Band 8.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 8.0 · Barron's Writing · 2026-09-26

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 8.0)

Dear Sir or Madam,

I am writing to complain about a jacket that I recently bought from your store. Unfortunately, when I got home, I noticed that the jacket was damaged. There was a tear near the left pocket, and the zipper was also not working properly. I did not notice these problems while I was in the store.

The next day, I returned to the store with the jacket and my receipt. I explained the problem to a staff member and asked for a replacement or refund. However, I was told that your store does not accept returns. I was disappointed because the jacket was already damaged when I bought it, and I had not worn or used it.

I would appreciate it if you could either replace the damaged jacket with a new one or give me a full refund. I hope you will consider my situation and resolve this problem as soon as possible.

Yours faithfully,

Jaskaran Singh

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 8.0

The response fully satisfies all requirements of the task. The writer successfully addresses all three bullet points: the problem with the jacket is clearly described (a tear near the left pocket and a faulty zipper), the interaction with the store employee when attempting a return is explained, and a clear resolution is requested (a replacement or a full refund). The tone is appropriate for a formal complaint letter, and the purpose is communicated clearly throughout without any irrelevant information.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 8.5

The letter is logically organised with a clear progression of ideas from the description of the problem to the store visit and finally the requested action. Paragraphing is used appropriately, with each paragraph dedicated to a distinct aspect of the letter. Cohesive devices are handled naturally (e.g., 'Unfortunately', 'The next day', 'However'), guiding the reader smoothly through the narrative without any mechanical or repetitive transitions.

Lexical Resource: Band 7.0

The vocabulary is accurate and entirely suitable for a formal complaint letter. The student uses appropriate terms related to shopping and consumer rights, such as 'complain', 'replacement', 'refund', and 'merchandise context'. While the range is somewhat standard for this everyday topic and does not showcase highly sophisticated or uncommon idiomatic expressions, the word choice is precise and natural throughout, with no spelling or lexical errors observed.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 8.0

The student demonstrates a strong command of grammatical structures, successfully combining simple, compound, and complex sentences. Examples such as 'Unfortunately, when I got home, I noticed that the jacket was damaged' and 'I would appreciate it if you could either replace the damaged jacket with a new one or give me a full refund' show excellent control. Sentences are almost entirely error-free, with accurate punctuation and verb tense consistency.

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