Band 8.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 8.0 · Cambridge IELTS 17 · 2026-08-01

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)

Good morning,

I am writing to express my dissatisfaction regarding my recent purchase from your online website. I had ordered a light blue woollen sweater last week, which finally was delivered yesterday. I got it from the women's sale section in size large, and the product number is [redacted phone] for your reference.

When I opened the package, I noticed some yellow stains on the sweater as if it was worn before; however, the website said it's brand new. I understand that it was a final sale and the return policy would not apply on this specific item, but I wanted to mention that it feels unfair to have received a used item.

Having said so, I am not asking to return it; perhaps if it is possible to exchange and get a fresh piece instead of this one, it would be much appreciated. I do need it to be delivered within two business days because I had planned to wear it on a work trip.

Kindly find attached the pictures of the sweater for your understanding and reference.

I will wait to hear back from your team.

Yours truly,

Lakshika

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 8.5

The letter successfully addresses all three bullet points of the prompt. You provided clear details of the purchase, including the product number and delivery timeline. The problem regarding the yellow stains is described clearly, and the urgency for a replacement is well-justified by the upcoming work trip. The tone is appropriate for a formal complaint letter, maintaining a polite yet firm stance throughout. All parts of the task are covered well, and the ideas are developed sufficiently to meet the requirements of the task.

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 purchase details to the problem description, the proposed solution, and finally the closing. Cohesive devices such as 'however', 'having said so', and 'for your reference' are used effectively to link sentences and ideas. The paragraphing is appropriate, and the overall structure is easy to follow, ensuring that the reader understands the sequence of events and the desired outcome without any confusion.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.5

You demonstrate a good range of vocabulary appropriate for a formal business letter. Phrases like 'express my dissatisfaction', 'for your reference', and 'much appreciated' are used correctly and naturally. While the vocabulary is functional and accurate, it could be further enhanced by incorporating more precise or sophisticated collocations to reach the highest band. For instance, instead of 'get a fresh piece', more formal alternatives would elevate the tone. Overall, the lexical range is sufficient to convey your message clearly and professionally.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 8.0

The writing displays a good mix of simple and complex sentence structures. Most sentences are error-free, and the grammar is generally accurate. There are minor slips, such as 'the return policy would not apply on this specific item' (where 'to' would be more natural than 'on') and 'I had ordered... which finally was delivered' (where 'was finally delivered' is more standard). However, these errors are infrequent and do not impede communication. The punctuation is handled well, and the overall control of grammar is strong.

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