Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.5 · Cambridge IELTS 15 · 2026-09-21

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 6.5)

Dear Daman,

I hope you're doing great! I'm writing this letter to give you some advice on the course that I'd recently completed from Lovely professional University Jalandhar. I'd completed a 2 year Diploma in cosmetology there and I've learned several professional skills such as hair cutting and styling, skin care and facials, along with professional and business skills.

I really want to recommend this University to you as I know you have a passion for becoming a professional makeup artist and I think this university will be a great opportunity for you to pursue your studies. This is because this University is not only offers you the theoretical knowledge of makeup skills but it also gives you a chance to gain hands on experience. In addition to this, University authorities also run beauty peagents every year where you can show your skills in front of top 5 Makeup artist of India that will provide you a sense of satisfaction as well as career growth scopes.

If you want to apply for this University program then either you can search it online on their webside where you can find an application form for demo classes or you can also visit the University's student help desk and a staff can provide you all the details in person. You can apply for one week Demo classes for free and then they will provide you a timeline of two weeks to make your final decision.

Can't wait to see you to reach your dream goals. Takecare and stay in touch.

Best wishes,

Harmanpreet Kaur

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.0

The candidate successfully covers all three bullet points required by the prompt. First, she gives specific details about the course she took, mentioning a 2-year Diploma in Cosmetology at Lovely Professional University and detailing subjects like hair styling and skincare. Second, she provides clear reasons for recommending the university, citing the combination of theoretical knowledge and hands-on experience, along with beauty pageants that offer career growth. Third, she gives practical advice on how to apply, suggesting online research, demo classes, and visiting the student help desk. The tone is appropriately friendly and conversational for a General Training letter. The ideas are fully extended and well-developed, matching the Band 7 level.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5

The letter is logically organised with a clear beginning and ending. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate different points, such as course details in the first paragraph, reasons for recommendation in the second, and application advice in the third. Cohesive devices are used reasonably well, with transition phrases like "In addition to this" and "If you want to apply". However, referencing and transitions occasionally feel slightly mechanical, and the flow between some sentences could be smoother. Overall, the organisation follows a logical progression, fulfilling the requirements for a Band 6.5 to 7.0.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

The student uses an adequate range of vocabulary suitable for the task, including terms like "theoretical knowledge," "professional makeup artist," and "career growth scopes." There are some minor lexical errors or awkward collocations, such as "beauty peagents" (spelling error) and "webside" (typographical error). Phrases like "reach your dream goals" are also a bit informal, though acceptable in a friendly letter. The candidate attempts less common vocabulary with some success, demonstrating sufficient flexibility for a Band 6.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.0

The writer demonstrates a mix of simple and complex sentence forms, utilizing relative clauses and conditional structures (e.g., "If you want to apply..."). There are some grammatical and punctuation errors throughout the text, such as "course that I'd recently completed" (unnecessary past perfect), "this University is not only offers" (verb form error), and "staff can provide" (article missing before staff). However, these errors do not impede communication, and the meaning remains clear throughout. This represents a solid Band 6 performance.

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

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