Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.0 · Cambridge IELTS 16 · 2026-11-01

IELTS Writing Task 1 question

A magazine wants to include contributions from its readers for an article called 'The book that influenced me most'.

Write a letter to the editor of the magazine about the book that influenced you most. In your letter

- describe what this book was about
- explain how this book influenced you
- say whether this book would be likely to influence other people

You do NOT need to write any addresses.

Begin your letter as follows:

Dear Sir or Madam,

Student answer (Band 6.0)

Dear Sir,

I hope you are doing well. I am writing to express my gratitude regarding the book "IKIGAI". This book is published by an Japanse author in different translations.

This book is all about a concept that consists of two aspects, the one is sources or objects that bring value or meaning to life and a feeling that one's life has value or meaning. After reading this, I have seen a strong change in my mood and daily routine which not only helps me to grow as a person, but also plays a crucial role to build my professional life.

Once I was feeling terrible because I failed in an important exam. And I started living like a zombie, such as sleeping all day and not following any routine. Then one day, my cusion suggested me to read this book. At time I really have no clue that this single book can shape my life so well. The reference of How Okinava people spend their simple and longer lives truly impressed me. As a result, I have seen a ray of light on me.

I reallly appreciate it if you could mention this book under your article "The book that influenced me"

As the hard corded mantra will definitely help several people to learn.

Your sincerely,

Aashima Mahajan

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 6.5

The letter addresses all three requested points: it identifies Ikigai, outlines its focus on meaning and value in life, and explains how reading it affected your mood, routine, and professional development. The account of recovering after failing an exam gives the influence a personal context. You also state that its message could help other people, although this final point is brief and general; explain more specifically who might benefit and how. The book’s content is described in abstract terms, so a concrete example—such as the Okinawan lifestyle reference you mention—could be developed further. The purpose is clear, but the opening thanks the editor rather than directly introducing a contribution to the article, and the closing request is not fully expressed.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 6.5

The ideas follow a broadly logical sequence: you introduce the book, describe its message, explain the circumstances in which you read it, and conclude with its possible value to readers. Paragraphing helps distinguish these stages, and phrases such as “As a result” make the relationship between events clear. Some links are less smooth, however. “Once I was feeling terrible” begins the personal story abruptly, while “At time” does not clearly connect the suggestion to your decision to read. The final two lines also feel disconnected from the preceding explanation. Use clearer transitions and ensure each paragraph develops one stage of the letter, especially the recommendation to the editor.

Lexical Resource: Band 6.0

You use a suitable range of vocabulary to discuss personal change and the book’s ideas, including “meaning to life,” “daily routine,” “crucial role,” and “a ray of light.” These choices communicate your experience, and the reference to the Okinawan people adds specificity. However, several spelling and word-choice errors reduce precision, including “Japanse,” “cusion,” “reallly,” and “hard corded mantra.” Some expressions are also unnatural or unclear, such as “I have seen a strong change in my mood” and “a ray of light on me.” Aim for more natural collocations and check spelling carefully. The range is adequate for the task, but more accurate phrasing would make the letter sound more fluent and persuasive.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 5.5

You attempt both simple and complex sentences, including the contrast in “which not only helps me to grow as a person, but also plays a crucial role…” and the time sequence in your account of failing the exam. The main ideas remain understandable, but some grammatical errors affect accuracy. For example, “This book is published by an Japanse author” has an article error, and “At time I really have no clue” has an unclear time expression and tense choice. The sentence beginning “This book is all about a concept that consists…” is also difficult to follow because its structure does not clearly connect the two aspects. Review articles, tense consistency, and sentence boundaries, while keeping your attempts at longer structures.

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

Browse more IELTS Writing model answers or get your own writing scored by the same AI examiner.