Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.5 · IELTS General Essentials · 2026-08-12

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 6.5)

DEAR SIR,

I AM WRITING THIS LETTER TO EXPLAIN MY CURRENT SITUATION. I HAVE ENROLLED IN AN EVENING COURSE, BUT HAVE TO EXTEND IT TO THE NEXT SEMESTER INSTEAD.

FIRSTLY, I WILL NOT BE ABLE TO CONTINUE WITH THIS SUBJECT FOR THIS TERM. I AM DEALING WITH A SITUATION AT HOME, SO I HAVE TO LEAVE URGENTLY. MY GRANDFATHER HAS BEEN DIAGNOSED WITH HEART DISEASE, AND MY PARENTS ARE OUT OF THE COUNTRY. IN THIS CRITICAL SITUATION, I HAVE TO TAKE CARE OF HIM.

I WOULD LIKE TO DISCONTINUE THIS COURSE FOR THIS SEMESTER AND WILL TAKE IT IN THE UPCOMING TERM IN SEPTEMBER. I WILL GIVE MY NOTES TO THE PROFESSOR TO CONSIDER THEM FOR THE NEXT TERM.

I NEED SUGGESTIONS FOR MY SITUATION, AS I HAVE PAID MY FULL TUITION FEE AND IT CAN BE ADJUSTED FOR NEXT SEMESTER.

THANK YOU FOR TAKING THE TIME TO READ MY LETTER. I AM LOOKING FORWARD TO YOUR REPLY.

YOURS FAITHFULLY

SHAGUN

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.0

The response successfully addresses all three bullet points of the prompt. You clearly explain the situation regarding your grandfather's health, state your intention to defer the course to the next term, and ask for advice regarding the tuition fees. The tone is appropriate for a formal letter. To reach a higher band, ensure that your request for advice is more explicit; while you mention the tuition fee adjustment, framing it as a direct question or a request for specific administrative guidance would better satisfy the requirement to 'ask for advice'. Overall, the purpose of the letter is clear and the message is fully conveyed.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5

The letter is logically organized with a clear introduction, body, and conclusion. Each paragraph focuses on a specific aspect of the task, which helps the reader follow your narrative. You use basic cohesive devices such as 'Firstly' and 'In this critical situation' to link your ideas. However, the flow could be improved by using a wider range of linking words and ensuring that the transition between your personal situation and the administrative request is smoother. The paragraphing is appropriate, and the overall structure is easy to follow.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

You demonstrate an adequate range of vocabulary for the task, using terms like 'diagnosed', 'critical situation', and 'tuition fee' correctly. The language is functional and clear. To improve, try to incorporate more precise or academic collocations. For example, instead of saying 'I will give my notes to the professor', you could use 'I would like to discuss the possibility of deferring my enrollment'. The vocabulary is sufficient to communicate your needs effectively, but it lacks the variety and sophistication required for higher band scores.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.0

The writing is generally accurate, and your meaning is always clear. You use a mix of simple and compound sentences. However, the text is written entirely in capital letters, which is inappropriate for formal correspondence and affects the presentation. There are also minor issues with sentence structure, such as 'I have to extend it to the next semester instead', which is slightly unnatural; 'defer my enrollment' would be more precise. While there are few grammatical errors, the range of complex structures is limited, which prevents a higher score in this criterion.

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

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