Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.5 · Cambridge IELTS 17 · 2026-09-28

IELTS Writing Task 1 question

You recently booked a part-time course at a college. You now need to cancel your booking.

Write a letter to the college administrator. In your letter:

• say which part-time course you booked
• explain why you need to cancel your booking
• ask about booking a different course

You do NOT need to write any addresses.

Begin your letter as follows:

Dear Sir or Madam,

Student answer (Band 7.5)

Dear Sir or Madam,

I hope this email finds you well.

I booked a part-time course on diagnosing skin melanoma at the college about two weeks ago. This course is to run from the 10th of Novemer 2026 to the 3rd of March 2027. I had so much interest because I need it for my career progression and it was quite difficult to get a slot.

Unfortunately, I have been assigned by my company to travel abroad for work for the next one year, and I will be unable to attend this course. Therefore, I am writing to cancel the course due the change in my circumstances and to give the slot to other people that are waiting for an opening.

I want to book the online course instead which can be done from anywhere. Please can you advise on how to go about it, the price and the start date?

Thank you in anticipation of your prompt response and action.

Yours faithfully,

Lulu Og

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 8.0

The candidate has successfully addressed all three bullet points required by the task prompt. First, the specific part-time course is clearly identified ('a part-time course on diagnosing skin melanoma'). Second, the reason for cancellation is thoroughly explained through the company assignment to travel abroad for the next year. Third, an inquiry about booking a different online course is included with relevant questions about the price and start date. The tone is appropriate for a formal letter to a college administrator, and the purpose is sustained throughout. There are no missing components, and the ideas are well-developed and relevant, aligning closely with the Band 8 descriptor for Task Achievement.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 7.5

The letter exhibits a clear logical progression from the opening statement and course identification, through the reason for cancellation, to the final inquiry about an alternative course. Paragraphing is used sufficiently and appropriately, separating each main idea into its own distinct paragraph. Cohesive devices are handled effectively, using words like 'Unfortunately', 'Therefore', and 'instead' to link ideas smoothly. Referencing throughout the letter is clear and unambiguous. The sign-offs and salutations follow standard conventions correctly. Overall, the organizational structure is sound and supports easy readability, satisfying the requirements for a Band 7.5 to 8.0 score, safely warranting a 7.5.

Lexical Resource: Band 7.0

The student demonstrates a sufficient and generally flexible range of vocabulary suited to a formal letter. Phrases such as 'career progression', 'change in my circumstances', and 'prompt response' show a good command of collocation and functional language. There is a minor spelling slip with 'Novemer' instead of November, and a slight grammatical preposition issue with 'due the change' (missing 'to'), but these do not impede communication. The writer attempts less common lexical items appropriately and maintains an appropriate formal register throughout. This performance fits comfortably within the Band 7 criteria.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 7.0

The candidate demonstrates a good mix of simple and complex sentence structures. Examples of complex structures include 'This course is to run from... to...' and 'Unfortunately, I have been assigned by my company to travel abroad...'. The majority of sentences are grammatically accurate, though there are a couple of minor mechanical slips, such as the missing 'to' in 'due the change' and the spelling of November. Punctuation is generally accurate, and control over verb tenses (present, past, and future references) is well-maintained. The control of grammar is solid, making this a strong Band 7 performance.

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

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