Band 7.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.0 · Cambridge IELTS 11 · 2026-09-13

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 7.0)

Dear John,

My reason for writing this letter is to give my opinion regarding your job or college decision from your letter I received recently.

At this point going to the university might not be a good idea because of your age. At thirty-five you should be thinking of starting a family and building yourself. College tuition is a very exorbitant fee that might strain your wallet.

I would suggest you get a job because you are an adult that is responsible for your aged parent coupled with debts you have to pay. It would be unwise at this point to go to college with so many responsibilities

As a tech expert and your skills in data analysis and cyber-security can help you land a high paying job in any firm such as Banks, Restaurants and E-Commerce companies to work as a Data analyst or a cyber security expert. Also, with your fitness level working as a fitness instructor in a gym should not be a challenge as a different option.

Kind regards,

Ofure

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.0

The response covers all bullet points of the task well. You successfully explained why going to college might not be suitable for John, noting his age and financial strain ('At thirty-five you should be thinking of starting a family... College tuition is a very exorbitant fee'). You also explained why getting a job is a good idea given his financial responsibilities and debts, and you suggested suitable jobs including data analysis, cyber security, and a fitness instructor. The tone is appropriate for a friendly letter, and the ideas are well-extended and supported throughout, matching the requirements for a Band 7.0.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.0

The letter is logically organised with a clear beginning, middle paragraphs addressing each prompt requirement, and a proper sign-off. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate different ideas, such as financial reasons against college versus job suggestions. Cohesive devices are generally used effectively, although some transitions could be smoother. For instance, linking phrases like 'Also, with your fitness level...' could be integrated more naturally. However, the overall logical progression is clear throughout, satisfying the Band 7.0 descriptors.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.5

You demonstrate a sufficient range of vocabulary with some less common items and appropriate topic-specific terminology, such as 'exorbitant fee', 'data analysis', 'cyber-security', and 'fitness instructor'. There are a few minor collocation and word choice inaccuracies, such as 'regarding your job or college decision from your letter' which is slightly awkward, and 'an adult that is responsible' where 'who' would be preferred over 'that' for a person. Nevertheless, the vocabulary is adequate to convey precise meaning without impeding communication, earning a Band 6.5.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.5

You demonstrate a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, such as using conditional and participial modifiers ('coupled with debts you have to pay'). There are some minor grammatical errors and punctuation issues, such as missing commas (e.g., after 'decision' in the opening sentence and 'recently' in the first paragraph) and a missing full stop at the end of the second paragraph. Another minor error is 'an adult that is responsible' rather than 'who'. Despite these minor slips, the majority of sentences are clear and the errors do not impede communication, supporting a Band 6.5 score.

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

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