Band 7.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.0 · Barron's Writing · 2026-10-03

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 7.0)

Dear Sir or Madam,

I hope you are doing well. I am writing in regards to a damaged jacket I bought from your store.

A week ago, I visited your store at Mall of Asia for a Mid-year shopping as it has been my yearly ritual since moving to Manila. Among the clothes I got was a beautiful blue denim jacket which i discovered had a tear on the front pocket.

I noticed the damage two days ago because I was considering using it for an event I had the next day. Immediately I noticed it, I took it to the store in hopes of getting an exchange. The staff I met acted rudely, and told me I could not return it based on a policy, even after showing them the receipt of purchase.

I would appreciate if you can look into it, and a refund or an exhange can be made. I can be contacted via my cell number: [redacted phone] or email: [redacted email].

Thank you for your time and I look forward to hearing a feedback.

Yours faithfully,

Tayo Olugbami

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 7.0

The response successfully addresses all parts of the prompt, satisfying the requirements for a general correspondence task. You clearly describe the problem with the jacket by mentioning the tear on the front pocket, explain what happened during your return attempt including the rude staff behavior and store policy, and state what you would like the manager to do by requesting either a refund or an exchange. A clear and appropriate semi-formal tone is maintained throughout the letter. The ideas are well extended and supported, though slightly more elaboration on the exact store policy encountered could elevate this further. Overall, the purpose of the letter is fully communicated to the reader.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 7.0

The letter demonstrates clear logical organization and progression throughout. Each paragraph serves a distinct purpose, moving smoothly from the opening statement and context to the issue itself, the failed return, and finally the desired resolution and contact details. Cohesive devices are used appropriately, such as referencing ('Immediately I noticed it') and logical connectors ('because', 'even after'). Paragraphing is managed sufficiently, and the overall progression is easy to follow. To reach higher bands, cohesive relationships could be made even more varied and subtle, avoiding slightly mechanical transitions.

Lexical Resource: Band 6.5

An adequate and sufficiently wide range of vocabulary is used for the task, allowing for clear communication. You successfully attempt less common lexical items and phrases such as 'yearly ritual', 'considerable', or specific details like 'blue denim jacket'. There are occasional minor lexical or spelling inaccuracies, such as the lowercase 'i' instead of 'I', and a slight slip in word choice with 'an exhange' (spelling). These minor errors do not impede communication. To move into a higher band, incorporate a wider variety of sophisticated phrasing and idioms while maintaining strict accuracy in spelling and word formation.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 6.5

The writing displays a mix of simple and complex sentence forms, demonstrating control over punctuation and sentence structure. You successfully deploy complex structures such as 'Among the clothes I got was a beautiful blue denim jacket which i discovered had a tear...'. There are some minor grammatical errors, such as missing articles ('for a Mid-year shopping') and awkward phrasing in 'I would appreciate if you can look into it'. However, these errors are relatively infrequent and rarely impede communication, with many sentences remaining completely error-free. Good control over verb tenses is maintained across past narratives and present situations.

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

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