Band 7.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.0 · Cambridge IELTS 19 · 2026-10-10

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 7.0)

Dear Sir/Madam,

I am Ana Klein staying in suite 402B since January 2026. My rent agreement is about to end next month as per our signed lease.

If possible, I was wondering to extend it for another year. Originally, my plan was to leave Barrie in November due to an important work engagement. However, I have found a better opportunity in Barrie itself and cherry on top my workplace is walking distance from here.

I am also facing an issue with the dishwasher as the water does not drain once the cycle is done. The dirty water remains and I have to wash the dishes by hand. I will greatly appreciate if this matter is looked at with utmost urgency to avoid any plumbing issue.

Please do not hesitate to reach out to me for any additional information.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,

Ana Klein

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 7.0

You address all three required points: you request a further year, explain that your work plans have changed because you found a better opportunity nearby, and describe the dishwasher problem and its effect. The request and problem are clear, and the reason is relevant, though it could be developed with a little more detail about why staying in Barrie suits your plans. The response is also two words below the required minimum, so ensure you meet the stated length in the final version. Overall, the letter fulfils the task with a clear purpose and relevant supporting information; fuller development of the changed plans would make the response more complete.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 7.0

The letter follows a clear, logical sequence: it introduces your tenancy, makes the extension request and explains the change in plans, then raises the maintenance issue before closing politely. Paragraphing helps the reader distinguish these purposes, and linking expressions such as “Originally” and “However” show the contrast in your plans. The progression is easy to follow throughout. To make the cohesion more polished, connect the opening details more smoothly to the request and avoid relying on a list-like sequence of separate points. For example, a brief transition from your new work opportunity to your wish to remain in the apartment would strengthen the flow.

Lexical Resource: Band 7.0

You use a suitable range of vocabulary for a formal request, including “signed lease,” “work engagement,” “walking distance,” and “additional information.” These choices communicate the situation clearly, and the tone is generally appropriate for writing to a landlord. A few expressions are less natural or precise: “cherry on top” is conversational in this context, while “looked at with utmost urgency” is an awkward collocation. “Rent agreement” is understandable, but “rental agreement” is more idiomatic. Choosing consistently natural formal phrasing would improve precision and style. Your vocabulary is sufficiently varied for the task, with occasional collocational choices that keep it from sounding fully fluent.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 7.0

You use a mix of sentence forms, including the conditional request “If possible, I was wondering…” and the complex sentence beginning “Originally, my plan was to leave Barrie…”. Most sentences are clear, and punctuation and paragraphing support the meaning. A few grammatical patterns need attention: “I am Ana Klein staying in suite 402B” would be more accurate as “I am Ana Klein, and I have been staying in suite 402B”; “I was wondering to extend it” should be “I was wondering if I could extend it.” In “I will greatly appreciate if…”, use “would appreciate it if…”. These are noticeable but do not prevent understanding; more consistent control of verb patterns would strengthen accuracy.

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