Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.5 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-09-20

IELTS Writing Task 1 question

Student answer (Band 6.5)

Dear Sir/Madam,

I hope this letter finds you well. I am writing to complain about the delayed delivery of my product purchased from your online store. I have ordered a scrub for operating in the operation theater to do surgeries in the hospital.

I have purchased scrub on September 2, 2026 and the invoice number is: [redacted phone]. The expected delivery time was on September 10, 2026, but I have not received the order yet. It's been 10 days delayed. Moreover, the order stauts is showing that the order is out of delivery, but when I click on more details, it is showing that the product is still in-transit. I think there is a glitch over the update of the delivery details.

I am not allowed to perform the surgery without wearing the scrub, So, It is very important to receive the order as soon as possible. Otherwise, I request you to refund my money back.

I hope you understand the necessity of the purchased item, and I am looking forward for you to get back soon.

Thank You,

With regards,

Zainab.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.5

The letter effectively covers all the required purposes of a complaint regarding a delayed delivery. You state the reason for writing clearly, provide essential details such as the purchase date and invoice number (2026020986), and describe the problem with the contradictory tracking status. Furthermore, you clearly state the impact of the delay on your profession in the hospital and provide a clear call to action, demanding either immediate delivery or a refund. The tone is appropriately formal and polite for a formal complaint letter. The purpose of the communication is achieved successfully throughout the response.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5

The letter demonstrates a clear overall progression and logical organization. It is structured into appropriate paragraphs, moving logically from the statement of the problem and tracking details to the personal impact and the required resolution. Cohesive devices are used adequately, such as 'Moreover' to add information and 'Otherwise' to present an alternative. However, referencing and transitions could be slightly smoother in places, such as the sudden shift into the impact on surgery without a stronger transitional link. Paragraphing is handled properly, resulting in a coherent and easy-to-follow piece of writing.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

The lexical resource is adequate and mostly appropriate for the task. You successfully use task-specific vocabulary related to online shopping and medical attire, such as 'online store', 'invoice number', 'scrub', 'operation theater', and 'in-transit'. There are some minor lexical inaccuracies and awkward phrasing, such as 'stauts' (spelling error for status), 'glitch over the update' (unnatural collocation), and 'refund my money back' (redundant). Despite these minor errors, the vocabulary is sufficient to convey your message clearly and demonstrates an attempt to use less common items.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.0

The writing shows a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, such as conditional and causative ideas. There are several grammatical errors and punctuation slips, including 'purchased scrub' missing an article ('a scrub'), 'order stauts is showing that the order is out of delivery' (incorrect preposition and article usage), and comma splices like 'perform the surgery without wearing the scrub, So, It is very important'. Despite these errors, the meaning remains clear throughout, and they do not impede communication. The sentence structures are varied enough to fulfill the criteria for a band 6.

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