Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 17 · 2026-11-05

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 5.5)

dear mr and mes collins, how are you? Hope you are doing well. thanks for your invitation about for Chris birthday party. It means a world to me. I know that Chris is gonna love this party because you know his preferences what he likes but not, you know that Uncle Chris always is a centre of attraction in parties whatever it's Halloween party or farewellparty everybody loves to enjoy time with him.

secondly, but sorry Uncle and aunty i cant able to make it on this party , I have been out of town for vacation with my mother and father, because after so long I get a time to spend with my familyas yu already know that our schedule for studies really hectic, but and I will come back from my vacation. I will see Chris back at the hostel because you know that we share a special mood and we are always available for each other there for 24 and seven.

regards

manni

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 5.5

You address all three requested points: you explain that Chris enjoys being the centre of attention, give a reason for missing the party, and suggest meeting at the hostel after your vacation. These details make the letter relevant and understandable. However, the ideas are only briefly developed. For example, “you know his preferences” does not explain specifically what about the party Chris will enjoy, and the alternative plan does not say when you expect to return or propose a definite time to meet. The reason for your absence is present, but the explanation about your family schedule is difficult to follow. Develop each point with a little more precise detail and make the plan clearer.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 5.5

The response has a basic sequence: it first discusses the party, then explains your absence, and finally mentions seeing Chris later. This gives the reader a general sense of the letter’s purpose. However, progression within sentences is often unclear, and some linking expressions are inaccurate or repetitive. For instance, “secondly, but sorry” combines transitions awkwardly, while “because … but and” makes the explanation difficult to follow. The long second paragraph also combines the apology, travel reason, and future plan without clear separation. Use distinct paragraphs for the party, your apology and reason, and the alternative meeting, and connect ideas with simpler, more accurate transitions.

Lexical Resource: Band 5.0

You use some relevant vocabulary for the situation, including “invitation,” “preferences,” “centre of attraction,” and “vacation,” so the main message can be understood. However, the range is limited and several word choices or collocations sound unnatural, which sometimes makes the reader pause. Examples include “thanks for your invitation about for,” “It means a world to me,” and “share a special mood.” Informal expressions such as “gonna” and “24 and seven” are not well suited to a letter to your friend’s parents. Aim for natural, precise phrases such as “thank you for inviting me,” “I’m delighted,” and “we are always there for each other.” Check spelling and word forms carefully as well.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 5.0

You attempt to combine ideas in longer sentences, but these structures are often faulty, and errors occur frequently enough to make parts of the letter difficult to read. For example, “I cant able to make it” has an incorrect verb construction, and “I have been out of town … because after so long I get a time” shifts awkwardly between tenses. The sentence beginning “you know that Chris is gonna love this party” also contains an unclear clause structure. Capitalisation and punctuation are inconsistent, including the lowercase opening and the run-on second paragraph. Practise accurate simple sentences first, then add subordinate clauses with clear subjects and verbs; use “I won’t be able to attend” and “I’m spending time with my family” as models.

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

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