Band 8.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 8.0 · Cambridge IELTS 19 · 2026-09-01

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 8.0)

Dear Sir,

I am writing to request an extension of my stay in your apartment from six months to one more year.

Earlier, I planned to stay for six months, as I came here for a part-time job as a data analyst, but after seeing my performance, the company fortunately offered me a full-time role. Therefore, I wanted to rent your apartment for another year, as I have already known you for a couple of months. I really like your service as an owner and would love to live at your place longer than the original agreement; another obvious reason is that it is really close to my office.

I just wanted to let you know that the house is really good and well maintained; however, there is an issue with the drainage system in the washroom. I tried to use Drano liquid; nonetheless, it is the same after two or three days. If you could come and have it checked by a plumber, it would be really helpful.

I am looking forward to your reply, and please let me know if you need any changes to the agreement.

Yours faithfully,

RoopKamal

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 (the transition from a part-time to a full-time role), and report the specific issue with the drainage system. 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 requirements of the task effectively.

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 request, which helps the reader follow your narrative easily. You use a range of cohesive devices such as 'therefore', 'however', and 'nonetheless' to link your sentences and ideas. The paragraphing is appropriate, and the transition between the request for an extension and the maintenance issue is smooth. The structure is coherent and easy to follow throughout.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.0

You demonstrate a good range of vocabulary that is appropriate for the context of renting an apartment. Phrases like 'well maintained', 'drainage system', and 'request an extension' are used accurately. While the vocabulary is functional and clear, it could be slightly more sophisticated to reach the highest bands. For instance, instead of 'really good', you could use more descriptive adjectives. Overall, the vocabulary is precise enough to convey your message without any ambiguity.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 8.0

Your grammar is generally accurate, and you use a mix of simple and complex sentence structures effectively. There are very few errors, and those present do not impede communication. For example, your use of conditional structures ('If you could come... it would be really helpful') is correct and adds a polite, formal tone. Punctuation is used correctly throughout the letter. The majority of your sentences are error-free, reflecting a strong command of English grammar.

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

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