a minor error in word choice where you used 'advice' (noun) instead of 'advise' (verb) in the sentence 'I would advice you to apply'. Despite this, the vocabulary is sufficient to express your ideas with precision, and the tone remains consistent with the task requirements.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.0
The letter displays a good mix of simple and complex sentence structures. Most sentences are error-free, and your control over grammar is generally strong. There is a minor spelling/word-choice slip with 'advice' versus 'advise'. Additionally, the sentence 'I am recommending this course not because I studied it, but because of its relevance...' is well-constructed. Punctuation is used correctly throughout the letter. While the range of structures is adequate, incorporating a few more varied complex structures could further enhance the grammatical profile of your writing.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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