Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.5 · Cambridge IELTS 19 · 2026-08-31

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 hope this message finds you well. The purpose of my writing today is to request you to extent my rental agreement (for apartment number 34) which is ending this coming month.

I completely understand that this is a short notice, but it would be helpful if you could continue my agreement for the next six months. I am also willing to pay the penalty fees for the late notice.

You must have remembered that when we first signed documents, I mentioned that my employment contract might get extended according to my work performance. So, yesterday, my employer mentioned that I performed really well at my job and they want me to stay with them for the next half year. Consequently, I need to extend my apartment contract too.

Although this place is so homely and perfect for me, the water system sometimes starts malfunctioning. The kitchen tap does not properly run hot water especially in winters. I would appreciate it if you could look into this matter at your earliest convenience.

Thank you so much for your time and consideration.

Yours sincerely,

Gurkirat Kaur

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 (six months), provide a logical explanation for your change in plans regarding your employment contract, and identify a specific maintenance issue with the water system. The tone is appropriate for a formal request to a landlord. The ideas are well-developed and the purpose of the letter is clear from the outset. You have fully satisfied the requirements of the task.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 8.0

The letter is logically organized with a clear progression of ideas. Each paragraph focuses on a specific point, which makes the letter easy to follow. You use appropriate cohesive devices such as 'consequently', 'although', and 'in addition' to link your thoughts. The opening and closing are standard and professional. The paragraphing is effective, and the transition between the request for extension and the mention of the maintenance issue is smooth. The overall structure is coherent and professional.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.0

You demonstrate a good range of vocabulary appropriate for a formal letter. Phrases like 'earliest convenience', 'malfunctioning', and 'consideration' are used correctly. There are a few minor word choice issues, such as 'extent' instead of 'extend' and 'homely' (which can sometimes have a negative connotation in some regions, though it is acceptable here). However, the vocabulary is sufficient to convey your meaning with precision and style. The language is natural and fits the context of a formal request well.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.0

You use a mix of simple and complex sentence structures effectively. Most sentences are error-free and clear. There are a few minor slips, such as 'You must have remembered' (which sounds slightly unnatural; 'You may recall' would be better) and the verb form 'extent' instead of 'extend'. However, these errors are infrequent and do not impede communication. Your control over punctuation and sentence structure is generally strong, and the overall grammatical accuracy is high for this level.

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

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