Band 5.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.0 · Cambridge IELTS 17 · 2026-10-14
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 5.0)
Dear Mr and Mrs Collins,
I am in the pink of health and hope you are also enjoying the radiant health there. I am writing this letter to inform you that I may not be able to attend the surprise birthday party for Chris.
You will be delighted to know that Chris was excited and curious about his birthday when we met last time, I believe he will enjoy the surprise party as he will celebrate his favourite day with his parents after four years.
It will be the moment of my life to watch the reaction of Chris, however I am unable to join you guys because the Australian Immigration delayed my visa application, as per their recent email it will take more than a month to get process.
I am feeling disheartened due to my unavailibilty, but I am extremly happy for my freind. Also, I have a surprised gift him which he will rece
Don't forget to send me the beautiful pictures and pay regards to Chris.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 4.0 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 5.0 |
| Lexical Resource | 6.0 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.5 |
| Overall | 5.0 |
Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 4.0
You address the reason Chris may enjoy the party and explain that a delayed visa prevents you from attending. However, the task is only minimally fulfilled overall because the required alternative plan to see Chris is not given. The final sentence, “I have a surprised gift him which he will rece…”, is cut off, so the gift detail is incomplete and does not establish when or how you will meet. The reason Chris will enjoy the event is relevant, but “after four years” is unclear and needs explanation. To strengthen the response, complete the gift sentence and propose a specific alternative, such as visiting Chris on a named date or arranging a video call soon after the party.
Coherence and Cohesion: Band 5.0
The letter has a recognisable sequence: an opening, reasons Chris may enjoy the party, an explanation for your absence, and a closing request. Paragraph breaks help separate these points, and “however” signals a contrast. Nevertheless, progression is weakened by the abrupt, unfinished sentence about the gift, which leaves the final plan unresolved. Some links are also awkward: “You will be delighted to know” does not clearly connect to the claim that Chris was excited, and “Also” introduces an incomplete idea rather than a developed next step. Use clearer transitions and ensure each paragraph completes its purpose—for example, move from the visa explanation to a specific arrangement to meet Chris.
Lexical Resource: Band 6.0
You show an adequate range and attempt less common expressions, including “in the pink of health,” “radiant health,” “disheartened,” and “curious.” These choices demonstrate ambition, although several sound unnatural or overly formal for a friendly letter to your friend’s parents. There are also spelling and word-form errors, such as “unavailibilty,” “extremly,” “freind,” and “surprised gift,” which reduce accuracy. The meaning is generally recoverable, but more natural collocations would make the message clearer and more appropriate in tone. Prefer straightforward expressions such as “I hope you’re both well” and “I’m sorry I can’t attend,” and check spelling carefully before submitting.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 5.5
You use both simple and more complex sentence forms, including a reason clause in “because the Australian Immigration delayed my visa application” and a contrast introduced by “however.” The main message is usually understandable, but some grammatical errors remain. In “I have a surprised gift him,” the sentence structure is incomplete; write “I have a surprise gift for him.” The clause beginning “when we met last time” is joined to the next independent clause with only a comma, so use a full stop or a conjunction. “It will take more than a month to get process” also needs a passive form: “to be processed.” More accurate clause boundaries and verb forms would improve control.
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