Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · IELTS General Essentials · 2026-08-25

IELTS Writing Task 1 question

New neighbours have recently moved into the house/flat next door to where you live. You have examinations soon, but your neighbours play music late at night which is affecting your studies and sleep.

• explain what the problem is
• why it is causing you difficulties
• what action you would like them to take

Student answer (Band 5.5)

Dear Ms. Smith,

I am writing this letter to requesting you regarding lourder music that, I hear everynight after 10:00 PM.

I have a examination of my medical course, which I have to take next week. Previously i take exam but because of distraction of music and other reasons I failed. Now, I am planning to take it for next 22th July and i have only seven days.

I would kindly ask you to lower the music base before 10.00 PM. In addition if you could stop listening louder music at night would be really helpful to me. I am asking you for your immediate attention in this matter. Thank you in advance for coopration.

your faithfuly,

Mrs. Sarabhai

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.0

The response addresses all three bullet points: the problem is identified, the impact on studies is explained, and a request for action is made. However, the response is significantly under the 150-word minimum, which negatively impacts the development of ideas. The explanation of the problem is brief, and the request for action lacks the necessary detail to fully satisfy the task requirements. To improve, you should expand on the specific nature of the music, the environment of your study space, and provide a more polite, formal closing that elaborates on the urgency of your upcoming examination.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.0

The letter is organized into short paragraphs, which is appropriate for the format. However, the progression of ideas is somewhat disjointed. While there is an attempt to use cohesive devices like 'In addition', the transitions between sentences feel mechanical. The referencing is occasionally unclear, such as in the second paragraph where the timeline of your previous exam failure is confusingly expressed. To improve, ensure that each sentence flows logically into the next and use a wider variety of linking words to connect your ideas more fluidly.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.5

The vocabulary is generally adequate for the task but lacks the precision and range required for higher bands. There are several errors in word choice and collocation, such as 'requesting you regarding lourder music' and 'lower the music base'. The term 'coopration' is also misspelled. To achieve a higher score, focus on using more natural collocations, such as 'loud music' instead of 'lourder music' and 'cooperation' instead of 'coopration'. Expanding your vocabulary to include more formal, polite expressions suitable for a letter to a neighbour would also be beneficial.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0

The response contains a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, but there are frequent grammatical errors that occasionally impede clarity. Examples include 'I am writing this letter to requesting you', 'I have a examination', and 'Previously i take exam'. These errors in verb tense, article usage, and subject-verb agreement are noticeable. To improve, pay closer attention to basic grammar rules, particularly verb forms and the use of articles. Proofreading your work for these common errors before submitting would significantly improve the accuracy of your writing.

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

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