Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.5 · Barron's Writing · 2026-09-17

IELTS Writing Task 1 question

You have a bicycle that you are no longer using. You would like to sell it to a friend.

Write a letter to your friend. In your letter
• explain why you are no longer using your bicycle.
• describe your bicycle.
• explain why you think your friend would like to have it.

You do NOT need to write any addresses.

Begin your letter as follows:

Dear _________,

Student answer (Band 6.5)

Dear John,

Hope you are doing well. I am writing to let you know that I plan to sell my bicycle.

As I am moving to Canada for higher studies, I am not using it anymore. I am curious about whether you are interested in buying my bicycle.

It is a new ladybird, model no. 2025, pink in color with a beautiful front basket. It provides a cute bell, a night light, and reflectors on both tires. Price range will be $500 to 700 but its negotiatable for you.

I am suggesting my bicycle to you because of our discussion about it when we last met in August. You discussed your plan to buy your sister a bike as a surprise for her birthday. Moreover, I have a sentimental attachment to it because it was my favorite and I dont want to sell it to a stranger.

see you

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.0

The candidate covers all three bullet points required by the prompt in a friendly and appropriate semi-formal tone. Specifically, the letter explains why the bicycle is no longer needed ('As I am moving to Canada for higher studies'), describes the bicycle ('It is a new ladybird, model no. 2025...'), and gives a reason why the friend would like it based on their previous conversation. However, the response falls slightly short of the minimum length requirement, containing 149 words instead of the required 150. This minor negative aspect prevents the task fulfillment from reaching the highest band level, resulting in a score of 6.0.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.0

The letter maintains a clear logical organisation and appropriate paragraphing for a personal correspondence. Each paragraph serves a distinct purpose, moving smoothly from the greeting and purpose of writing to the explanation, description, and reasons for selling. Cohesive devices are used adequately, such as 'Moreover' to add supporting details. Referencing is generally clear, and the overall progression is easy to follow despite the brief length of the text. This meets the criteria for Band 7.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

The student demonstrates an adequate range of vocabulary for this general task, using expressions like 'sentimental attachment', 'surprise for her birthday', and 'negotiatable'. There are some minor word choice and spelling inaccuracies, such as 'It provides' instead of 'It features' or 'It comes with', and the missing apostrophe in 'dont', but these do not impede communication. The lexical resource is sufficient to convey the intended message effectively, warranting a Band 6.0.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.0

The candidate employs a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, such as 'As I am moving to Canada for higher studies, I am not using it anymore.' There are some minor grammatical errors and punctuation oversights, including 'Price range will be $500 to 700 but its negotiatable for you' (missing article 'The', missing apostrophe in 'it's', and spelling of 'negotiable'). However, these errors are relatively minor and do not impede the reader's understanding. The control of grammar aligns well with Band 6.

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

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