Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.5 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-09-28

IELTS Writing Task 1 question

Student answer (Band 7.5)

Hello xyz,

I am writing this letter to express my concerns about the loud noise from video games being played by the people next door, who have rented a flat from your agency.

Before renting a flat, I had already informed you that I needed a flat in a quiet area, as I am preparing for my exams, and you assured me that it would not be an issue. I do not have any complaints about the flat, but my neighbours are a bit noisy, which causes me many problems.

Ever since they moved in, they have started making noise with loud music, having the TV on high volume, and other things. Nowadays, they play video games at a higher volume. Because of this, I am not able to concentrate properly, and I am falling behind in my studies. I am not getting enough sleep either. I am afraid that a lack of sleep can cause me health problems as well.

As they have rented a flat from the same agency, I would appreciate it if you can just inform them about the situation and request them to keep the volume lower, especially at night. I really hope you understand the situation and help me with it.

Thank you so much for your cooperation.

Kind regards,

xyz

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 8.0

The response fully satisfies the requirements of a semi-formal letter of complaint. The purpose of the letter is clear from the opening sentence: "I am writing this letter to express my concerns about the loud noise..." The tone is appropriately polite yet firm, maintaining the required semi-formal register throughout. The student successfully covers all necessary points, including reminding the agency of their prior conversation about needing a quiet area, detailing the specific nature of the disturbance with the video games and music, and clearly requesting an actionable solution ("request them to keep the volume lower"). Ideas are well-developed and supported with relevant personal context regarding exam preparation and sleep deprivation, resulting in a cohesive and fully realized task completion that meets all descriptor criteria for a high band.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 8.0

The letter exhibits a clear logical organization and progression throughout. Each paragraph serves a distinct communicative purpose: the introduction establishes the writer and the issue; the second paragraph provides background and prior communication; the third elaborates on the current effects of the noise; and the final paragraph delivers the call to action. Cohesive devices are used naturally and effectively, such as "Before renting a flat," "Ever since they moved in," and "Because of this." Paragraphing is used sufficiently and appropriately, creating a smooth reading experience with clear transitions between the background details and the requested resolution. Referencing is consistently clear, ensuring the reader easily follows the narrative flow.

Lexical Resource: Band 7.0

The student demonstrates a sufficient and generally natural range of vocabulary suitable for a semi-formal complaint letter. Phrases such as "express my concerns," "fall behind in my studies," and "appreciate it if you can just inform them" convey the message accurately. There are attempts at less common lexical items, though some expressions lean slightly towards conversational generalities, such as "and other things." Spelling and word choice are accurate, and vocabulary errors that might impede communication are absent. While the range is somewhat constrained by the straightforward nature of the task, the lexical resource deployed is fully adequate for conveying precise meaning and maintaining an appropriate tone.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 7.5

The writing contains a good mix of simple and complex sentence structures. The student successfully employs complex forms with subordinate clauses, as seen in sentences like "Before renting a flat, I had already informed you that I needed a flat in a quiet area, as I am preparing for my exams..." Grammatical control is generally strong, with the majority of sentences being error-free. Punctuation is handled correctly throughout, and verb tenses are managed well, shifting appropriately from past recounts ("informed you," "moved in") to present states ("am preparing," "play video games") and future requests ("would appreciate"). Minor slips are negligible and do not impede communication in any way, reflecting solid command over sentence grammar.

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