Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.5 · Cambridge IELTS 17 · 2026-10-14

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 6.5)

Dear Sir or Madam,

The objective of writing this letter is to give the reviews regarding a previous online purchase from your company.

I made a purchase of a suit from your website (order number AJ[redacted phone]SUIT) on October 02, 2026. In the description of the item color options are limited which is not a big issue, I ordered black color suit with white stripes. I received the item in white color which is not acceptable. Moreover, I opted for medium size and got it same size but the measurements are of large size suit.

I need this suit of a very special function which is on following week. I already put my order in return which will be picked by tomorrow. I hope you will understand my situation and send me proper item and I would like to request for express delivery as well.

Thanks you for your consideration.

Your Faithfully

Ajay

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 7.0

You address all three required points: you identify the suit and order number, explain that the colour and measurements are wrong, and request a replacement with express delivery because the function is next week. These details make your purpose clear and relevant. The urgency is present, but could be developed more precisely by stating the date of the event and explaining why the replacement must arrive before then. The opening, “give the reviews,” is also less direct than a clear complaint, and the request for a replacement could specify the correct colour and measurements. Overall, the letter fulfils the task and communicates a clear request, while a little more specific support would make the response more complete and persuasive.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 6.5

The letter follows a sensible sequence: it introduces the purchase, describes the two problems, and then explains the need for a replacement. Paragraphing helps distinguish these stages, and connectors such as “Moreover” and “I hope” guide the reader through the message. This gives the response a coherent overall arrangement. Some links are less smooth or precise, however: “I already put my order in return which will be picked by tomorrow” combines the return arrangement and the replacement request in a confusing way. The opening also spends space announcing the purpose rather than moving directly into the complaint. To strengthen progression, separate the return information from the requested remedy and use clearer references to the item and replacement.

Lexical Resource: Band 6.0

Your vocabulary is adequate for a formal complaint and includes useful task-specific terms such as “order number,” “measurements,” “return,” and “express delivery.” The reader can understand the purchase and the problems. There are, however, several inaccurate or unnatural choices that limit precision: “give the reviews” does not naturally express making a complaint, “special function” is vague, and “put my order in return” is not an idiomatic way to describe arranging a return. “Black color suit with white stripes” could also be phrased more naturally. Aim for precise complaint vocabulary and common collocations, such as “report a problem,” “formal event,” and “arranged a return.” These changes would make the tone more fluent and professional.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 6.0

You use a mix of simple and more developed sentence forms, including the sentence beginning “I hope you will understand my situation and send me proper item.” Most grammatical errors do not prevent the reader from understanding the complaint. Some errors remain, particularly in articles and sentence construction: “I need this suit of a very special function” should use a purpose construction, and “send me proper item” needs an article. The phrase “In the description of the item color options are limited” also lacks clear sentence structure, while “Your Faithfully” has incorrect punctuation and capitalisation for a closing. Review articles, prepositions in common patterns, and formal letter conventions, then proofread each sentence for a complete and natural structure.

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