Band 7.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.0 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-09-12

IELTS Writing Task 1 question

Student answer (Band 7.0)

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 ordered it online and it was delivered then I noticed that it has many scratches on it. In addition, the bulb of the lamp is also sometimes flickering and the wire is also damaged.

I googled the problem and did some steps but it still has the same problem. The lamp might have some electric issues that are unable to resolve by myself. Even though, 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 the original receipt 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 effectively fulfills the requirements of a formal complaint letter. You clearly state the purpose of the letter in the opening sentence and outline all the relevant details regarding the purchase, including where and when you bought the electronic table lamp. Furthermore, you highlight the specific defects encountered, such as scratches, a flickering bulb, and a damaged wire, and you successfully propose appropriate solutions by requesting either a replacement or a full refund. All parts of the task are well covered, and the tone remains appropriately formal and polite throughout, which aligns with the expectations for General Training Writing Task 1. Ideas are fully developed and supported with relevant practical details like having the original receipt.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5

The letter demonstrates a clear logical organization and progression throughout. It is appropriately divided into coherent paragraphs, moving smoothly from the statement of purpose and background details to the troubleshooting steps taken, and finally to the requested resolution. Cohesive devices such as 'Although', 'In addition', 'Therefore', and 'Moreover' are used effectively to connect ideas, although the transition 'Even though, I was incapable to do anything' feels slightly awkward and unidiomatic. Paragraphing is used sufficiently and appropriately, ensuring the reader can easily follow the narrative and arguments presented.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

The vocabulary used is generally adequate for the task, successfully conveying the intended message. You utilize some relevant everyday terms such as 'electronic table lamp', 'original receipt', and 'full refund'. However, the range is somewhat limited, and there are occasional slips in word choice and collocation, such as writing 'store location's store' which is repetitive, and 'electric issues' instead of 'electrical issues'. Additionally, phrases like 'did some steps' are quite informal and lack precision. To achieve a higher band, a wider range of less common lexical items with more precise collocations could be incorporated.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.5

The letter displays a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, such as the concessive clause 'Although it looks great when I saw it in store...' and the conditional-style construction in the final paragraph. There are a few noticeable grammatical errors that persist, such as tense inconsistency ('when I saw it' juxtaposed with 'when I ordered it') and awkward phrasing in 'that are unable to resolve by myself' (which should be 'that are unable to be resolved' or 'that I was unable to resolve'). Punctuation is generally sound, and despite these errors, communication is never impeded.

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