Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.0 · Cambridge IELTS 19 · 2026-09-22

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 6.0)

Dear Sir,

I am writing this letter regarding increasing my renting period more than six months as I need to stay a bit long due to some reasons.

To begin with, I would like to request you to extend my renting period two months more as there is some changes in my plan.

Secondly, I need to stay here two months more because I came here to complete my research with in six month, but I think it will now take couple of months more to complete. In addition, I need to take some photographs which I need to include in my research book.

Finally, I would like to inform you that there is some problems in the apartment as light bulb is not working due to which I am facing problem in studying at night.

I hope you will consider my request and understand situation. I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Yours faithfully,

Nikesh Yadav

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.0

The response covers all three bullet points required in the task instructions. The student states how long they want to extend the rental period for ('two months more'), explains why their plans have changed (needing extra time to complete a research project and take photographs), and informs the owner about a problem in the apartment (a non-working light bulb). However, some parts feel a bit repetitive, particularly the repetition of 'two months more'. While all necessary communicative functions are present, the development of ideas remains somewhat basic. This fits the description for Band 6, where all parts of the task are addressed, but some elements could be more fully and naturally developed. The tone is appropriate for a formal letter to an apartment owner.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.0

The letter has a coherent overall arrangement and follows a logical letter-writing structure, starting with an opening statement of purpose, moving through the body points, and closing with a polite sign-off. The student attempts to use cohesive devices such as 'To begin with', 'Secondly', and 'Finally' to structure the response. However, paragraphing is somewhat fragmented, with several very short paragraphs that disrupt the flow. Furthermore, referencing is occasionally repetitive, and the transitions feel slightly mechanical rather than naturally integrated. Overall, the organizational structure is clear enough to earn a Band 6, though greater paragraph cohesion and smoother linking would elevate the score.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

The student uses an adequate range of vocabulary for the task, successfully communicating everyday needs and requests. Words and phrases such as 'research', 'photographs', and 'consider my request' demonstrate a satisfactory grasp of standard terms. However, there are notable word choice inaccuracies and awkward phrasing, such as 'increasing my renting period' instead of 'extending my lease' and 'there is some changes' instead of 'there have been some changes'. Less common lexical items are attempted but occasionally misused, placing the response firmly in the Band 6 category. Spelling and word formation are generally accurate, and vocabulary errors do not impede overall communication.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.0

The writer demonstrates a mix of simple and complex sentence forms, utilizing relative clauses and subordinate clauses (e.g., 'as I need to stay a bit long due to some reasons' and 'which I need to include'). There are, however, several grammatical errors throughout the text. These include subject-verb agreement issues like 'there is some problems' and missing articles such as 'as light bulb is not working'. Punctuation is mostly standard, and despite the recurring errors, the meaning remains clear throughout, and communication is never impeded. This balance of mixed structures alongside frequent minor errors aligns well with the Band 6 descriptor.

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

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