Band 8.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 8.0 · Cambridge IELTS 17 · 2026-10-02

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 letter finds you well. I am writing to you to request a replacement of a white shirt that I purchased from your online store.

I purchased a white shirt from your online store on 25 September 2026. I received the delivery today, 2 October 2026. For your reference, the article number is JXYC2389 and it is one of your sale articles. Originally, this article was priced at £70 and I purchased it for £35, as it was on a 50% discount. I will also share a copy of the email I received upon confirmation of my order and payment receipt along with this letter for further reference.

In the product description, it was clearly mentioned that the colour of the shirt is white, but it turned out to be offwhite. I purchased this shirt for my graduation ceremony, which is on 10 October 2026. I emailed my University to check if I can wear a offwhite shirt, but they clearly mentioned that it is a requirement to wear a white shirt. They can refuse entry to students who are not be following the dress code.

Therefore, I request you to replace this shirt as soon as possible. I am already running out of my budget so I can not afford another shirt. Please make sure that I receive my shirt not later then 8 October 2026 to be on the safe side. I hope for your co-operation.

Many thanks,

Asad

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 8.5

The response covers all parts of the task very well and maintains an appropriate semi-formal tone throughout. The letter successfully gives details of the purchase, such as the date, order number, and sale price (article number JXYC2389). It vividly describes the problem regarding the colour discrepancy between the online description and the actual item received. Furthermore, it explains the urgency of needing a replacement by citing the upcoming graduation ceremony on 10 October 2026 and the strict university dress code. Ideas are well-developed and supported with relevant details, demonstrating a high level of task fulfillment. To reach the highest band, the response could integrate even more nuanced contextual justifications for the urgency.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 8.0

Ideas are logically sequenced and progression is clear throughout the letter. Each paragraph serves a distinct purpose: the introduction states the letter's objective, the second paragraph outlines purchase details, the third explains the problem and consequences, and the final paragraph sets out the call to action and timeline. Paragraphing is used sufficiently and appropriately. Cohesive devices such as 'For your reference', 'Originally', and 'Therefore' are well managed, ensuring smooth transitions between sentences and ideas. Referencing is clear, and the overall arrangement of the text facilitates a seamless reading experience.

Lexical Resource: Band 7.0

The vocabulary range is adequate and generally suited to the task, featuring appropriate expressions such as 'online store', 'article number', and 'dress code'. Less common items are attempted with some awareness of style and collocation, as seen in 'co-operation' and 'confirmation of my order'. However, there are a few minor lexical and spelling inaccuracies, such as writing 'offwhite' instead of 'off-white' or 'off white', and 'not later then' instead of 'no later than'. These occasional errors do not impede communication, but eliminating them and incorporating more sophisticated phrasing would elevate the lexical score.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 7.5

The response demonstrates a good mix of simple and complex sentence structures, including conditional or relative clauses like 'I emailed my University to check if I can wear...' and '...students who are not be following the dress code.' There are frequent error-free sentences, alongside a few minor grammatical slips such as 'who are not be following' (tense/modal error) and the use of 'can not' instead of 'cannot'. Punctuation is generally well-controlled, and overall control of grammar allows the message to be communicated clearly. To achieve an even higher band, a greater variety of complex structures with entirely flawless execution is needed.

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