Band 5.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.0 · Cambridge IELTS 17 · 2026-10-19
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 hope you are doing well, I am writing this letter to exquse you . I really thanked to you have invited us to a surprise birthday party for him . If i would be able to attend this party we werer really enjoy to see the chris feelings. He was very happy to meet us .But unfortunatly we are not be able to join with this party. This is because in my office i have an important assignment to complete with few days , That is why we really exquse for this . Furthermore, I have promise to you specially meet for coming soon vactation . In summer we are on vacation and get a plan for different event to celebrate with you . I will inform you when we are available . I hope you understnde my problem and to suport me . we will meet coming as soon as possible next date . thankyou
Kinds regard,
Zahida
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 5.5 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 4.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.0 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 4.5 |
| Overall | 5.0 |
Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 5.5
You address the three requested points: you say Chris would be happy to see friends, explain that an important work assignment prevents you from attending, and suggest meeting during the summer vacation. These details keep the letter relevant and give the reader a basic understanding of your plans. However, the reason Chris would enjoy the party is not clearly developed, and the alternative arrangement remains vague: “get a plan for different event” and “I will inform you when we are available” do not specify a date or concrete activity. The apology and invitation response are also difficult to interpret in places. Make each point explicit and give a definite proposed time or plan to make the letter more complete.
Coherence and Cohesion: Band 4.5
The letter follows a broadly sensible order: it responds to the invitation, explains your absence, and then mentions a future meeting. The closing also makes the format recognisable as a letter. However, the ideas are crowded into one paragraph, so the shifts between the party, your work commitment, and the future plan are not clearly signposted. Some linking phrases, such as “Furthermore” and “That is why,” do not create a clear relationship between the ideas that follow them. References such as “this party,” “this,” and “different event” are sometimes unclear. Use separate paragraphs for the main points and connect them with simple, accurate transitions.
Lexical Resource: Band 5.0
You use some relevant vocabulary for the situation, including “surprise birthday party,” “important assignment,” and “vacation,” so the main topic can be understood. However, the range is limited and several inaccurate word choices or spellings make the message less natural, for example “exquse,” “vactation,” and “I really thanked to you.” Some phrases, including “different event” and “coming soon,” are too general to communicate your intended plan precisely. Choose familiar expressions accurately rather than attempting awkward combinations, and use specific vocabulary for the proposed meeting. Careful proofreading would also help correct spelling and make your meaning easier to follow.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 4.5
You attempt to combine ideas using clauses, as in “This is because in my office I have an important assignment to complete,” and the reader can usually identify the main message. However, sentence structures are limited and many attempts at longer sentences are faulty. For example, “If I would be able to attend this party we werer really enjoy” has an incorrect conditional form and verb construction; “we are not be able to join” also uses an incorrect verb pattern. There are further problems with articles, agreement, and punctuation, including the comma splice in the opening sentence. Practise accurate simple sentences first, then build longer sentences with correct verb forms and punctuation.
See this exact question answered at other band scores. The same prompt compared across bands.
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