Band 9.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 9.0 · Cambridge IELTS 11 · 2026-08-23

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 Sam,

It was great to hear from you. You asked whether you should go to college or look for a job, and I honestly think getting a job would suit you better.

Firstly, I don't think you would enjoy college very much. You have always preferred practical activities to sitting in classrooms and studying for exams. College would involve a lot of reading, writing assignments and spending several years studying before you could start earning money. I know you like being active and learning by doing, so this kind of environment might become boring and frustrating for you.

Getting a job would be a good idea because you could start earning your own money and become more independent. You would also gain valuable experience and learn useful skills such as communicating with customers, working in a team and managing your time. If you later decide that you need further education, your work experience could help you choose the right course.

As for suitable jobs, I think you would do well in something practical and active. You could consider working in a shop, restaurant, hotel or sports centre. Another possibility would be an apprenticeship in a trade such as plumbing, electrical work or carpentry. These jobs would allow you to learn new skills while working rather than spending all your time studying.

I hope my advice helps. Whatever you decide, I'm sure you'll make the right choice for you.

Best wishes,

Alex

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 9.0

The response fully addresses all three bullet points in the prompt. You clearly explain why college might not be suitable for your friend, provide logical reasons for choosing employment, and offer specific, relevant job suggestions. The tone is consistently appropriate for a letter to a friend, maintaining a friendly and supportive register throughout. The ideas are well-developed and extended, providing a clear rationale for your advice. There are no omissions, and the response stays focused on the task requirements from start to finish.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 9.0

The letter is logically organized with a clear progression of ideas. Each paragraph focuses on a specific aspect of the prompt, and the transition between paragraphs is smooth. You use a variety of cohesive devices effectively, such as 'Firstly', 'As for', and 'Whatever you decide', which help guide the reader through your argument. The use of referencing is accurate, and the paragraphing is logical and appropriate for a personal letter. The structure is coherent and easy to follow.

Lexical Resource — Band 8.5

You demonstrate a wide range of vocabulary that is natural and appropriate for the context. Phrases like 'practical activities', 'valuable experience', and 'apprenticeship in a trade' show a good command of topic-specific language. The word choice is precise, and there are no errors in collocation or spelling. You successfully use a mix of common and slightly more sophisticated vocabulary to convey your message clearly and effectively.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 9.0

The response exhibits a high level of grammatical accuracy. You use a variety of complex sentence structures, such as conditional sentences ('If you later decide...') and relative clauses ('...that you need further education'), with full control. Punctuation is used correctly throughout, and there are no noticeable errors in grammar or syntax. The majority of your sentences are error-free, and the overall control of language is excellent, making the text very easy to read.

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

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