Band 7.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.0 · Cambridge IELTS 17 · 2026-09-26

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 or madam,

I am writing this letter to express my concern regarding the recent online purchase I made from your brand.

Although I really like your brand's products and their unique style, which gives a luxury vibe at a reasonable price, this time I received a different dress that I didn't order.

I purchased a long white dress for my convocation, but I received a brown one instead. I am very disappointed. Brown is also one of my favourite colours, but I am planning to do twinning with my best friend. We planned different things, including making a video, showing off, and many more.

My convocation is within three weeks. I already planned everything about how I will dress. I have so many expectations for this dress. I cannot compromise on another dress. I have been dreaming of this dress for a very long time.

So, there is a humble request: if you can provide me with the same dress I ordered, it will be a very special day in my life, and seriously, I don't want to ruin it. Regarding the brown dress, I am happy to return just let me know the procedure and contact me as soon as possible.

Your faithfully

Aman Kaur

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 7.0

The candidate successfully covers all three bullet points required by the task prompt. First, details of the purchase are provided, mentioning a long white dress bought for a convocation. Second, the problem is clearly described, explaining that a brown dress was received instead of the ordered white one. Third, the need for an urgent replacement is explained, highlighting that the convocation is in three weeks and that the writer planned to 'do twinning' with her best friend. The tone is appropriate for a formal complaint letter, though it leans slightly toward informal or personal storytelling in places (e.g., 'showing off, and many more'). Overall, all parts of the task are well addressed and supported with relevant details, meeting the criteria for a solid band 7.0.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 7.0

The letter maintains a clear logical organisation and progression throughout. The response is divided into logical paragraphs, moving smoothly from the statement of purpose in the opening to the description of the problem, the urgency of the situation, and finally the call to action regarding the replacement and return. Cohesive devices such as 'Although', 'Instead', and 'Regarding' are used effectively. Paragraphing is handled well, with each paragraph serving a distinct function in developing the letter's purpose. While referencing and paragraph transitions are generally clear, the organization is slightly straightforward rather than sophisticated, keeping it comfortably at a band 7.0 level.

Lexical Resource: Band 6.5

The student demonstrates a sufficient range of vocabulary to allow for flexibility and precision, using phrases such as 'express my concern', 'luxury vibe', and 'compromise on another dress'. There is some attempt to use less common and idiomatic items like 'twinning' and 'dreaming of this dress', though 'twinning' is rather informal for a formal complaint. Minor word choice and collocation infelicities appear, such as 'do twinning' rather than 'match outfits' or 'dress in matching outfits', and 'showing off'. Spelling and word formation are generally accurate. The vocabulary is adequate to convey the message clearly, fitting the descriptors for band 6.5.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 6.5

The candidate displays a mix of simple and complex sentence forms, utilizing relative clauses and subordinate structures successfully, such as in 'Although I really like your brand's products and their unique style, which gives a luxury vibe at a reasonable price, this time I received a different dress that I didn't order.' There are instances of good grammatical control, but also some minor punctuation and phrasing errors, such as missing commas or run-on coordination in 'Regarding the brown dress, I am happy to return just let me know the procedure...' Despite these minor slips, the grammar and punctuation do not impede communication at any point, resulting in a stable band 6.5 score.

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

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