Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.0 · Barron's Writing · 2026-10-02

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 6.0)

Dear Manager,

I am writing to express my concern about defected jacket that I bought from you store Yesterday.

To begin with, I tried different jacket in the try room and after I made selection of my color and design according to my preference I was given a new jacket that was packed in the box. The dress is torn from the right shoulder and upon complaining about the damaged garment I was told to file the complaint using online portal, it was a horrible experience because I never expected this type of ridiculous customer service from such a big clothing brand.

Simultaneously, I am writing this letter to seek your assisstance to return the jacket and replace with the same size and same coloured jacket. In case you do not have the alternate product, I appeal you to return my money and I will buy same jacket from another outlet.

I am looking forward to hearing from you.

Thanks and regards.

Tarspreet

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 6.5

The response successfully covers all three key bullet points of the task instructions, which places it firmly within the targeted band range. You clearly describe the problem with the jacket being torn at the right shoulder, explain your negative experience with the store staff and online complaint portal, and outline your desired solution for an exchange or refund. However, some ideas remain slightly under-developed or lack full elaboration, such as the specific details regarding the store's refusal policy. To reach a higher level, you could have expanded further on the initial interaction at the store or provided more precise context to fully flesh out the narrative without rushing the points.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 6.0

The letter maintains a coherent overall arrangement with a clear letter format, appropriate opening and closing, and recognisable paragraphs. Ideas generally flow logically from describing the purchase and the defect, to the return attempt, and finally to the requested action. Nevertheless, cohesion is at times mechanical or slightly abrupt, particularly in sentences like 'Simultaneously, I am writing this letter...', which uses an unnatural transitional device for this context. Referencing and paragraphing are functional, but managing cohesive devices with greater flexibility and natural flow would elevate the organisational structure to the next tier.

Lexical Resource: Band 6.0

An adequate range of vocabulary is deployed for the task, including functional attempts at less common phrasing such as 'ridiculous customer service' and 'alternate product'. However, the response contains several noticeable lexical and spelling errors that prevent it from achieving a higher mark. For instance, 'defected' is used instead of 'defective', and 'assisstance' contains a spelling error. Furthermore, word choices such as 'try room' (fitting room) and 'you store' (your store) show minor lapses in collocation and precision. These inaccuracies do not heavily impede communication, but eliminating them requires more precise lexical control.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 5.5

There is a workable mix of simple and complex sentence forms attempted throughout the letter, such as the use of conditional clauses and subordinate clauses. However, control over grammar and punctuation shows noticeable inconsistencies that are characteristic of this level. There are several missing or incorrect articles, such as writing 'defect' or 'jacket' without necessary determiners ('a defected jacket'), and prepositions inside patterns need tightening ('replace with' instead of 'replace it with'). Punctuation is also sparse in places, leading to run-on structures. A greater proportion of error-free complex sentences and stricter control over basic syntactic rules are needed to move higher.

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

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