Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.5 · Barron's Writing · 2026-09-16

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 6.5)

Dear Madam,

I am writing this letter to you to express my frustration and dissatisfaction, with the product and service at your store.

Two days ago I purchased a winter jacket. Upon reaching home, my curiosity to try it on, led me to see that inner-linning of the jacket near the arm was ripped. I immediately took pictures and called the store to inform about the same. The lady who picked up asked me to bring it in the next day, so they could check it.

This relieved me, as it was an expensive purchase. The surprise was when I came back to the store and addressed my issue, your staff responded in a cold manner, and accused me of ripping of the jacket. Moreover, she said It cannot be returned or refunded. Hearing this I was very upset but I controlled my anger.

It is my humble request to you to please refund my money or exchange the jacket , and would also want to give an advice to train your staff to be more considerate and respectful.

thank y

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.0

The response covers all three bullet points from the prompt effectively. The student describes the problem by stating that the inner lining of the winter jacket near the arm was ripped. They then explain what happened when they tried to return it, noting that the staff accused them of ripping it and refused a refund or exchange. Finally, they state what they would like the manager to do by requesting a refund or exchange, as well as suggesting staff training. The tone is appropriate for a formal complaint letter, and all requirements are met well, warranting a band score of 7.0.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5

The letter is logically organised with clear paragraphing, moving smoothly from the opening statement to the description of the problem, the store visit, and finally the requested action. Cohesive devices such as 'Two days ago', 'Upon reaching home', and 'Moreover' are used to connect ideas, although some transitions could be smoother. Referencing is generally clear, and the overall progression of the argument is easy to follow, making this a solid performance for Coherence and Cohesion.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

The student demonstrates an adequate range of vocabulary suitable for a formal complaint letter, including terms like 'dissatisfaction', 'merchandise', and 'expensive purchase'. There are some minor lexical errors and awkward word choices, such as 'inner-linning', 'ripping of the jacket' (instead of 'ripping the jacket'), and 'give an advice' (which should be 'provide advice'). However, these errors do not impede communication, and the vocabulary used is sufficient for the task.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.0

The student uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, such as 'Upon reaching home, my curiosity to try it on, led me to see that inner-linning of the jacket near the arm was ripped.' There are several grammatical and punctuation errors, including unnecessary commas ('dissatisfaction, with', 'try it on, led') and a missing article ('It cannot be returned'). Despite these errors, the sentences are generally understandable and communication is not impeded.

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

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