Band 9.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 9.0 · Cambridge IELTS 11 · 2026-08-06

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 Sarah,

I was glad to receive your letter and to hear that you are thinking about your future. You asked whether you should go to college or start working. Personally, I think getting a job would be the better choice for you.

I don't think you would really enjoy college because you have never liked studying for long hours or taking exams. I remember how much you preferred practical activities to sitting in a classroom. College can also be stressful, with lots of assignments and deadlines, so I don't think it would suit your personality.

On the other hand, getting a job would give you valuable experience and help you become more independent. You would start earning your own money, learn useful skills, and gain confidence. If you decide to study later, your work experience will also be an advantage.

I think you would do well in jobs where you can work with people. For example, you could work as a sales assistant, a customer service representative, or a receptionist. Since you are friendly and communicate well with others, I believe you would enjoy these kinds of jobs and do them successfully.

I hope my advice helps you make the right decision. Whatever you choose, I'm sure you'll do your best. Write back soon and let me know what you decide.

Best wishes,

Emily

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 9.0

The response fully addresses all parts of the task. You clearly state your position that your friend should get a job and provide logical, well-developed reasons for this advice. You explain why college might not be suitable by referencing your friend's personality and preferences, and you provide specific, relevant examples of job types that would suit her. The tone is appropriate for a letter to a friend, and the purpose of the letter is clear from the beginning. All bullet points are covered in sufficient detail, making the response highly effective.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 9.0

The letter is well-organized with a clear logical progression. Each paragraph focuses on a specific aspect of the prompt, starting with the introduction, moving to the reasons against college, then the benefits of working, and finally the job suggestions. You use cohesive devices effectively, such as 'On the other hand', 'For example', and 'Since you are', which help the reader follow your argument smoothly. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate distinct ideas, and the overall structure is coherent and easy to follow throughout the text.

Lexical Resource — Band 8.0

You demonstrate a good range of vocabulary that is natural and appropriate for the context of a friendly letter. Phrases like 'valuable experience', 'suit your personality', and 'communicate well with others' are used accurately. While the vocabulary is not overly complex, it is precise and fits the task requirements perfectly. There are no spelling errors, and the word choices are consistently appropriate for the informal yet advisory tone required by the prompt.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 9.0

The response shows a high level of grammatical accuracy. You use a variety of sentence structures, including complex sentences with conditional clauses ('If you decide to study later...') and relative clauses ('...jobs where you can work with people'). The punctuation is accurate, and there are no noticeable grammatical errors. The control over verb tenses and modal verbs is consistent, contributing to a very clear and professional-sounding piece of writing that remains friendly and accessible.

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

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