Band 8.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 8.0 · Barron's Writing · 2026-08-03

IELTS Writing Task 1 question

You let a friend stay at your apartment while you were away on a trip. When you returned home, you discovered that a valuable possession was broken.

Write a letter to your friend. In your letter
• describe the broken possession.
• explain why it is important to you.
• explain what you would like your friend to do.

You do NOT need to write any addresses.

Begin your letter as follows:

Dear _________,

Student answer (Band 8.0)

Dear John,

I hope you are doing well. First of all, thank you for looking after my apartment while I was away. I really appreciate your help. However, after returning home, I noticed that my antique wristwatch was broken.

It was a silver wristwatch that belonged to my late grandfather. The glass on the front is cracked, and it is no longer working. I was shocked to see it in that condition because I had kept it safely in my bedroom drawer before leaving.

This watch is extremely valuable to me, not because of its price but because of its sentimental value. It is one of the few memories I have of my grandfather, and he gave it to me on my 18th birthday. I have always treasured it and taken great care of it.

I completely understand that accidents can happen, but I would appreciate it if you could let me know how it happened. I would also like you to cover the cost of getting it repaired by a professional watchmaker. I hope we can resolve this matter without affecting our friendship.

I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Yours sincerely,

Vin

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 8.0

The response fully addresses all three bullet points of the task. You clearly described the antique wristwatch, provided a compelling explanation for its sentimental importance, and stated a clear request for the friend to cover repair costs. The tone is appropriate for a letter to a friend—polite yet firm regarding the issue. The ideas are well-developed and the purpose of the letter is clear from the outset. You have successfully balanced the need to maintain the friendship with the necessity of addressing the damage, which demonstrates a high level of task fulfillment.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 8.0

The letter is logically organized with a clear progression of ideas. Each paragraph focuses on a specific aspect of the prompt, moving smoothly from the opening to the description, the significance, and finally the resolution. You used cohesive devices effectively, such as 'However,' 'because of,' and 'I completely understand that,' which help the reader follow your train of thought without difficulty. The paragraphing is appropriate, and the transition between the expression of disappointment and the request for a solution is handled naturally.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.0

You demonstrate a good range of vocabulary that is well-suited to the context of the letter. Phrases like 'sentimental value,' 'resolve this matter,' and 'antique wristwatch' are precise and natural. While the vocabulary is accurate and appropriate, it stays within a fairly standard range. To reach a higher band, you could incorporate slightly more sophisticated collocations or idiomatic expressions that fit the semi-formal/friendly tone, such as 'deeply saddened' instead of 'shocked' or 'rectify the situation' instead of 'resolve this matter.'

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 8.0

Your grammar is highly accurate, with a variety of sentence structures used throughout the letter. You successfully employ complex sentences, such as 'I was shocked to see it in that condition because I had kept it safely in my bedroom drawer before leaving.' Punctuation is used correctly, and there are no significant errors that impede communication. The control over verb tenses—moving between the past (when the watch was broken) and the present (your current feelings and request)—is consistent and error-free.

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

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