Band 9.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 9.0 · IELTS General Essentials · 2026-08-11
IELTS Writing Task 1 question
A family member is coming to stay with you. He/she will be arriving by train in the morning, but you won’t be home until the evening.
explain arrangements you have made for them to have keys and get into the house
tell your relative how to get from the train station to your house
say when you will be home and suggest what you could do together that evening
Student answer (Band 9.0)
Dear Sarah,
I’m really looking forward to having you stay with me! I’m sorry that I won’t be able to meet you at the train station, as I have to work until the evening, but I’ve made arrangements so that you can get into the house easily.
I’ve left a spare key with our next-door neighbour, Mrs Patel, at number 24. She knows you are arriving and will be expecting you. Just knock on her door and tell her that you are my cousin. She will give you the key and explain how to get into the house. Once you are inside, you can make yourself comfortable and leave your luggage in the spare bedroom.
From the train station, the easiest option is to take the number 5 bus towards Oak Street. The bus stop is just outside the station, and you should get off at the third stop, which is opposite the library. From there, it is only about a five-minute walk to my house. I’ll send you the address and directions on your phone as well, so you won’t have any trouble finding it.
I should be home at around 6:30 p.m. Once I’m back, we could order some takeaway and catch up over dinner. If you’re not too tired after your journey, we could also go for a walk around the neighbourhood or watch a movie together.
Have a safe journey, and I’ll see you in the evening!
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 9.0 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 9.0 |
| Lexical Resource | 8.5 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 9.0 |
| Overall | 9.0 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 9.0
The response fully addresses all three bullet points in the prompt. You clearly explained the key arrangement with the neighbour, provided specific directions from the train station, and suggested appropriate evening activities. The tone is consistently appropriate for a letter to a family member, maintaining a friendly and helpful register throughout. The ideas are well-developed and the purpose of the letter is clear from the outset. There are no omissions, and the information provided is logical and easy to follow, making it a highly effective response to the task requirements.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 9.0
The letter is well-organized with a clear progression of ideas. Each paragraph focuses on a specific aspect of the prompt, which helps the reader navigate the information easily. You have used a variety of cohesive devices effectively, such as 'Once you are inside', 'From there', and 'as well', which link sentences and paragraphs smoothly. The paragraphing is logical and contributes to the overall clarity of the message. The flow is natural, and the relationship between the different parts of the letter is clearly established, meeting the criteria for a high band score.
Lexical Resource — Band 8.5
You have used a wide range of vocabulary that is both natural and appropriate for the context of a personal letter. Phrases like 'make yourself comfortable', 'catch up over dinner', and 'expecting you' demonstrate a good command of idiomatic and functional language. The word choice is precise throughout, and there are no instances of awkward phrasing or misuse of terms. The vocabulary is sufficiently varied to convey your message clearly and engagingly, showing a level of control that is consistent with high-level performance.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 9.0
The writing displays a wide range of grammatical structures, including complex sentences, conditional clauses ('If you’re not too tired...'), and accurate use of future tenses. The grammar is highly accurate, with no noticeable errors in punctuation, tense usage, or sentence construction. The majority of your sentences are error-free, and the few complex structures used are handled with full flexibility. The control over grammar is excellent, ensuring that the communication is entirely clear and professional while maintaining the required informal tone.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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