Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.5 · Cambridge IELTS 11 · 2026-08-11

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 6.5)

Dear Darshak,

I hope all is well.

I am writing this letter in regards to answer the question or concern you have. Yes, I know, you are asking me the same question for a long time now about what should you do job or study?

To answer your question I would say you should start working instead of pursuing further education. I also know it sounds more dramatic, but I feel you have had enough education in your life. You are already 23 now, and also you have completed your masters recently. So, I feel utilizing your education credential to get a job would be more realistic vision.

Apart from this, I feel your family also need and deserve some financial help from your side, as they have spent a lot of money behind your education.

There are certain types of jobs I would recommend you. Initially, you can start working under a certified book keeper who will help you to understand the theoritical knowledge you have from your studies. The secondly, you can look to interview in some big companies which are hiring for entry level roles of your filed. This may help you to build your resume.

I hope I have answered all your question and doubts.

Please feel free to contact shall you have any question.

Thank you and have a pleasant day.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.0

You have addressed all three bullet points in the prompt: explaining why college is not ideal, why a job is a better choice, and suggesting specific roles. Your position is clear throughout the letter. The ideas are relevant, though the development of the 'why he would not enjoy college' section is slightly brief. You focus more on the fact that he has already studied enough rather than the experience of college itself. However, the tone is appropriate for a letter to a friend, and the advice is practical and well-structured. To reach a higher band, ensure that each point is expanded with more descriptive detail or personal reasoning.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5

The letter is logically organized with a clear introduction, body paragraphs, and a closing. You use some cohesive devices such as 'Apart from this' and 'Initially', which help the flow of ideas. However, some transitions are slightly mechanical or awkward, such as 'The secondly'. Paragraphing is used effectively to separate the different points requested in the prompt. The progression of ideas is generally smooth, though the connection between the opening and the main body could be more natural. Overall, the message is easy to follow and the structure is appropriate for a semi-formal/informal letter.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

You demonstrate an adequate range of vocabulary for the task, using terms like 'pursuing further education', 'utilizing', and 'theoretical knowledge'. There are some minor errors in word choice and collocation, such as 'spent a lot of money behind your education' (should be 'on') and 'your filed' (should be 'field'). Additionally, 'book keeper' should be one word. While you successfully convey your meaning, the vocabulary is somewhat functional. To improve, try to incorporate more precise collocations and avoid minor spelling or word-form errors to show a more sophisticated command of the language.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.0

You use a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. There are several grammatical slips, such as 'what should you do job or study?' (incorrect word order), 'your family also need' (subject-verb agreement: 'needs'), and 'shall you have any question' (should be 'should you have any questions'). Despite these errors, the meaning is never obscured, and the reader can easily understand your advice. You have a good grasp of basic sentence construction, but you need to focus on subject-verb agreement and preposition usage to achieve a higher band score.

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

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