Band 8.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 8.5 · 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 8.5)
Dear Eric,
I hope you are well. Thank you for asking about the AI Engineering master’s I completed; I’m happy to share some practical information and advice.
The programme blends rigorous theory with extensive practical work. Core modules cover algorithms, data structures, probability and statistics, followed by machine learning, deep learning and model deployment. Assessment includes lab assignments, group projects and a compulsory three‑month industry internship in the final term, which provides hands‑on experience with frameworks such as TensorFlow and PyTorch.
I recommend the university because of its strong industry partnerships, proactive career service and an active alumni network; these resources helped many classmates secure internships and graduate roles. The faculty are research‑active, so the curriculum is current and relevant.
To apply, use the online portal and prepare official transcripts, a concise CV, two references, a focused statement of purpose and any required test scores (IELTS/TOEFL or GRE). Tailor your SOP to specific modules or faculty and submit well before the deadline.
If you like, I can review your CV and SOP before you apply.
Kind regards,
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 8.5 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 8.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 8.5 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 8.5 |
| Overall | 8.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 8.5
The response fully addresses all three bullet points of the task. You provided specific details about the AI Engineering master’s, including core modules and the internship component. The recommendation of the university is well-supported by mentioning industry partnerships and career services. Finally, the advice on the application process is clear and actionable. The tone is appropriate for a letter to a friend, maintaining a helpful and encouraging persona throughout. The ideas are well-developed and the letter flows logically from one requirement to the next, meeting all the requirements of the prompt effectively.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 8.5
The letter is logically organised 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 cohesive devices effectively, such as 'The programme blends...', 'I recommend the university because...', and 'To apply, use...'. These transitions are natural and help the reader navigate the text without effort. The use of paragraphing is skilful, and the overall structure is coherent, ensuring that the message is conveyed clearly and professionally.
Lexical Resource — Band 8.5
You demonstrate a wide and precise range of vocabulary that is highly appropriate for the context of an academic course recommendation. Phrases such as 'rigorous theory', 'proactive career service', 'research-active', and 'statement of purpose' show a sophisticated command of language. The word choice is accurate and natural, contributing to the overall clarity of the letter. There are no errors in collocation or spelling, and the vocabulary used is varied enough to maintain the reader's interest while remaining focused on the task requirements.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 8.5
The writing exhibits a wide range of grammatical structures with full flexibility and accuracy. You have successfully used complex sentences, such as the list of modules and the compound-complex structure in the paragraph regarding the university recommendation. Punctuation is used correctly to manage lists and clauses, and there are no grammatical errors. The control over sentence structure is excellent, and the writing is error-free, which is characteristic of a high-level performance.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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