Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 6.5 · Cambridge IELTS 11 · 2026-08-14
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 Akash,many congratulations on completing your graduation; it's a proud moment for all of us. I received your letter, and I believe, as a next step, you should apply for jobs.
Basis my understanding, you won't enjoy enrolling on college at this stage. The majority of your classmates pursuing a Master's degree would have some field knowledge. Thus, you might feel difficulty in expressing your thoughts and blending with your peers.
Currently, the best practice would be to search for a job and gain professional experience. It will prepare you for real-world scenarios. Additionally, you will be able to understand the field of study for your Master's degree.
Since you have completed your bachelor's in Computer Science Engineering, I suggest job profiles such as Software Engineer, Data Scientist, Data Engineer, or Technical Analyst could be a good fit for you. If you need guidance with your resume, please feel free to reach out. I'll be happy to help.
All the best for your future!
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 7.0 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 6.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 6.5 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 6.5 |
| Overall | 6.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.0
You have addressed all three bullet points of the prompt effectively. You clearly explain why college might not be the right choice, provide a logical argument for gaining work experience, and offer specific, relevant job suggestions based on the friend's background in Computer Science. The tone is appropriate for a letter to a friend, and your position is consistent throughout. To reach a higher band, you could further develop the reasoning behind why he might struggle at college, perhaps by elaborating on the pressure of advanced academic environments compared to the practical application of skills in a workplace setting.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5
The letter is well-organized with a clear logical progression. Each paragraph focuses on a single aspect of the prompt, which makes the letter easy to follow. You use cohesive devices such as 'Thus,' 'Currently,' and 'Additionally' to link your ideas effectively. The paragraphing is appropriate for a formal-informal letter structure. To improve, ensure that the transition between the introduction and the first body paragraph is smoother; currently, the jump from the graduation congratulations to the advice is slightly abrupt. Overall, the flow of information is logical and easy to navigate.
Lexical Resource — Band 6.5
You demonstrate a sufficient range of vocabulary to convey your message with precision. Phrases like 'real-world scenarios' and 'professional experience' are well-chosen and contextually accurate. There are no significant spelling or word-choice errors that impede communication. To move into the higher bands, try to incorporate more sophisticated collocations or idiomatic expressions that sound natural in a friendly letter, such as 'gaining a foothold in the industry' or 'practical hands-on experience.' Your current vocabulary is functional and accurate, meeting the requirements for a solid score.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.5
You use a mix of simple and complex sentence structures effectively. Most of your sentences are error-free, and your control over punctuation is generally good. There is a minor grammatical slip in the phrase 'enrolling on college,' which should be 'enrolling in college.' Additionally, 'Basis my understanding' is slightly non-standard; 'Based on my understanding' would be more accurate. Despite these minor issues, your grammar is strong, and the meaning is never obscured. You have demonstrated a good command of English, which allows for clear and effective communication throughout the letter.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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