Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Barron's Writing · 2026-09-04

IELTS Writing Task 1 question

You have decided to look for a new job.

Write a letter to a friend. In your letter
• explain why you are looking for a new job.
• describe the kind of job you would like to have.
• ask your friend to help you find a job

You do NOT need to write any addresses.

Begin your letter as follows:

Dear _________,

Student answer (Band 5.5)

Dear Rajan,

I hope you are doing well. I am writing regarding a new job. I have decided to look for a new job.

Firstly, I am looking for a new job in my profession. I completed an MBA in finance; I know accounting and computers. So, I want to go into this field to enhance my skills and experience. Secondly, I would like to go into the banking sector. I want to become a financial advisor.

Last but not least, I would appreciate it if you could help me find my dream occupation. Your best friend works in this field. You ask your friend; he will help me to find a job in this field.

Thank you for your time and consideration. I hope you will help me and hope for a positive outcome.

Your Lovingly,

Sajan singh

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.0

The letter addresses all three bullet points: explaining the reason for the job search, describing the desired role, and requesting assistance. However, the response is under the 150-word minimum, which limits the development of ideas. The explanation for the job search is somewhat repetitive, and the description of the desired role could be more detailed to fully satisfy the task requirements. Because the response is 11 words short of the minimum requirement, it is penalized under Task Achievement as the ideas are not sufficiently extended.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.0

The letter is organized into logical paragraphs, which helps the reader follow the progression of ideas. However, the use of cohesive devices is somewhat mechanical and repetitive, such as the frequent use of 'Firstly', 'Secondly', and 'Last but not least'. The transition between sentences is sometimes abrupt, particularly in the final paragraph where the request for help is phrased in a slightly disjointed manner. Improving the flow between sentences with a wider variety of linking words would enhance the overall coherence of the letter.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.5

The vocabulary is adequate for the task but lacks variety and sophistication. The student relies on basic phrasing, such as 'I am writing regarding a new job' and 'I want to go into this field'. While the meaning is clear, there is little attempt to use less common lexical items or more precise collocations related to the finance or banking sectors. To improve, the student should aim to incorporate more professional terminology and varied expressions to demonstrate a wider range of vocabulary.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5

The letter uses a mix of simple and compound sentences. While the grammar is generally understandable, there are several errors, such as 'Your Lovingly' (incorrect closing) and the repetitive structure of 'I am looking for a new job'. The punctuation is mostly correct, but the sentence structure is quite basic. There is a lack of complex grammatical structures, which limits the ability to demonstrate higher-level control. The errors present do not significantly impede communication, but they are frequent enough to prevent a higher score.

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

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