Band 7.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.0 · Cambridge IELTS 17 · 2026-11-05

IELTS Writing Task 1 question

You have bought some clothing online and are not satisfied with your purchase.

Write a letter to the company that you bought the clothing from. In your email:

• give details of the purchase
• describe the problem
• explain why you need a replacement urgently

You do NOT need to write any addresses.

Begin your letter as follows:

Dear Sir or Madam,

Student answer (Band 7.0)

Dear Sir/Madam,

I am writing to bring your attention regarding my recent purchase form your online store. I purchased a full sleeve shirt on 2nd of July to attend a wedding in this month. It is in sky blue color and the order reference number is #2309.

Although I ordered it in medium size after checking it's size chart on the store's website. However, when I received my order on 7th July and tried it out, I noticed that it was wrongly delivered in large size. I immediately submitted exchange request and returned it to your facility next day but not effective action has been taken yet. The website shows that exchange should be completed by the 10th of July but I have not received it yet.

I was wondering if it would be at all possible to reschedule the replacement and check when it will be delivered as I need to wear this shirt at my relative's marriage on this upcoming weekend. Kindly let me know if you need any further details regarding the order history. I look forward to your prompt response.

Yours faithfully,

Dany

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 8.0

The letter covers all three requested points clearly. You identify the purchase with the item, colour, date and reference number, explain that a large shirt arrived instead of the medium ordered, and describe the unsuccessful exchange request. The urgency is also made clear by mentioning the wedding this coming weekend. These details make the purpose easy to understand and the request for an update appropriate. To make the response even more complete, state more directly what action you want the company to take—for example, dispatch the correct size immediately and confirm its expected delivery date. The purchase and problem are well supported; the specific remedy could be expressed more firmly.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 7.5

The information follows a sensible sequence: purchase details, the sizing problem and return, then the reason for urgency and a request for a response. Paragraphing helps distinguish these stages, and linking expressions such as “Although,” “However,” and “I look forward to” guide the reader through the letter. The progression is clear, though the opening paragraph’s “Although” followed by “However” creates an awkward connection, and the exchange timeline could be presented more smoothly. For example, connect the return and the promised completion date in one clear sequence. Overall, the organisation is effective; more natural transitions and tighter links between related details would make cohesion less noticeable.

Lexical Resource: Band 6.5

You use an adequate range for a formal complaint, including “order reference number,” “exchange request,” “replacement,” and “prompt response.” These choices communicate the situation clearly, and the tone is generally suitable. Some expressions are less natural or precise, such as “bring your attention regarding,” “full sleeve shirt,” and “not effective action has been taken.” There are also spelling or form slips in “form” for “from” and “it's” for “its.” These do not prevent understanding, but they limit the naturalness and accuracy of the vocabulary. Aim for conventional customer-service phrasing and check collocations and possessives carefully to show more flexible control.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 6.5

The letter includes a mix of simple and more developed sentence forms, such as the sentence explaining that you ordered a medium after checking the size chart and the conditional request beginning “I was wondering if…”. Most meaning remains clear, but some grammatical errors are present. “Although I ordered it in medium size… However” is an incomplete or incorrectly joined construction; use either “Although…, …” or begin a new sentence with “However.” Other examples include “on 2nd of July” and “on this upcoming weekend,” where article and preposition choices need attention. Review sentence boundaries, articles and prepositions, and proofread for small agreement and punctuation issues to improve accuracy.

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