Band 8.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 8.0 · IELTS General Essentials · 2026-09-02
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 8.0)
Dear Ahmed,
I'm so excited that you're finally coming to visit! I just wanted to send you the details for Saturday, since I'll still be at work when your train gets in.
Keys and getting into the house:
I've arranged with my neighbour, Mrs. Malik, to hold a spare key for you. She lives in the house right next door — the one with the blue gate. Just ring her bell when you arrive, tell her you're my cousin, and she'll hand over the key. She's expecting you, so there's no need to worry.
Getting from the station to the house:
Once you get off at the station, head out through the main exit and you'll see a taxi stand right in front of you. Just tell the driver "Bahria Town, Phase 4, Street 12" and it should take about 20 minutes. Alternatively, if you'd rather save a bit of money, take the number 15 bus from outside the station — it stops just two minutes' walk from my house on G.T. Road.
Evening plans:
I should be home by around 7 pm. Once I'm back, let's not waste any time — I was thinking we could grab dinner at that new Thai place downtown you mentioned wanting to try, and then maybe just relax at home afterward and catch up properly over tea. It's been far too long!
Safe travels, and text me when your train departs so I know when to expect you.
Lots of love,
Hanzala
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 8.5 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 7.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 7.5 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 8.5 |
| Overall | 8.0 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 8.5
The response fully addresses all three bullet points in the prompt. You clearly explained the key arrangement with your neighbour, provided two distinct options for transportation from the station, and proposed a specific, engaging plan for the evening. The tone is perfectly suited to the informal nature of the task, and the ideas are well-developed and relevant. The letter flows logically from one point to the next, ensuring the reader has all the necessary information for their arrival. You have successfully met all requirements of the task.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5
The letter is logically organised with a clear structure. The use of headings is a helpful, albeit slightly unconventional, way to organise the information, though the text would be equally coherent without them. Paragraphing is used effectively to separate the different topics. You use a range of cohesive devices such as 'Once you get off', 'Alternatively', and 'Once I'm back', which help the reader follow the sequence of events smoothly. The progression of ideas is natural and easy to follow throughout the entire response.
Lexical Resource — Band 7.5
You demonstrate a good range of vocabulary that is appropriate for an informal letter. Phrases like 'waste any time', 'catch up properly', and 'it's been far too long' sound natural and idiomatic. The vocabulary is precise and fits the context well. While the vocabulary is not highly sophisticated, it is perfectly suited to the task and shows a good level of flexibility. There are no errors in word choice or collocation, and the language used is consistently accurate and natural.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 8.5
The response displays a wide range of grammatical structures, including complex sentences and conditional forms (e.g., 'if you'd rather save a bit of money'). Punctuation is used correctly to enhance clarity, and there are no grammatical errors throughout the text. The majority of sentences are error-free, and the control over tense and aspect is excellent, particularly when discussing future arrangements. The writing is fluent and demonstrates a high level of grammatical accuracy.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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