Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Barron's Writing · 2026-10-05

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,

The purpose of writing letter to inform you about problem which I face from your store. Yesterday, I bought a jacket from your shop which I like and fit on me but when I go to home and wear it I notice one botton from front side is missing.

when I come to your clothing store and tell him issue they didn't return it and blamed me that I lost the botton. Even they didn't change jacket with other one.

So,I humble request to you to solve my problem whatever you exchange my coat with new one or stitch the botton because it's to much expensive jacket which I'll wearing at wedding of my brother and without front button it's looking old.

Please order to your story staff to resolve my problem as soon as possible. I she'll be very thankful to you.

Best regards

Your customer Hamza Tariq

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 6.0

The response addresses all parts of the prompt by describing the missing button on the jacket, explaining the store staff's refusal to offer a refund or exchange, and stating the desired resolution of exchanging the item or fixing the button. However, the development of these ideas varies in depth. While the problem and the staff's reaction are clearly stated, the request for a solution is somewhat abrupt and focuses heavily on personal details, such as attending a brother's wedding. This reflects a response where all requirements are covered, but certain elements are more fully realized than others.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 5.5

The letter maintains a coherent overall arrangement and follows a logical letter-writing structure, moving from the introduction of the issue to the store incident and finally to the requested action. However, the progression is occasionally hindered by inadequate and mechanical cohesive devices. For instance, transitional phrases like 'when I come to your clothing store and tell him issue' lack smooth connectivity. Paragraphing is attempted, but the grouping of ideas is somewhat disjointed, and referencing pronouns, such as 'him issue' and 'they didn't change jacket with other one', is not always clear for the reader.

Lexical Resource: Band 5.0

The vocabulary used is adequate for the task, allowing the writer to communicate the core message. There are clear attempts to use less common vocabulary and descriptive phrases, such as 'merchandise' or expressing specific intentions, but these are accompanied by noticeable word-choice, word-form, and spelling errors. For example, terms like 'botton' instead of button, 'story staff' instead of store staff, and phrases like 'it's to much expensive' demonstrate inaccuracies that occasionally require the reader to interpret the intended meaning, though communication is ultimately maintained.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 5.0

The letter features a mix of simple and some attempted complex sentence forms, such as 'when I go to home and wear it I notice one botton from front side is missing.' There are some errors in grammar and punctuation throughout the text, including tense inconsistencies ('when I go' instead of went, 'she'll' instead of shall), missing articles ('at wedding of my brother'), and awkward prepositions. While these errors are present, they are not overwhelmingly frequent and rarely impede overall communication, allowing the reader to follow the narrative of the complaint.

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

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