Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.0 · 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 6.0)

Dear Sir or Madam,

I am writing to inform you that I am unable to attend the course at the scheduled time and therefore want to postpone it.

I have enrolled in a short-term evening cookery course at your esteemed institute, running from 23rd August.I was so excited to attend this course, but I have some family issues and cannot make it this time.

To continue practicing, I would like to read and practice some lessons at home when I get time. So that I can catch up on my lessons and prepare some notes.

I would really appreciate your advice on this matter.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.0

The response fails to meet the minimum word count requirement of 150 words, which significantly impacts the task achievement score. While you have addressed the three bullet points—explaining the situation, stating your desire to postpone, and asking for advice—the development of these ideas is very limited. The explanation regarding family issues is brief, and the request for advice is not fully explored. To improve, you must expand on your ideas by providing more detail, such as specific reasons for your busy schedule or more elaborate questions about the course transfer policy, ensuring you reach the required length.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.0

The letter is logically organized with a clear opening and closing. However, the use of cohesive devices is quite limited, making the flow feel somewhat mechanical. For example, the transition between the explanation of the situation and the request to study at home is abrupt. To improve, you should use a wider variety of linking words and phrases (e.g., 'consequently', 'furthermore', 'in light of this') to connect your ideas more fluidly and improve the overall progression of the text.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

The vocabulary used is adequate for the task but remains quite basic and repetitive. Phrases like 'I am writing to inform you' and 'I would really appreciate' are standard, but there is a lack of more sophisticated or varied vocabulary that would demonstrate a higher level of proficiency. To improve, try to incorporate more precise terminology related to course administration or personal circumstances, and avoid repeating simple structures. Expanding your range of collocations will help you achieve a higher band score.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.0

The grammar is generally accurate, and your sentences are easy to understand. However, the range of structures is limited, consisting mostly of simple or compound sentences. There is a lack of complex sentence structures, such as conditional clauses or relative clauses, which are necessary for higher band scores. For instance, instead of 'I have some family issues and cannot make it', you could use 'Due to unforeseen family commitments, I find myself unable to attend'. Focusing on integrating more complex grammatical forms will significantly enhance your writing.

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

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