Band 8.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 8.0 · Cambridge IELTS 15 · 2026-08-17

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 8.0)

Dear Eric,

I hope you are well. Thank you for asking about the AI Engineering master’s I completed. The programme combines core theory—algorithms, data structures and statistics—with applied modules in machine learning, deep learning and model deployment. Assessment includes labs, group projects and a compulsory three‑month industry internship in the final term, which gives practical experience with tools such as TensorFlow and PyTorch.

I recommend the university because of its strong industry links, active career service and extensive alumni network; these resources helped many classmates secure internships and graduate roles.

To apply, use the online portal and prepare official transcripts, a current CV, two references, a concise statement of purpose and any required test scores (IELTS/TOEFL or GRE). Tailor your SOP to the programme, highlight relevant projects and submit well before the deadline.

If you like, I can also review your CV and SOP before you apply.

Kind regards,

Ash

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 8.5

You have fully addressed all three bullet points in the prompt. You provided specific details about the course curriculum, explained the benefits of the university (industry links and career services), and offered clear, actionable advice on the application process. The tone is appropriate for a letter to a friend, and the information is well-developed and relevant. The response is focused and maintains a consistent, helpful perspective throughout. You have successfully met all the requirements of the task.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5

The letter is logically organized, with each paragraph focusing on a specific requirement of the prompt. The progression of ideas is smooth, moving from the course description to the university benefits and finally to the application process. You use cohesive devices effectively, such as 'these resources' to refer back to the previous sentence and 'To apply' to signal a shift in topic. The paragraphing is clear and appropriate for a formal letter format, ensuring the reader can follow your advice without difficulty.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.5

You demonstrate a strong command of vocabulary, particularly in the technical domain (e.g., 'algorithms', 'data structures', 'model deployment', 'industry internship'). The language is precise and natural. You use collocations effectively, such as 'secure internships' and 'tailor your SOP'. The vocabulary is well-suited to the context of a university application, showing a good level of sophistication without being forced. There are no errors in word choice or spelling that impede communication.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 8.0

Your writing displays a wide range of grammatical structures, including complex sentences with multiple clauses and lists. The punctuation is used accurately to manage these complex structures, such as the use of semicolons and dashes to provide additional information. The majority of your sentences are error-free, and the control over verb tenses and subject-verb agreement is excellent. The writing is fluent and demonstrates a high level of grammatical accuracy throughout the entire response.

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

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