Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.5 · Cambridge IELTS 19 · 2026-08-19

IELTS Writing Task 1 question

Five months ago, you started renting an apartment on a six-month agreement. You now wish to stay in the apartment for longer than the six months you originally agreed with the owner.

Write a letter to the owner of your apartment. In your letter

• say how long you now want to rent the apartment for
• explain why your plans have changed
• tell the owner about a problem in the apartment

You do NOT need to write any addresses.

Begin your letter as follows:

Dear ....................................,

Student answer (Band 7.5)

Dear sir,

I am writing to ask whether it would be possible to extend my tenancy agreement for a further six months, as I have recently decided that I would like to remain in the apartment for a total of one year.

When I originally signed the six-month agreement, I expected to relocate after the contract ended because of a possible change in my employment. However, my circumstances have changed considerably. I have been offered a longer-term position in the area, and I have also become very comfortable with the neighbourhood not only the convenience of living in the partment but also very quit atmosphere. Therefore, I would greatly appreciate the opportunity to renew my lease rather than move eleswhere.

I would also like to bring a maintenance issue to your attention. The bathroom tap has been leaking continuously for the past two weeks, and although the leak is relatively minor, it has started to cause water to accumulate around the sink. In addition to, I would be greatful if you could arrange for a plumber to inspect and repair it at your earliest convenience.

Thank you for considering my request. I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Your faithfully,

Hani

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 8.0

The letter successfully addresses all three bullet points required by the prompt. You clearly state the desired extension period, provide a logical explanation for your change in plans regarding your employment and the apartment's atmosphere, and report the maintenance issue with the leaking tap. The tone is appropriate for a formal letter to a landlord, and the purpose is clear from the outset. The ideas are well-developed and relevant, meeting all the requirements of the task effectively.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 8.0

The letter is well-organized with a logical progression of ideas. Each paragraph focuses on a specific aspect of the request, which makes the letter easy to follow. You use a range of cohesive devices such as 'However', 'Therefore', and 'In addition to' to link your ideas. The paragraphing is appropriate, and the overall structure is coherent. The flow of information is smooth, and the relationship between the different points is clearly established throughout the text.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.0

You demonstrate a good range of vocabulary appropriate for a formal letter. Phrases like 'extend my tenancy agreement', 'relocate', and 'at your earliest convenience' are used accurately. There are minor spelling errors, such as 'partment' instead of 'apartment', 'quit' instead of 'quiet', 'eleswhere' instead of 'elsewhere', and 'greatful' instead of 'grateful'. While these errors are noticeable, they do not impede communication. The vocabulary is sufficient to convey your message with precision and a professional tone.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.0

You use a mix of simple and complex sentence structures effectively. Most of your sentences are error-free, and the grammar is generally accurate. There is a minor error in the phrase 'In addition to, I would be greatful', where 'In addition' would be more appropriate. Additionally, the sentence 'not only the convenience of living in the partment but also very quit atmosphere' lacks a verb to be grammatically complete. Despite these occasional slips, your control over grammar is strong, and the meaning is always clear.

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

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