Band 7.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.0 · Cambridge IELTS 17 · 2026-09-12

IELTS Writing Task 1 question

The parents of your Australian friend Chris have invited you to a surprise birthday party for him/her. Write a letter to Chris's parents. In your letter:

• say why you think Chris will enjoy the surprise party
• explain why you won't be able to attend the party
• give details of a plan to see Chris at a different time

You do NOT need to write any addresses.

Begin your letter as follows:

Dear Mr and Mrs Collins,

Student answer (Band 7.0)

Task - 1

Dear Sut, Mr. Collins,

Greetings for the day! I am writing in response to the invitation for a surprised birthday party of my dear friend Chris.

At the outset, first and foremost, thank you so much for inviting me to Chris's birthday party. Since our college days, we have been very close friends, and we helped each other in the academic tasks and assignments. Chris is not only a supportive friend, but also a very well manner and disciplined person. Moreover, he has mentioned several times that he likes to celebrate special occasions with his dear family and close friends. So I believe arranging a surprise birthday party will make his special day even more memorable. He will be delighted to see his favourite people gathered together in one place.

Further, I am extremely sorry to inform you that due to some unforeseen circumstances I will not be able to attend the special event. Since Diwali is coming on October 10th this year, my family arranged a small gathering for all close relatives, so my presence is mandatory required.

However, I would love to meet Chris and arrange a special organise a special party for him at a different time. I am planning to take him to his favourite restaurant on October 12, later I planned to take him to movie theatre so that we can enjoy the evening. I have also purchased a beautiful birthday gift for him. Once again, thank you so much for considering me to including in your special event.

Kindness has not gone unnoticed.

Yours sincerely,

James Smith

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 8.0

The response successfully covers all parts of the prompt in a natural and polite tone suitable for a General Training letter. First, you clearly explain why Chris will enjoy the surprise party by noting that he values celebrating special occasions with family and friends. Second, you adequately explain why you cannot attend due to a family gathering for Diwali. Third, you provide a clear plan to see Chris on October 12th by taking him to his favourite restaurant and a movie theatre, while also mentioning a birthday gift. The format is correct with an appropriate opening and closing, and all bullet points are fully and effectively extended.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.0

The letter displays clear logical organisation and progression throughout. Ideas are grouped into coherent paragraphs, each addressing a specific point from the prompt. Cohesive devices are used reasonably well, such as 'At the outset', 'Moreover', and 'However', though some transitions like 'Further' are slightly unnatural compared to standard correspondence. Paragraphing is used sufficiently and appropriately, and referencing (such as using pronouns like 'he' and 'him') is clear and mostly easy to follow.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

You demonstrate an adequate to good range of vocabulary for the task, attempting some less common lexical items such as 'unforeseen circumstances', 'mandatory', and 'delighted'. However, there are some noticeable vocabulary and collocation errors, such as 'surprised birthday party' instead of 'surprise birthday party', 'well manner' instead of 'well-mannered', and 'mandate required' written as 'mandatory required'. Additionally, the opening greeting contains a confusing mixture ('Dear Sut, Mr. Collins'). Despite these slips, communication is never impeded.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.0

The text shows a mix of simple and complex sentence forms, with good attempts at relative clauses and conditional structures. However, there are several grammatical errors and awkward phrasings present, such as 'we helped each other in the academic tasks', 'my presence is mandatory required', and 'arrange a special organise a special party'. Punctuation is generally acceptable, but comma splices and minor structural awkwardness occur. The majority of simple sentences are accurate, but control over complex structures fluctuates.

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

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