Band 7.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.0 · Cambridge IELTS 11 · 2026-09-05

IELTS Writing Task 1 question

Write a letter to the manager of the hotel. In your letter

• say where you think you left the papers
• explain why they are so important
• tell the manager what you want him/her to do

You do NOT need to write any addresses.

Begin your letter as follows:

Dear Sir or Madam,

Student answer (Band 7.0)

Dear Sir or Madam,

I am writing this letter regarding my classified documents that I have lost somewhere in your hotel.

I checked in at The Briston Hotel last Friday on the 14th August and stayed there for the weekend. I believe I have lost my black bag that has some important documents in it. My room number was 406 but I highly doubt that the bag will be in the room; however, I did happen to have a cup of coffee before checking myself out and may have forgotten it there.

The bag has some classified documents that are very confidential for my clients and myself. In addition, it has the blueprints of the building I am currently working on and if I do not find them, it might cost me my job.

I would really appreciate if you could ask your staff members to look for my black bag. It has a blue handle and has “Gucci” written on it. You can write me back on this email or call me on -[redacted phone] if it is found.

Thank you for your time. I Hope to get a response from you soon on this matter as the documents are crucial for me.

Kind regards,

Mavi

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.5

The letter successfully addresses all three bullet points required by the prompt. You clearly identify the likely location of the lost items (the coffee area), explain the significance of the documents (confidentiality and potential job loss), and provide clear instructions to the manager regarding the search and contact details. The tone is appropriate for a formal letter to a hotel manager. The ideas are well-developed and the purpose of the letter is clear from the outset. You have maintained a consistent focus on the task throughout the response, ensuring all requirements are met effectively.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5

The letter is logically organized, with a clear introduction, body paragraphs, and a closing. Each paragraph focuses on a specific aspect of the task, which helps the reader follow your narrative easily. You use cohesive devices such as 'In addition,' 'however,' and 'therefore' (implied) to link ideas. The progression of information is smooth, moving from the context of the stay to the problem, the importance of the items, and finally the requested action. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate the different stages of your request, making the letter easy to navigate.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.5

You demonstrate a good range of vocabulary suitable for a formal business-style letter. Phrases like 'classified documents,' 'confidential,' and 'blueprints' are precise and contextually appropriate. There is a good attempt to use specific descriptive language, such as 'blue handle' and the brand name, which helps in identifying the lost item. While the vocabulary is generally accurate and natural, it remains within a standard range. To reach a higher band, you could incorporate slightly more sophisticated collocations or idiomatic expressions that fit a formal register, though your current usage is entirely sufficient for clear communication.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.0

Your grammar is generally strong, with a good mix of simple and complex sentence structures. You use conditional sentences ('if I do not find them, it might cost me my job') and compound sentences effectively. There are very few errors, and those present do not impede communication. For instance, 'I Hope to get a response' contains a minor capitalization error, but the overall control of tense and sentence structure is consistent. You demonstrate a solid grasp of English grammar, and the majority of your sentences are error-free, which is indicative of a high level of proficiency.

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

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