Band 5.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.0 · IELTS General Essentials · 2026-09-14

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 5.0)

Respected sir,

I am writing this letter to inform you that, i will not continue my evening course, because of my busy schedule and i would like to take my course from next term. I am going to abroad for four months and that is the problem why i will not continue this course.

I love this course, because this course enhance my skills and capabilities, so i would like to continue this course from next term.

this course is very important to my career, and i will try to continue my course related education by own, then i cannot forget my course skills. when i come back from abroad, then i take the extra classes of this course and i will try to give my exams on exact exam schedule. Please understand my situation.

I look forward hearing to you.

Yours faithfully

Yashandeep kaur

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5

The response covers all three bullet points required in the task instructions: it explains the busy schedule and upcoming trip abroad, states the desire to take the course next term, and asks for advice on what to do. However, the length requirement of 150 words was not met, as the response contains only 145 words. This minor shortfall impacts the completeness of the task achievement, pushing the score down slightly. While the ideas are relevant, they remain somewhat basic and could be further extended to fully satisfy all requirements.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.0

The letter lacks appropriate paragraphing, grouping most ideas into one large block of text after the opening sentence, which hinders the logical progression of the response. Cohesive devices are repetitive and basic, relying heavily on words like 'because', 'and', and 'then'. The salutation 'Respected sir' is outdated for a modern IELTS general training letter, and the sign-off lacks proper punctuation and spacing. Although the overall intent is understandable, the poor mechanical layout and weak referencing mean it falls into the band 5 range.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.0

The vocabulary used is generally basic and repetitive, such as 'busy schedule', 'abroad', and 'skills'. There are some unnatural collocations and word choices, such as 'take my course from next term' instead of 'take the course next term', and 'course related education by own'. Attempts at less common vocabulary are limited, and basic spelling and lexical errors are present. The range of vocabulary is sufficient for the basic communication of ideas, but it lacks the precision and flexibility required for higher bands.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0

The response contains a mix of simple and compound sentences, but attempts at complex structures are often clumsy or inaccurate, such as in the sentence beginning with 'this course is very important...'. Punctuation is weak, notably with comma splices and lowercase letters at the start of sentences (e.g., 'i will not continue', 'this course is'). Grammatical errors, such as 'I look forward hearing to you' instead of 'I look forward to hearing from you', occur frequently and disrupt the flow, although they do not completely impede overall communication.

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

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