Band 9.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 9.0 · Cambridge IELTS 11 · 2026-08-05

IELTS Writing Task 1 question

You recently received a letter from a friend asking for advice about whether to go to college or to try to get a job. You think he/she should get a job.

Write a letter to this friend. In your letter

• say why he/she would not enjoy going to college
• explain why getting a job is a good idea for him/her
• suggest types of job that would be suitable for him/her

You do NOT need to write any addresses.

Begin your letter as follows:

Dear ................. ,

Student answer (Band 9.0)

Dear John ,

Thanks for your letter — I’m really glad you reached out. You asked whether you should go to college or start working, and after thinking about it carefully, I truly believe getting a job would be the better choice for you right now.

To be honest, I don’t think you would enjoy going to college at this stage. You’ve always preferred practical, hands‑on activities over long lectures, assignments, and exams. College requires a lot of academic focus and patience, and I know you often feel bored or stressed in classroom environments. It might end up feeling like a burden rather than something exciting or meaningful.

On the other hand, getting a job could be a great opportunity for you. You’re responsible, hardworking, and quick to learn new skills — qualities that employers really value. A job would give you financial independence, real‑world experience, and a chance to grow professionally. You’d also be able to explore different fields and figure out what you truly enjoy without spending years in a program you might not like.

I think you’d be especially good in roles that involve communication, teamwork, or practical problem‑solving. Jobs like customer service, sales, office administration, or even entry‑level positions in retail or hospitality could suit you well. These roles would help you build confidence and gain experience while keeping your options open for the future.

Whatever you decide, I’m here to support you. But honestly, I think starting with a job is the right move for you.

Take care,

Mark

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 9.0

The response fully addresses all parts of the prompt. You clearly explain why college might not be suitable for your friend, citing their preference for practical activities over academic study. You also provide a compelling argument for getting a job, highlighting financial independence and skill development. Finally, you offer specific, relevant job suggestions such as customer service and retail. The tone is appropriate for a letter to a friend, and the position is consistent throughout. The ideas are well-developed and supported with logical reasoning, meeting all the requirements of the task effectively.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 9.0

The letter is logically organized with a clear introduction, body paragraphs addressing each bullet point, and a polite closing. Each paragraph has a clear central theme, and the progression of ideas is smooth. You use a variety of cohesive devices effectively, such as 'To be honest', 'On the other hand', and 'Whatever you decide', which help to guide the reader through your argument. The paragraphing is skillful and contributes to the overall clarity of the message. The structure is natural and flows well from start to finish.

Lexical Resource — Band 8.5

You demonstrate a wide and natural range of vocabulary that is well-suited to the context of giving advice. Phrases like 'practical, hands-on activities', 'financial independence', and 'explore different fields' show a good command of language. The vocabulary is precise and used accurately throughout the letter. There are no noticeable errors in word choice or collocation, and the tone remains consistently appropriate for an informal yet serious piece of advice. The language is fluent and sophisticated enough to convey your points clearly and effectively.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 9.0

The writing displays a wide range of grammatical structures, including complex sentences and conditional forms, used with high accuracy. Your control over punctuation and sentence variety is excellent, making the text easy to read and engaging. There are no significant grammatical errors, and the few minor slips that might occur are non-existent in this piece. The majority of your sentences are error-free, and you demonstrate a high level of flexibility in your sentence construction, which is characteristic of a high-band response.

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

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