Band 4.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 4.5 · Barron's Writing · 2026-10-09

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 4.5)

Dear Friend.

i have a bicycle thee years old. now i want to sale my bicycle. i like new model new shape gear changing system and tyre is strong. i want to sale mininum price. you said me last time anytime you sale your bicycle sale it for me. thatswhy i want to tell you purchase my bicycle as soon as posible. i have all the bicycle acceseries like seat and light ring bell and chrome handle.

this bicycle is mint condition and everything is working condition. i use it everyday for home purpose and going to learning new skills. sometimes i go with my friend in garden and walk daily in garden. it is very good company bicycle i use it everyday.

i guess you have this bicycle it is easy to go for school and exersise.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 4.5

You address the three main points: you say you want to sell the bicycle, describe its age and condition, and suggest it could help your friend travel to school and exercise. However, the reasons for no longer using it are not clearly explained; wanting a newer model is mentioned, but the rest of the letter says you use this bicycle every day. The description is also brief, and details such as “gear changing system” and “strong” tyres need clearer explanation. The letter is only 138 words, so it does not meet the 150-word minimum. Develop the reason for selling and add specific, relevant details about the bicycle and its benefits to your friend.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 4.0

The response contains related information, and the reader can identify the general purpose of the letter. There is some basic grouping: the opening explains the sale, while the later section describes use and possible benefits to your friend. However, ideas do not progress clearly, and several points are repeated, especially that you use the bicycle every day. The connection between wanting a new model and continuing to use this bicycle is also unclear. Add clear paragraphing for the reason for selling, the bicycle’s features, and why it suits your friend. Use simple linking phrases to show how each point relates, rather than placing many details together in one long sequence.

Lexical Resource: Band 5.0

You use a basic range of vocabulary relevant to the topic, including “bicycle,” “gear changing system,” “mint condition,” “accessories,” and “exercise.” These words help convey the general message, but the range is limited and several choices or spellings make the letter less clear or natural, such as “sale” for “sell,” “company bicycle,” and “learning new skills.” Some details are difficult to interpret, including “strong” tyres and “light ring bell.” Aim for accurate, natural phrases that describe the bicycle and its condition, and check spelling. More precise vocabulary would make the description easier for your friend to understand.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 4.5

Most of the response uses short, simple statements, so the main message can be followed, but there is little variety in sentence structure. Frequent errors with verb forms, articles, and sentence construction affect accuracy: for example, “i want to sale my bicycle” and “you said me last time” do not use the correct grammatical patterns. The opening also has a full stop where a comma is needed after the greeting, and capitalisation of “I” is inconsistent. Practise forming complete sentences with accurate verb patterns, such as “I want to sell it” and “You told me last time that…”. Combining related ideas with correctly formed clauses would improve range and clarity.

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

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