Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.5 · Barron's Writing · 2026-10-06

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 Sir or Madam,

I am writing to formally to express my concern regarding the refusal to accept the return of the jacket that I bought from your store on 4th of October around 5:00 PM. When I got home while wearing I found that there was a hole on the right arm which is quite visible from outside and it affects its appearance.

So, I came to the store today to return it and take the new one. I came with the receipt and it is clearly mentioned on the receipt about the return policy which is of 30 days. But, the associate refused to take it as they said that merchandise cannot be returned. It was not mentioned anywhere there about the final sales.

I would like you to see into this matter and make some things work out for me. As, it cost me worth 100 bucks which is a quite big amount for me. I would appreciate it if you could review this matter and provide an appropriate resolution.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 7.0

You successfully cover all parts of the task by describing the problem with the jacket, explaining the store's refusal to accept your return, and stating what you would like the manager to do. Your purpose is clear throughout the letter, and the tone is appropriately formal for a complaint to a store manager. The response sits at this level because while all bullet points are addressed, some ideas are slightly generalised or could be further extended, such as detailing the exact nature of the jacket or the store policy discussion. However, the overall communication of your message is clear and fulfils the general requirements of the task.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 6.5

Your letter demonstrates a coherent overall arrangement with a logical progression from describing the fault to the store interaction, and finally to your desired outcome. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate your ideas. Cohesive devices are employed, such as 'When I got home' and 'But, the associate refused', though some referencing and transitions feel slightly mechanical or abrupt, which places this criterion at this level. To reach a higher band, ensure smoother transitions between sentences and more flexible use of cohesive devices throughout the letter.

Lexical Resource: Band 6.0

You demonstrate an adequate range of vocabulary for the task, successfully attempting less common items and phrases such as 'formally to express my concern', 'policy', and 'appropriate resolution'. However, there are some inaccuracies in word choice and phrasing, such as 'take the new one' instead of 'exchange it', and informal colloquialisms like '100 bucks'. These word-choice errors do not impede communication, but they prevent the vocabulary from reaching a higher level of precision and style. Spelling and basic word formation are generally accurate.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 5.5

You attempt a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, such as using subordinate clauses like 'When I got home while wearing I found that...'. However, there are some noticeable errors in grammar and punctuation, including missing prepositions or pronouns ('while wearing I found', 'it is clearly mentioned on the receipt about the return policy'), awkward phrasing, and redundant words like 'formally to express my formatting'. These errors occur with some frequency across your complex sentences, though they rarely impede the reader's understanding. Good control of basic verb tenses is generally maintained.

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

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