Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Barron's Writing · 2026-10-16

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 5.5)

Dear friend,

Hope you're doing splendidly! it's been ages since we've been caught up each other; so I've an excellent news for you. I used to go to the office by bicycle, however, I bought a car. Consequetly, I don't need bicycle anymore. Although I was planning to use it for weekends, I've changed my mind. I know you use public transport to commute. That is why, I'm planning to give this bicycle to you.

The bicycles has wide range of features such as reliable, fuel-efficient, automatic, stylish look and latest model. I used this bicycle for commuting to work. Since it's my dream bicycle, I don't want to sell it. It would be better If you keep it and use for free.

we spent our college time on this bycycle, therefore, our memories are associated with this.

Finally, it would be appreciated if you use it for your commute.

Your friend,

Nikhil

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 5.5

You address the main points: you explain that buying a car means you no longer need the bicycle, describe it, and give reasons your friend might use it, including their public-transport commute and your shared college memories. However, the description is unclear and partly inconsistent: “fuel-efficient, automatic” usually describes a car, not a bicycle, and “latest model” does not explain its condition or practical features. The reason your friend would like it is also asserted more than developed. Clarify what makes the bicycle appealing and whether you are offering it as a gift or selling it, since the task asks you to sell it. These gaps leave some parts less fully addressed.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 5.0

The letter has a recognisable opening, body and closing, and the ideas are broadly grouped around your circumstances and the bicycle. However, progression is uneven: the bicycle’s features appear abruptly after the explanation of why you no longer need it, and the sentence about college memories is separated from the reasons your friend might want it. Connect these points in a clearer sequence, perhaps using separate paragraphs for your reason, the bicycle’s description, and your friend’s benefits. Some linking is mechanical or inaccurate, as in “Consequetly” and “therefore,” while “Finally” does not introduce a distinct concluding point. Clearer paragraphing and more precise links would make the letter easier to follow.

Lexical Resource: Band 5.5

You use some relevant vocabulary, including “commute,” “reliable,” “stylish,” and “memories are associated with this,” and the reader can generally understand your message. However, several choices are inaccurate or unnatural for a bicycle: “fuel-efficient” and “automatic” sound more appropriate for a car, while “dream bicycle” is unclear in this context. There are also noticeable spelling and word-form errors, such as “Consequetly” and “bycycle,” and phrases such as “I've an excellent news” are not idiomatic. Aim for precise bicycle-related terms and natural collocations, for example describing its gears, condition, or comfort. This would make the vocabulary more accurate and effective.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 5.5

You attempt a mix of simple and more complex sentences, including “Although I was planning to use it for weekends, I've changed my mind” and “Since it's my dream bicycle, I don't want to sell it.” Meaning is usually recoverable, but errors in sentence construction and agreement remain noticeable. Examples include “we've been caught up each other” (the verb pattern is incomplete), “The bicycles has” (singular/plural agreement), and “use for free” (the object is missing). Capitalisation and punctuation also need attention: “it's” begins a sentence in lowercase, and “If” is unnecessarily capitalised mid-sentence. Review articles, agreement, and verb patterns, while keeping the complex structures you are attempting.

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

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