Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-10-16

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 5.5)

Dear Sir or Madam,

I am writing this email regarding litter that has been increased in last couple of weeks near countryside area.

I lives near countryside. My family and I usually go for a walk in the evening nearby park. This place has so much to do such as walking, running, playground and games for kids. Everyday, we spend more than an hour at this park to fresh up mind and to spend some quality time with family.

However, I have been noticing that people have been lettering a lot since last few weeks. Two weeks ago, I was with my family and I saw one guy littering on flowers which was completely unappropiate. After that, I saw more and more people doing the same thing which is stopping us to visit that place.

I would suggest if you could put some fine sign that could stop people doing littering. Also, if you could hire one person to watch park then people might hesitate doing those kind of activities.

I would be greatful if you could consider this issue seriously and take some action.

Thanks and Regards,

Sam

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 5.5

You address all three points: you explain that you walk with your family to relax and spend time together, describe people leaving litter, and suggest signs and a park monitor. The purpose of writing to the newspaper is clear, and the closing asks for action. However, some details are under-developed. The description focuses on one person littering on flowers and then makes a general statement that others do the same; examples of the litter itself, such as bottles or wrappers, would make the problem clearer. Your proposed signs and monitoring are relevant, but you could explain how they would discourage littering or suggest a practical alternative, such as more bins. The response therefore covers the task, though not all ideas are equally developed.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 6.0

The letter has a coherent overall arrangement: it introduces the concern, gives background about your walks, describes what you have observed, and ends with suggestions and a request for action. Paragraphing helps the reader follow these stages, and linking expressions such as “However” and “Also” signal contrast and addition. Some connections are less clear or mechanical. For example, “After that, I saw more and more people doing the same thing” does not specify what kinds of litter were left, and “which is stopping us to visit that place” has an unclear reference. The opening also calls the letter an “email,” which slightly disrupts the format. Clearer references and smoother links between observations and their effects would strengthen progression.

Lexical Resource: Band 5.0

You use enough vocabulary to communicate the main concern, including “litter,” “countryside,” “playground,” “fine,” and “watch.” However, the range is limited in places, and several word choices or collocations are inaccurate, sometimes making the meaning less natural. “People have been lettering” does not express leaving rubbish; “littering” is the appropriate verb. “Fresh up mind” and “put some fine sign” are also unclear or unnatural, while “littering on flowers” does not precisely describe the action. Spelling errors such as “unappropiate” and “greatful” are noticeable. Aim for precise terms for the rubbish and more natural phrases such as “clear warning signs” and “keep the area clean.”

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 5.5

You attempt both simple and more complex sentences, including “I would suggest if you could…” and “After that, I saw more and more people…,” and the overall meaning is generally understandable. Some grammatical errors remain, particularly with subject–verb agreement, verb forms, articles, and sentence construction. For example, “I lives near countryside” should be “I live near the countryside,” and “litter that has been increased” needs a more suitable structure, such as “the amount of litter has increased.” The sentence beginning “I would suggest if…” is also incomplete in its current form; use “I would suggest that you…” or “Could you…?” These errors do not usually prevent understanding, but more accurate control of these patterns would improve clarity.

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

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