Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 6.0 · Cambridge IELTS 11 · 2026-08-21
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 6.0)
Dear Dhruvi,
I hope you are doing well! I just received your letter and I am happy to see that you want to start your studies again and you want to attend a college and get your degree!
Honestly, that is a great idea but I think that as you are already working you might not enjoy studying as you have to take some time off, focus on exams and let's be real, exam stress is real and exhausting! In addition, you will have to work part time and all your earnings will go in your tuition so in the end you will not be able to save a single penny.
So, I feel like you should follow your hobby and get a job as a baker, as you love baking cakes since you were a little girl! In the end, I just wish all the very best.
Best Wishes
Kshama Parekh
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 6.0 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 6.0 |
| Lexical Resource | 6.0 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 6.0 |
| Overall | 6.0 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.0
The letter addresses all three bullet points: the drawbacks of college, the benefits of working, and a specific job suggestion. However, the development is somewhat limited. While you mention exam stress and financial strain as reasons to avoid college, these points are briefly stated rather than fully explored. The suggestion of a baking job is relevant, but the letter lacks a more formal structure or a more persuasive tone that would better suit the task of giving advice. To reach a higher band, ensure that each point is expanded with more detail or personal reasoning to create a more comprehensive response.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.0
The letter is generally coherent and follows a logical progression. You use basic cohesive devices such as 'In addition', 'So', and 'In the end' to link your ideas. However, the paragraphing is insufficient; the entire body of the letter is contained within two very short paragraphs. A more effective structure would involve separate paragraphs for each of the three bullet points requested in the prompt. This would improve the overall flow and make the letter easier to navigate for the reader. The use of cohesive devices is functional but could be more varied to improve the sophistication of the text.
Lexical Resource — Band 6.0
You demonstrate an adequate range of vocabulary for the task, using phrases like 'exhausting', 'tuition', and 'save a single penny' effectively. The language is natural and appropriate for a friendly letter. However, the range is somewhat limited, and there is a reliance on simpler vocabulary. To achieve a higher band, try to incorporate more precise or less common lexical items related to career advice or academic life. For example, instead of 'great idea', you could use 'a commendable pursuit' or 'a significant undertaking'. The current vocabulary is sufficient for communication but lacks the flexibility required for higher bands.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.0
You use a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, such as 'I think that as you are already working you might not enjoy studying'. There are some minor grammatical slips, such as 'you love baking cakes since you were a little girl' (which should be 'have loved baking cakes since you were a little girl'). Punctuation is generally clear, though some sentences are slightly run-on. The errors present do not impede communication, but to move into the 7.0+ range, you should aim for a higher frequency of error-free complex sentences and more precise control over verb tenses.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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