Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.5 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-09-12

IELTS Writing Task 1 question

Student answer (Band 6.5)

I am writing this to complain about the electronic device which I just bought from your shop.

Last Saturday, I purchased an electronic table lamp for my study table from your Brampton location's store. Although it looks great when I saw it in store, when I orderd it online and came to my place then I noticed that it has many scratches on it. In addition, the bulb of the lamp is also sometimes flickering and wire is also damaged.

I googled the promblem and did some steps but it still has same problem. The lamp might have from electric issues that are unable to resovle by myself. Evenough, I was incapable to do anything for the scratches which are on it.

I would therefore appreciate it if you could arrange either a replacement or a full refund. I believe that replacing it would be the best option. Moreover, I have original reciept of it and I can provide you the photographs or videos of it.

Yours faithfully,

Karanpreet

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.0

The response clearly covers all the requirements of a formal complaint letter. You successfully state the purpose of your letter by mentioning the purchase of the electronic table lamp from the Brampton store last Saturday. You clearly outline the problems you encountered, including the scratches, flickering bulb, and damaged wire. Furthermore, your desired outcome is explicitly stated, as you request either a replacement or a full refund. The tone of the letter is consistently formal and polite, matching the expected style for a general correspondence task. Your position is maintained clearly throughout the text, and supporting details such as having the original receipt and offering photographs add to the practicality of your request. Therefore, this fulfills the Band 7 requirements for task achievement effectively.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.0

Your letter demonstrates a clear and logical organisation. The text is divided into appropriate paragraphs, each serving a distinct function: stating the complaint, describing the issues and troubleshooting steps, and requesting a solution. You use cohesive devices such as 'Although', 'In addition', 'Moreover', and 'therefore' to connect your ideas and guide the reader smoothly through the narrative. While there are a few minor awkward transitions, such as 'when I orderd it online and came to my place then I noticed', the overall arrangement remains coherent and easy to follow. Paragraphing is used sufficiently and appropriately throughout the text, aligning well with the Band 7 descriptors.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

You demonstrate a sufficient range of vocabulary to communicate your complaint clearly and with some precision. Phrases like 'electronic table lamp', 'full refund', and 'original receipt' are used appropriately in context. However, there are a few spelling and word-choice errors, such as 'orderd' instead of 'ordered', 'promblem' instead of 'problem', and 'resovle' instead of 'resolve'. Additionally, expressions like 'did some steps' and 'electric issues' are slightly unnatural compared to standard formal complaint vocabulary. Despite these occasional inaccuracies, your vocabulary is adequate for the task and communication is never impeded, placing your performance firmly within Band 6.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.0

You demonstrate a mix of simple and complex sentence forms, utilising structures such as conditional and subordinate clauses ('Although it looks great when I saw it in store, when I orderd it online and came to my place then I noticed that it has many scratches on it'). There are several grammatical errors and awkward phrasings, including 'The lamp might have from electric issues' and 'Evenough, I was incapable to do anything'. Punctuation is generally acceptable, though the use of 'Evenough' and spelling errors show a lack of complete control over more complex constructions. Nevertheless, the errors only occasionally impede communication and a good portion of the sentences remain understandable, supporting a Band 6 score.

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