Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.5 · Cambridge IELTS 19 · 2026-10-22

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 7.5)

Dear Mr. Smith,

I am writing to let you know that I would like to extend my rental agreement for another six months after my current lease ends.

When we first sign the six-month contract five months ago, I planned to move closer to my family after finishing my short-term project here. However my company has offered me a permanent position at the local branch. Because of this good news, I want to stay in this comfortable apartment instead of moving.

I also want to mention the small issue in the flat. The kitchen sink has been leaking slowly for the past few days and it causing minor inconvenience. I would really require a service of a plumber of your choice as soon as possible. Could you please send him to fix it when you have time?

I look forward to hearing from you about extending the lease.

Yours sincerely,

Amreen

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 8.0

The letter covers all three required points clearly: you request a further six months, explain that a permanent position has changed your plans, and report the leaking kitchen sink while asking for a repair. The reason for staying is relevant and sufficiently explained, and the problem is described with a clear request for action. The opening and closing are appropriate for a formal letter, and your purpose remains clear throughout. To make the response even more complete, specify when the current agreement ends or give the proposed extension dates, so the owner can understand the exact rental period. You could also make the repair request slightly more direct while retaining a polite tone.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 7.5

The information is arranged in a clear sequence: the extension request comes first, the changed circumstances follow, and the maintenance issue is presented in a separate paragraph before the closing. This paragraphing helps the owner identify each purpose quickly. Linking phrases such as “However” and “Because of this” show the relationship between your original plan and the new job offer, while “also” introduces the additional issue. The progression is easy to follow, though the connections are somewhat straightforward rather than especially flexible. For a more polished flow, you could link the repair request more naturally to the overall purpose of the letter and avoid relying on simple transitions where a clearer reference would work.

Lexical Resource: Band 7.0

You use a suitable range of vocabulary for a formal rental letter, including “extend my rental agreement,” “permanent position,” “local branch,” and “minor inconvenience.” These choices communicate the situation precisely and maintain an appropriately polite tone. There are, however, a few collocations that sound less natural, such as “require a service of a plumber” and “send him to fix it.” “The small issue” is understandable but slightly informal and vague for a maintenance request. Aim for more idiomatic phrasing when describing repairs and requesting action. For example, “arrange for a plumber to inspect the sink” would be clearer and more natural, while “maintenance issue” would suit the formal context better.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 7.0

The letter includes a useful mix of simple and complex sentences, particularly in “When we first sign the six-month contract five months ago, I planned to move…” and “Because of this good news, I want to stay…”. Most sentences are clear, and the reader can follow the timeline and requests. A few grammatical errors remain: “When we first sign” should use the past form “signed,” and “it causing minor inconvenience” needs a finite verb, such as “it has been causing a minor inconvenience.” The phrase “I would really require” is grammatically possible but awkward in this request; “I would appreciate it if you could arrange…” would be more natural. Careful checking of tense consistency and complete verb phrases would improve accuracy.

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