Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Barron's Writing · 2026-11-09

IELTS Writing Task 1 question

You recently bought a jacket, but when you got home, you discovered it was
damaged. When you took it back to the store, you were told that merchandise
cannot be returned.

Write a letter to the store manager. In your letter:
• describe the problem with the jacket.
• explain what happened when you tried to return it.
• say what you would like the manager to do.

You do NOT need to write any addresses.

Begin your letter as follows:

Dear Sir or Madam,

Student answer (Band 5.5)

Dear Sir or Madam,

I am writing this letter regarding my new one jacket which I bought last week from your store. This jacket was torn.

I would like to tell you that jacket was damaged when I have opened it. When I saw the tag on its back side I was so surprised because it was written that any product cannot return.

But when I buy it I was hurry thats why I never tried it. I just want to exchange it sothat I can wear it.I am your routine customer. I hope you will understand my situation.

I would like to buy same jacket but another piece. It was my favourite colour.

I hope you will exchange it. I will be wait for your response.

Yours faithfully,

Grace

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 5.5

You cover the main situation: the jacket is torn, you explain that you did not try it on when buying it, and you ask to exchange it for another of the same colour. However, the return attempt is not described accurately or fully: “when I saw the tag” suggests you read a label, rather than explaining that store staff refused the return. The requested action is present, but the reason for your request and the circumstances could be developed more clearly. The response also contains 130 words, so it does not meet the 150-word minimum. Add details about when and where you returned the jacket, what staff told you, and why an exchange is a reasonable solution.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 5.5

The letter follows a broadly sensible order, moving from the purchase and damage to your request, and it uses an appropriate greeting and sign-off. However, the progression is not always clear because the return incident is compressed into “When I saw the tag on its back side,” which does not clearly connect to what happened at the store. Several short statements, such as “This jacket was torn” and “It was my favourite colour,” feel disconnected rather than developed into a smooth explanation. Organise the letter into clear paragraphs for the problem, the attempted return, and the requested resolution. Use linking phrases to show the sequence of events and make references such as “it” unambiguous.

Lexical Resource: Band 5.0

Your vocabulary is sufficient to communicate the basic issue and request, with relevant terms such as “damaged,” “torn,” “exchange,” and “routine customer.” However, the range is limited, and some word choices or combinations are unnatural, including “my new one jacket,” “back side,” and “I was hurry.” These expressions may make the reader pause, even though the general meaning can be understood. Aim for more precise language suited to a complaint letter, such as describing a “tear in the fabric” and asking for a “replacement.” Also check spelling and spacing in “sothat,” and avoid repeating “jacket” and “exchange” when a clear alternative can be used.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 5.0

The letter relies mainly on short, simple sentences, with limited variety in sentence structure. There are frequent errors in basic grammar that sometimes make the message difficult to follow. For example, “which I bought last week from your store” is preceded by the incorrect phrase “my new one jacket,” and “when I have opened it” uses an unsuitable verb form for a past event. Other examples include “when I buy it I was hurry” and “I will be wait,” which show problems with tense and sentence construction. Practise forming past-tense sequences and complete clauses, for example, “When I got home and opened the jacket, I noticed a tear.” More accurate sentence patterns will make your request clearer.

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

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