Band 8.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 8.0 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-09-21

IELTS Writing Task 1 question

Student answer (Band 8.0)

Dear Mr. Patel,

The purpose of my email is to formally request a reconsideration of the recent rent increase, as I was not given proper notice before this change was introduced. I fully understand that housing costs are rising; however, such a sudden increase has placed me in a difficult financial situation.

Given that I am a full-time student and currently work only part-time with limited hours, arranging additional money on short notice is extremely challenging. Most of my monthly budget is already spent on groceries, transportation, tuition-related costs, and other necessary expenses. As a result, this unexpected rent increase has affected me both financially and emotionally.

It would be greatly appreciated if you could consider a fair and practical solution. For instance, I would be willing to accept a gradual rent increase over the next few months instead of paying the full amount immediately. Alternatively, I am open to moving into a smaller room or sharing the accommodation with another tenant if that helps reduce the cost.

Thank you for your time and attention to this matter. I would appreciate the opportunity to discuss this further and find a reasonable solution for both of us.

Yours Sincerely,

Kashi

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 8.0

The response fully addresses all parts of the task by adopting an appropriate semi-formal/formal tone to write to Mr. Patel regarding the rent increase. The purpose of the email is clearly stated in the opening sentence: 'The purpose of my email is to formally request a reconsideration of the recent rent increase.' The student's position and reasons, such as financial constraints due to being a student working part-time, are clearly articulated and well-supported. Furthermore, the writer extends practical solutions, such as proposing a gradual increase or moving into a smaller room, fulfilling all communicative requirements effectively. Ideas are fully developed without any omissions or irrelevant information. The tone is consistently polite, appropriate, and persuasive, successfully meeting the expectations of a General Training Task 1 letter. Therefore, this performance easily satisfies the Band 8 descriptors for Task Achievement.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 8.0

The letter exhibits a clear and logical organisation from the opening statement of purpose to the concluding call to action. Information and ideas are logically sequenced throughout. Paragraphing is used sufficiently and appropriately, with each paragraph serving a distinct function: stating the purpose and impact, detailing personal financial context, offering practical solutions, and closing politely. Cohesive devices such as 'however,' 'as a result,' 'for instance,' and 'alternatively' are managed very well to link sentences and ideas smoothly. Reference words like 'this unexpected rent increase' and 'such a sudden increase' are employed accurately to maintain cohesion without being repetitive. The progression of ideas is easy to follow, representing a high standard of coherence and cohesion that easily merits a Band 8 score.

Lexical Resource — Band 8.0

The writer demonstrates a wide and flexible lexical range suitable for a formal request letter. Less common and precise vocabulary items are used skilfully, including 'formally request a reconsideration,' 'financial situation,' 'tuition-related costs,' and 'practical solution.' Word choice and collocation are generally natural and precise, as seen in 'arranging additional money on short notice' and 'reduce the cost.' There are very few inaccuracies, with word selection supporting clear communication throughout. While it stops just short of the effortless, native-like sophistication required for a Band 9, the vocabulary is rich, fluent, and well-suited to the topic, comfortably satisfying the requirements for Band 8.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 8.0

The student displays a wide range of grammatical structures with a high degree of accuracy. The writing features a healthy mix of complex sentences containing subordinate clauses, conditional-like suggestions, and participial phrases, such as 'Given that I am a full-time student and currently work only part-time with limited hours, arranging additional money on short notice is extremely challenging.' The majority of sentences are completely error-free, with excellent control of punctuation, verb tenses, and modals. Minor slips are virtually absent, and the grammar never impedes understanding. The control over complex syntax is strong and sustained, aligning closely with the descriptors for a Band 8 performance.

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