Band 4.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 4.5 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-10-13

IELTS Writing Task 1 question

You enjoy walking in the countryside near your home. However, you are noticing that there is more and more litter left there by other walkers.

Write a letter to your local newspaper. In your letter

• say why you enjoy walking and where

• describe the litter you have seen on your walks

• suggest what might be done about the problem

You do NOT need to write any addresses.

Begin your letter as follows:

Dear Sir or Madam,

Student answer (Band 4.5)

Dear Sir,

I hope this letter finds you well. I am writing to express my concern regarading the pile of trash in the country side where I usually walk. This area has been so much polluted now due to the people who leave their litter there during walk.

The main reason I am contacting you is that this matter has been causing considerable issues to the resident of this area.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 2.5

The letter identifies a concern about litter in the countryside and mentions that it affects local residents, so its purpose is partly apparent. However, it does not address two required points: you do not explain why you enjoy walking or specify where you walk, and you do not describe the kinds of litter or suggest any practical solutions. The impact on residents is also only briefly stated. The response is substantially below the required 150 words, leaving the task very incomplete. To improve, cover each bullet point explicitly, for example by describing a favourite route, naming items such as bottles or food wrappers, and proposing bins, signs, or enforcement.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 4.0

There is a basic sequence: you introduce your concern and then explain why you are contacting the newspaper. The opening phrase, “I am writing to express my concern,” makes the purpose easy to identify. However, the response is too brief to develop a clear progression through the three requested points, and the second paragraph repeats the general concern rather than adding specific information. The link between the litter and the “considerable issues” for residents is not explained. Use separate paragraphs for your enjoyment and location, examples of litter, and proposed actions, with clear transitions such as “In addition” and “To address this problem.”

Lexical Resource: Band 5.5

You use several relevant expressions, including “express my concern,” “pile of trash,” and “considerable issues,” which communicate the general topic. There is some attempt at more formal language, although “considerable issues” is vague and “pile of trash” does not describe the litter in enough detail. Spelling and word-form choices also reduce accuracy: “regarading” should be “regarding,” and “country side” is normally written as “countryside.” “Polluted” is understandable but less precise for litter left along walking routes. Build a more specific range by naming the rubbish you see and choosing precise terms such as “litter-strewn paths” or “food packaging.”

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 5.5

The response includes simple sentences and a subordinate clause in “due to the people who leave their litter there during walk,” showing an attempt to vary sentence structure. The main ideas remain understandable, but grammatical control is uneven. In “This area has been so much polluted now,” the passive construction and adverb use are inaccurate; “has become heavily polluted” would be more natural. “The resident of this area” also needs a plural form, and “during walk” requires an article or a different construction, such as “during their walks.” Aim to produce accurate sentence patterns before adding complexity, and check articles, plurals, and verb constructions carefully.

See this exact question answered at other band scores. The same prompt compared across bands.

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