Band 7.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.0 · Cambridge IELTS 17 · 2026-10-20

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 to request a replacement of clothes that I have bought from your store online few days ago. I am really disappointed with the size and color of my dress.

Last Sunday, I ordered a red color gown online through the website of your firm. I selected your company because one of my friends recommended me that your services are excellent. At the time of purchased, I reviewed everything appropriately and confirmed my order. I bought this dress for my birthday in the upcoming week.

Unfortunately, I received my parcel two days later than the scheduled delivery time. When I opened it, I noticed that the color of dress was not red, it was purple. Moreover, I opted the medium size but you sent me extra large. Overall, the order was totally out of specification and customer request.

In addition, I would appreciate it if you could replace my order as soon as possile. Alternatvely, I would also like to accept full refund, if the same dress is currently out of stock at your store. I hope you will understand the situation and process my request on priority basis.

Yours sincerely,

Harman

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 7.5

The letter clearly addresses all three requirements: you identify the purchase as a red gown ordered online, explain that the delivered item was purple and extra large rather than medium, and request a prompt replacement. The birthday next week gives a relevant reason for urgency, while the refund option is a useful alternative. These details make your purpose clear and the tone is appropriately formal. To strengthen the response further, develop the urgency more explicitly—for example, explain that you need the correct gown for your birthday celebration—and include any useful order details, such as an order number, if available. The main ideas are clear and supported, though the reason for urgency could be more fully extended.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 7.0

The information follows a clear, sensible sequence: you state your purpose, give the purchase background, describe the delivery problem, and finish with the action you want. Paragraphing supports this progression, and linking expressions such as “Unfortunately” and “Moreover” help connect the details. The closing request and sign-off also suit a formal complaint letter. Some connections could be more natural and precise: “In addition” introduces the replacement request, but this is the central action rather than an additional point. You could also link the birthday detail more directly to the request for urgency. Overall, the organisation is easy to follow, with some room to make cohesion less formulaic.

Lexical Resource: Band 6.0

You use an adequate range of vocabulary for the complaint, including “replacement,” “scheduled delivery time,” “out of stock,” and “full refund.” These choices communicate the issue and requested outcome clearly. There are, however, some inaccurate or awkward word choices and spelling slips that limit precision: “out of specification” is not a natural way to describe the incorrect item, and “on priority basis” is less idiomatic than “as a priority.” “Possile” and “Alternatvely” are misspelled. Aim for natural collocations and check spelling carefully; for example, describe the item as “different from the one I ordered” and ask the company to “process my request promptly.”

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 6.5

The letter includes a mix of simple and more complex sentence forms, and most of the meaning remains clear. For instance, the conditional request, “I would appreciate it if you could replace my order,” is an effective structure, and the sentence beginning “When I opened it” clearly introduces the problem. Some grammatical errors remain, including “I have bought … few days ago,” where the past-time expression calls for a simple past form and an article, and “At the time of purchased,” where the noun form is needed. There are also article and preposition issues in “the color of dress” and “recommended me that.” Review tense use with finished time references, articles, and verb patterns to improve accuracy while retaining your sentence variety.

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