Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · IELTS General Essentials · 2026-08-09

IELTS Writing Task 1 question

You have enrolled in an evening course but you have found that you are too busy to continue and would like to take the course next term instead.

• explain the situation and why you cannot continue the course

• say what you would like to do about your studies

• ask for advice about what you can do about the situation

Student answer (Band 5.5)

Dear sir,

I hope you are doing well. I am writing to inform you that i recently involve in an evening courses instead of other morning schedule but right now it is extremely daunting task for me. In addition to it I am doing banking job in order to make both ends meet by dint of which i can't continuous this English course due to above mention reason.

Because of hectic and bust schedule , to pursue this course it will become Gordian knot in my life. Therefore, I will take online classes it will be more paramount for me I can easily balance my real-life skills and study.

To nip this obstacle in the bud, can you suggest me what is should need to do by virtue of which i can tackle this problem with the amalgamation of authority of you college and my efforts.

I am looking forward your response.

your sincerely,

simran.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.0

You have addressed all three bullet points in the prompt: explaining your situation, stating your preference to defer, and asking for advice. The tone is generally appropriate for a formal letter. However, the development of ideas is somewhat hindered by the misuse of idiomatic expressions, which makes the explanation of your situation feel slightly unnatural. While the purpose of the letter is clear, the content could be more effectively communicated by focusing on clarity rather than attempting to use overly complex or archaic idioms that do not fit the context of a formal request to a college.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.0

The letter follows a logical progression, moving from the explanation of the problem to the proposed solution and finally the request for advice. Paragraphing is present, though the structure is a bit cramped. You use some cohesive devices like 'In addition to it' and 'Therefore', but some transitions feel mechanical or slightly forced. The flow of ideas is generally clear, but the lack of sophisticated linking between sentences occasionally makes the text feel like a series of separate statements rather than a cohesive argument.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.5

You have attempted to use a wide range of vocabulary, including idioms like 'Gordian knot', 'nip this obstacle in the bud', and 'make both ends meet'. However, these are often used incorrectly or inappropriately for the context of a formal letter to an institution. For example, 'Gordian knot' is too dramatic for a scheduling conflict, and 'amalgamation of authority' is confusing. Your vocabulary is sufficient to convey the message, but the misuse of these complex phrases indicates a lack of precision in word choice and collocation.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0

There are frequent grammatical errors throughout the text that occasionally impede readability. Examples include 'I recently involve' (tense error), 'can't continuous' (verb form error), 'bust schedule' (likely a typo for 'busy'), and 'what is should need to do' (syntax error). While you attempt some complex sentence structures, the control over these is inconsistent. Punctuation is also problematic, particularly with the placement of commas and the lack of capitalization for 'i'. A focus on basic sentence construction and subject-verb agreement is necessary to improve your accuracy.

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

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