Band 8.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 8.0 · Cambridge IELTS 17 · 2026-07-24

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 8.0)

Dear Sir or Madam,

I hope this message finds you well. The purpose of my writing today is to express my dissatisfaction regarding the recent purchase that I made from your company.

Last Sunday, I placed an online order via your official website. It was a pink floral dress with silver printing on it. My order number was [redacted phone]. Moreover, I paid the full price during the purchase.

I was over the moon to receive my package. However, when I finally opened it, my excitement turned into disappointment after looking at the color of the dress. Instead of pink in color, I got a red colored gown. I was overwhelmed with this unfortunate experience.

I ordered this particular dress for my sister's wedding. Since the color theme is pink for all the bride's family, receiving the exact same dress which I selected is essential by the end of this month. I hope you would personally look after this matter at your earliest convenience.

Thank you so much for your time and consideration.

Yours sincerely,

Gurkirat Kaur

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 8.5

The response successfully addresses all three bullet points of the task. You provided the purchase details (order number, item description), clearly described the problem (wrong color received), and explained the urgency (sister's wedding). The tone is appropriate for a formal letter of complaint. The ideas are well-developed and the purpose of the letter is clear from the outset. You have fully satisfied the requirements of the task by providing a coherent and relevant response that covers all necessary information for the recipient to resolve the issue.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 8.5

The letter is logically organized with a clear progression of ideas. Each paragraph serves a distinct purpose, moving from the introduction to the details of the order, the problem, and finally the request for action. Cohesive devices such as 'Moreover', 'However', and 'Instead of' are used effectively to link sentences and ideas. The paragraphing is appropriate for a formal letter, and the flow of information is smooth, making the letter easy to follow. There is no evidence of mechanical or repetitive use of linking words.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.5

You demonstrate a good range of vocabulary appropriate for a formal complaint. Phrases like 'express my dissatisfaction', 'at your earliest convenience', and 'look after this matter' are well-chosen and natural. While some expressions like 'over the moon' and 'overwhelmed' are slightly informal or perhaps misused in this context (as 'overwhelmed' usually implies being overcome by emotion rather than just disappointed), the meaning remains clear throughout. The vocabulary is sufficient to convey your message with precision and style, showing an awareness of the formal register required for this task.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 8.0

The grammar is generally accurate, and you have used a mix of simple and complex sentence structures effectively. Most sentences are error-free, and the punctuation is handled correctly. There are no significant grammatical errors that impede communication. You show good control over verb tenses, particularly when describing the past purchase and the future need for a replacement. The structure is consistent and professional, which is essential for formal correspondence. Occasional minor slips do not detract from the overall clarity of the writing.

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