Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 17 · 2026-10-29

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 5.5)

Dear sir,

I am writing this letter to request you to replace my jacket, which i bought from your website and it is defected. Invoice number : 34577 , on the name of Jyoti kiran saini.

I bought your best selling puffer jacket (item no: APX123) , and i found that it is torn from collar side. I would have ignore this if it is inside the jacket.

I would like to request you to align pickup for the defected one and kinldy deliver the another pair. It would be highly appreciable.

Thank you

Jyoti

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 4.0

You identify the purchase and its defect: the puffer jacket, item number APX123, invoice number 34577, and a tear near the collar. You also request collection and a replacement. However, the task is addressed only partially: the reason you need the replacement urgently is not explained, and the problem and requested action receive very little detail. The response is also 55 words below the required minimum, which leaves important information undeveloped. Explain when you need the jacket and why, and add relevant details such as the purchase date, the condition of the parcel, or a preferred replacement deadline. These additions would make the purpose of the letter clearer and more complete.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 6.0

The letter has a recognisable sequence: it states the purpose, gives purchase details, describes the damage, and asks for a replacement. This makes the main message understandable. Paragraphing also separates the opening from the explanation and request. However, the short, compressed paragraphs make the progression feel abrupt, and the invoice details are inserted as a fragment rather than integrated into a sentence. The link between the defect and the requested pickup could also be clearer. Develop each point in a complete paragraph and use simple transitions such as “Unfortunately” and “As I need the jacket for…” to guide the reader naturally through the complaint.

Lexical Resource: Band 5.5

You use relevant vocabulary for a complaint, including “puffer jacket,” “torn,” “collar,” “replace,” and “pickup,” so the reader can identify the issue and requested remedy. However, the range is limited, and several word choices or forms are inaccurate: “defected” should be “defective” or “damaged,” “align pickup” is not a natural collocation, and “another pair” is unsuitable for a jacket. “Highly appreciable” is also awkward in this context. Use precise customer-service language such as “arrange collection,” “send a replacement jacket,” and “I would appreciate your prompt assistance.” Check spelling as well, including “kindly.”

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 5.5

The message is generally understandable, and you attempt both simple sentences and a relative clause in “my jacket, which I bought from your website.” However, the range is narrow, with several grammatical and punctuation problems. In “I would have ignore this if it is inside the jacket,” the verb form and conditional structure are incorrect; a clearer version is “I might have overlooked this if the tear were inside the jacket.” Capitalise “I,” and avoid the sentence fragment “Invoice number: 34577, on the name of…” by writing, for example, “The invoice is in the name of Jyoti Kiran Saini.” More accurate sentence patterns and careful punctuation would improve control.

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

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