Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.5 · Cambridge IELTS 19 · 2026-09-20

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 6.5)

Dear Concern,

I am writing to you about the upcoming end of my lease with you regarding the apartment I am currently rentig from you. I have been living in your apartment for just under six months now, and all the while my time here has been very delightful. I have enjoyed my stay and your hospitality towards me in those last six months. Therefore, I would very much be happy to extend my stay at your apartment if you would consider having me. I initially only wanted to stay for six months, as I predicted my move out of the city due to work complications, but now I can see that I will have to spend at least six more months here before I finally have to move out. I am more than happy to negotiate or discuss new terms of the lease over a cup of coffee this weekend.

Finally, before you make any decisions about my request, I would like to have your attention towards the faulty air conditioner in the apartment. I know I have not complained about it since it was winter/spring season. But these upcoming six months will be summer and as we know the temperature can go upwards of 30 degrees here and I will very much need it to keep me cool during the heatwaves. Please write back to me at your earliest availability. I look forward to our meeting soon. Thank you

Warm Regards,

Jashanpreet Kaur

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.0

The student has successfully addressed all three bullet points required by the task instructions. First, the writer clearly states the desired extension period by mentioning "at least six more months here." Second, the explanation for the changed plans is adequately provided through the anticipated delay in moving out of the city due to work complications. Third, the letter successfully informs the owner about a problem, specifically the faulty air conditioner and the need for it during the upcoming hot summer months. The tone is appropriate for a request to a landlord, remaining polite and persuasive throughout. The purpose of the letter is clear, and all prompt requirements are thoroughly covered, aligning well with the descriptors for Band 7.0.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5

The letter maintains a clear logical organisation and progression from the opening statement of purpose through to the request for a meeting and the maintenance issue. Paragraphing is used appropriately, dividing the main points into two distinct body sections, although the entire body is placed into a single large paragraph alongside the introduction. Cohesive devices such as "Therefore," "First," and "Finally" are used adequately to guide the reader through the text, though referencing can occasionally feel slightly repetitive. The flow of ideas is natural, and overall coherence is well maintained, supporting a Band 6.5 score.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

The student demonstrates an adequate and generally appropriate range of vocabulary for the task. Phrases such as "lease," "hospitality," "negotiate," and "heatwaves" show a good attempt at less common lexical items. However, there are a few minor spelling and word-choice errors, such as "rentig" instead of renting, and the awkward greeting "Dear Concern,", which is unprofessional and usually replaced by "Dear Landlord," or "Dear Sir/Madam,". Despite these minor flaws, the vocabulary allows the message to be communicated clearly and effectively, fitting the criteria for a Band 6.0.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.5

The response features a good mix of simple and complex sentence structures, such as conditional and relative clauses like "if you would consider having me" and "before I finally have to move out." There are some grammatical and punctuation errors present, notably "in those last six months" instead of these, and missing commas, but these errors rarely impede communication and the meaning remains clear throughout. The control over grammar is generally solid, showcasing enough variety and accuracy to satisfy the requirements for a Band 6.5.

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

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