Band 7.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.0 · Cambridge IELTS 17 · 2026-10-13

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)

Dear Mr and Mrs Collins,

It's great to hear from you that you are organizing a surprise birthday party for Chris's 18th birthday. I'm writing to apologize for my absence during that time.

Since Chris is turning 18 in November he would love to celebrate his big day with all his friends. As you know all of our friends don't get chance to see each other frequently, this would be the best present for him. It's not only a reunion but also the best time to create everlasting memories.

Unfortunately, I'll not be able to celebrate his birthday along with him. I've recently joined a corporate business and they are not allowing me to take holidays until I complete 6 months of work.

I would like to tell you that I'm planning to meet Chris in January so we can celebrate the new year together. Also, I would like you to keep it a secret as well because I want to give him a surprise as well. I'll be coming to Australia in the last of December and plan to spend a week with him before I come back.

I hope you understand my work commitments. I hope to see Chris and you soon.

Kind regards,

Suman

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 7.5

The letter addresses all three points clearly. You explain why Chris would enjoy the gathering, linking it to seeing friends and making “everlasting memories”; you give a specific reason for your absence, namely the restriction on taking leave during your first six months at work; and you propose a later visit with a week together in Australia. These details make the response relevant and give the reader a clear understanding of your plans. The explanation of why the party would be especially enjoyable is persuasive, though “all his friends” and “the best present” are somewhat general rather than supported with a personal example. To strengthen the letter further, add one specific detail about Chris’s interests or the friends who will attend.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 7.0

The information follows a clear, sensible order: you acknowledge the invitation, explain the appeal of the party, decline, and suggest an alternative meeting. Separate paragraphs help the reader follow each purpose, and phrases such as “Unfortunately” and “Also” make the connections explicit. The progression is easy to understand throughout. Some linking is a little repetitive, particularly the two consecutive sentences beginning “I hope,” and “Also” is a basic way to introduce the request to keep the visit secret. You could make the flow more natural by combining the closing sentiments and using a more precise transition, such as “In addition, I’d be grateful if you could keep my visit a secret.”

Lexical Resource: Band 6.5

Your vocabulary is adequate for the letter and includes some expressive choices, such as “reunion,” “everlasting memories,” and “work commitments.” These help convey warmth and explain your circumstances. There are, however, several awkward or imprecise collocations: “celebrate his big day with all his friends” is understandable but general, while “corporate business” and “in the last of December” do not sound natural in this context. “Celebrate his birthday along with him” is also less idiomatic than a simpler alternative. This range communicates the message, but more accurate, natural phrasing would show greater flexibility and control. Focus on common collocations for employment, leave, and travel dates.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 7.0

You use a mix of simple and more complex sentences, including the conditional explanation “Since Chris is turning 18 in November…” and the purpose clause “so we can celebrate the new year together.” Most sentences are clear, and punctuation and paragraphing generally support the meaning. A few grammatical slips remain: “all of our friends don’t get chance” needs an article (“don’t get a chance”), and “they are not allowing me to take holidays until I complete 6 months” would be more controlled as “they won’t allow me to take leave until I have completed six months.” The sentence beginning “Since” also needs a comma after its introductory clause. Review articles, tense choices, and punctuation in longer sentences.

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

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