Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.5 · Cambridge IELTS 17 · 2026-08-26

IELTS Writing Task 1 question

Your English-speaking friend who lives in your town has asked for your advice about learning a new sport. Write an email to your friend. In your email:

• recommend a new sport that would be suitable for your friend to learn
• explain how your friend could learn this sport
• suggest that you both learn this sport together

You do NOT need to write any addresses.

Begin your letter as follows:

Dear ....................................,

 

Student answer (Band 6.5)

Dear Susan,

I hope you are doing well. It's been so long since we last met. I just found out that you are interested in learning a new sport.

I have known you for several years, and based on your interests I would recommend you to choose pickleball as a new sport. This is because you don't prefer to play in big groups and this game only requires 3-4 people. Another reason for choosing this particular game is that it can be played both indoors and outdoors which will be very convenient for you. Since you love to play in open spaces when the day is sunny.

Moving further, I know a sports training program in the area that you can join to learn the sport where you will be provided with all the equipment as well. However, I also have some leisure time in the evening after work. I think I can also join you in learning this game. Therefore, we will also get to spend some time together.

I hope you will consider my suggestion. I look forward to your response.

Yours truly,

Simran

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.5

You have successfully addressed all three bullet points in the prompt. You recommended pickleball, explained how to learn it through a local training program, and suggested learning it together. The tone is appropriate for an informal email to a friend. The ideas are relevant and clearly presented. To reach a higher band, you could provide slightly more detail in your explanations, such as describing why the training program is particularly good or mentioning a specific time you would like to start. Overall, the task is fulfilled effectively.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5

The email is logically organized with clear paragraph breaks for each point. You use some cohesive devices like 'Another reason', 'Moving further', and 'Therefore' to link your ideas. However, some transitions feel a bit mechanical or slightly forced. The progression of ideas is easy to follow, and the referencing is clear throughout the text. To improve, try to vary your linking words and ensure that the flow between sentences feels more natural and less like a list of points.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.5

You use a sufficient range of vocabulary to convey your message clearly. Phrases like 'leisure time' and 'convenient' are used correctly. There are no significant errors in word choice that impede communication. However, the vocabulary is somewhat basic and lacks the 'less common' items that would demonstrate a higher level of lexical flexibility. To improve, try to incorporate more descriptive adjectives or idiomatic expressions that are natural in an informal context, such as 'give it a go' or 'a great way to unwind'.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.5

You demonstrate a good mix of simple and complex sentence structures. Most of your sentences are accurate, and your punctuation is generally correct. There is a minor error in the sentence 'Since you love to play in open spaces when the day is sunny', which is a sentence fragment. Additionally, 'I would recommend you to choose' is slightly unnatural; 'I would recommend that you choose' or 'I would recommend pickleball' would be better. Despite these minor slips, your grammar is strong and does not hinder understanding.

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

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