Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.5 · Barron's Writing · 2026-10-21

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,

I am writing to express my dissatisfaction regarding the recent purchase of a jacket from your store.The issue with the jacket is that there is a big hole in one of its pockets and at time of checkout, I did not realized it.Unfortunately, I noticed it when I arrived at home as I was getting ready for a event.

After this, I went to the store and showed the damage to one of your staff members.However,they were busy and not paying attention to my return as they was saying that it might happened while I was trying the jacket.At the end, they denied me the return and told me that they cannot accept damaged goods.

I would like you to investigate into this matter as the jacket was already being torn from its pocket.Also, if it is possible please take strict action against your store staff as they are not good in customer service.I would like to return the jacket and willing to get compensation for my precious time.

I am looking forward hearing from you.

Best Regards,

Harpreet

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 6.5

You address all three requested points: the pocket has a hole, staff refused the return, and you ask the manager to investigate and arrange a remedy. Your purpose is clear from the opening, and the account of the visit gives relevant context. The request for a return is explicit, although “compensation for my precious time” is less clearly connected to the damaged item, and the request for “strict action” against staff is not supported with much detail. The problem and the store’s response are understandable but could be developed more precisely—for example, state when you bought the jacket and whether you have the receipt, then specify whether you want a refund or replacement. This covers the task well, with some ideas less fully explained.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 7.0

The letter has a clear progression: you introduce the complaint, describe the damage, explain the attempted return, and finish with what you want the manager to do. Paragraphing supports this sequence, and linking phrases such as “After this,” “However,” and “At the end” help the reader follow events. The closing also suits a formal complaint. Some connections are less smooth: “After this” is vague, and “I would like you to investigate… Also…” places the investigation, staff conduct, and compensation together without clearly prioritising the requested outcome. Use more precise transitions and organise the final paragraph around a specific remedy, followed by any secondary request.

Lexical Resource: Band 6.0

Your vocabulary is adequate for a complaint letter, and phrases such as “express my dissatisfaction,” “denied me the return,” and “customer service” communicate the main points. You also attempt more formal wording, which suits the purpose. However, several choices are inaccurate or unnatural: “a big hole” is imprecise, “investigate into this matter” uses an unsuitable combination, and “precious time” does not naturally express the inconvenience caused. “The jacket was already being torn” is also an awkward way to describe its condition. These choices do not prevent understanding, but they limit precision and naturalness. Prefer established complaint collocations such as “a large tear,” “look into the matter,” and “the time and inconvenience caused.”

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 5.5

You use a mix of simple and more complex sentences, including a reason clause in “as I was getting ready for a event” and a contrast introduced by “However.” The overall meaning remains clear, but some errors in verb forms, agreement, articles, and sentence construction reduce accuracy. Examples include “I did not realized” (use “realise”), “they was saying” (use “they were saying”), and “it might happened” (use “it might have happened”). There are also article and preposition problems in “a event” and “looking forward hearing.” Review past-tense forms and modal constructions, and check articles and required prepositions when proofreading. More consistently accurate complex sentences would strengthen the letter.

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