Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.0 · 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 6.0)

Dear Sir or Madam,

I am writing this letter to inform you that on 18 april 2016 i have bought one beautiful dress from your online shopping website named www.society.

First of all, it was black colour gown and it costs was 150$. i have also received payment receipt while purchasing. There is also mentioned that you can returned back within a month after delivery.

Unfortunately when i opened this, it looks gorgeous on me,but when i try this dress it was very loose on me. while checking i found there is size difference. i purchased S size dress but the size was medium.

actually my friends marriage is coming so i want to wear this dress it was my dream.so before 16 august 2026 i need its urgent replacement. I hope you provide me exchange service as soon as possible while considering my concern.

I am eagerly waiting for your quick response.

Your,s faithfully,

gagan

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.5

The letter addresses all three bullet points: purchase details, the nature of the problem, and the urgency of the replacement. The tone is generally appropriate for a formal complaint. However, the development of ideas is somewhat limited. For example, the explanation regarding the 'size difference' could be more precise, and the urgency is stated but not fully elaborated upon beyond mentioning a wedding. While the task requirements are met, the response lacks the depth and professional polish expected at higher bands. To improve, ensure that the purpose of the letter is clearly stated in the opening and that the request for action is framed with more formal, persuasive language.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5

The letter is organized into logical paragraphs, which helps the reader follow the narrative. However, the use of cohesive devices is somewhat mechanical and repetitive (e.g., 'First of all', 'Unfortunately', 'actually'). There are also issues with sentence-level cohesion, such as the abrupt transition between the description of the dress and the problem. The paragraphing is present but could be more effectively used to separate the complaint from the request for action. Improving the variety of linking words and ensuring smoother transitions between sentences would significantly enhance the flow of the letter.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

The vocabulary is adequate for the task but lacks variety and precision. There are several instances of awkward phrasing, such as 'returned back' (redundant) and 'exchange service'. Basic errors in word choice, such as 'it costs was 150$' instead of 'it cost $150', detract from the professional tone. While the student successfully communicates the core message, the range of vocabulary is limited to simple, everyday terms. To reach a higher band, the student should focus on using more precise collocations and avoiding repetitive or grammatically incorrect word forms.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5

The response contains frequent grammatical errors that affect the overall quality of the writing. Issues include inconsistent verb tenses (e.g., 'I have bought' instead of 'I bought'), missing articles, and punctuation errors (e.g., 'Your,s faithfully'). Sentence structures are mostly simple, and attempts at complex sentences are often marred by errors in subject-verb agreement or word order. While the meaning is generally clear, the high frequency of errors in basic grammar and punctuation prevents the writing from reaching a higher band. Focusing on proofreading for basic tense consistency and capitalization would be highly beneficial.

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