Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · IELTS General Essentials · 2026-08-17

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 or madam

I am writing this email let you know regarding this evening course. Actually, I am so busy in the evening so i cannot go with this course because i am going to work in on evening shifts.

I am still interested in taking this course but I can not take it now. so, i want to pursue this course next year term. I need your advice on it like how will the things go in next year.

As well as, how can I withdraw from the current course and how can i move my tution fees from this to next year.

I look forward to your advice.

Kind regards

Simran Kaur

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.0

The response covers all three bullet points: explaining the situation, stating the desire to defer, and asking for advice. However, the response is significantly under the 150-word minimum requirement, which negatively impacts the development of ideas. The explanation for the inability to continue is brief, and the request for advice lacks detail. To improve, you should expand on your circumstances and provide more context for your request to defer, ensuring you meet the word count to allow for a more thorough development of the task requirements.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.0

The letter is organized into short paragraphs, which helps the reader follow the structure. However, the use of cohesive devices is quite limited and mechanical. Phrases like 'As well as' are used incorrectly at the start of a sentence, and the transition between ideas is somewhat abrupt. The overall progression of the letter is clear, but the lack of varied linking words makes the writing feel disjointed. Using a wider range of cohesive devices, such as 'consequently' or 'furthermore,' would improve the flow and logical connection between your sentences.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.5

The vocabulary is functional but basic. You rely on simple phrasing, such as 'go with this course' and 'how will the things go,' which lacks the precision expected in a formal letter. There are also minor errors in word choice, such as 'next year term' instead of 'next term.' To reach a higher band, you should aim to use more formal collocations and precise vocabulary related to academic administration, such as 'deferral,' 'enrollment,' or 'administrative procedures,' rather than relying on general, conversational language.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5

The writing contains several grammatical errors, including missing articles ('in on evening shifts'), incorrect preposition usage, and capitalization issues (e.g., 'i' instead of 'I'). The sentence structures are predominantly simple, with limited attempts at complex sentences. While the meaning is generally clear, these frequent errors and the lack of structural variety hinder the overall quality. To improve, focus on subject-verb agreement, consistent capitalization, and incorporating a wider variety of complex sentence structures, such as using subordinate clauses to explain your reasons more fluently.

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

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