Band 8.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 8.0 · IELTS General Essentials · 2026-09-27

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 8.0)

Dear Sir or Madam,

I am writing to complain about the excessive noise coming from my new neighbours, who have recently moved into the house next door. They frequently play loud music late at night, sometimes until midnight.

This is particularly problematic because I have important examinations in a few weeks. The constant noise makes it difficult for me to concentrate while studying and, more importantly, prevents me from getting sufficient sleep. As a result, I feel tired during the day and am finding it increasingly difficult to maintain my usual level of concentration.

I would be grateful if you could speak to the neighbours and ask them to keep the volume down, particularly after 10 p.m. I fully understand that they may wish to listen to music and socialise, but I hope they can do so without disturbing those living nearby.

I would greatly appreciate your assistance in resolving this matter.

Yours faithfully,

Mariam

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 8.0

The response fully addresses all bullet points of the prompt. Mariam successfully explains the problem by detailing the excessive noise from the new neighbours who play music late at night. She covers why it is causing difficulties by explaining how the lack of sleep and noise affect her upcoming examinations and daytime concentration. Finally, she clearly states the action she would like them to take, which is to keep the volume down after 10 p.m. The tone is appropriate for a formal complaint letter, and all requirements are thoroughly developed and logically supported throughout.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 8.0

The letter exhibits a very clear and logical organisation from the opening salutation through to the final sign-off. Ideas are logically sequenced, starting with the problem, moving to its impact on the writer, and concluding with the requested action. Paragraphing is used sufficiently and appropriately, with each paragraph serving a distinct communicative purpose. Cohesive devices such as 'This is particularly problematic because' and 'As a result' are managed well and contribute to a smooth, easy flow of information without any obtrusiveness.

Lexical Resource: Band 7.0

The student demonstrates a sufficient and natural range of vocabulary suitable for a formal complaint. Phrases such as 'excessive noise', 'frequently play loud music', 'sufficient sleep', and 'resolving this matter' are used accurately. There is a good level of precision and appropriateness in word choice and collocation, reflecting a solid command of lexical items. Although very sophisticated or uncommon idiomatic terms are sparse, the vocabulary used is precise and fully meets the requirements for clear and natural communication.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 8.0

Mariam displays a strong command of grammatical structures, using a successful mix of complex sentences alongside accurate simple structures. Examples such as 'This is particularly problematic because I have important examinations in a few weeks' and 'I fully understand that they may wish to listen to music and socialise, but I hope they can do so without disturbing those living nearby' demonstrate good control of subordination and conjunctions. The majority of sentences are error-free, with accurate punctuation and tense consistency maintained throughout the response.

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