Band 7.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.0 · Cambridge IELTS 11 · 2026-09-19

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 to let you know that I left my red folder in Shannon Conference Hall on September 18, 2006. My company, Cobequid Foundation, had booked your conference hall for an event.

The red folder has crucial papers in it. I was giving a presentation on the financial position of my firm, and I assumed I forgot to take it from the podium. They are very important because of confidentiality, as it contains personal data of the donors. Moreover, some of them are very particular about their information, they also strictly told us not to upload their photographs on social media while they were donating money.

I would like to request that, inform your cleaning staff if they find any red color folder they will give it to you. Once you receive the folder, please keep it with you in a safe place, and let me know. I will come by myself to the hotel to collect my valuables from you.

I am looking forward to hearing from you.

Yours sincerely,

Anamika

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 8.0

The candidate has fully addressed all parts of the task prompt in an appropriate format. The letter begins with the correct salutation and successfully covers the three required bullet points. First, the writer clearly identifies where the papers were left, mentioning the 'Shannon Conference Hall' and the podium on 'September 18, 2006.' Second, the importance of the items is effectively explained through the context of a financial presentation and strict confidentiality concerns regarding donor data. Third, the letter explicitly tells the manager what action to take: to inform the cleaning staff, keep the folder safe, and notify the writer. The tone is appropriate for a formal business-related correspondence, and all ideas are well-developed and relevant. This meets the criteria for Band 7.5, rounded to 8.0.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.0

The letter demonstrates a clear logical organization and progression throughout. Each paragraph serves a distinct purpose corresponding to the bullet points of the prompt. Cohesive devices are used effectively to connect ideas, such as 'Moreover,' 'Once you receive,' and 'I am looking forward to.' Paragraphing is used sufficiently and appropriately, separating the greeting, the background, the importance, the requested action, and the sign-off clearly. Referencing is generally clear, though minor improvements in linking the second and third paragraphs could enhance overall flow. The organization is sound and easy to follow, making this a solid performance that aligns well with the Band 7 descriptors.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.5

The student uses an adequate and appropriate range of vocabulary for a formal letter. Phrases such as 'financial position,' 'confidentiality,' 'personal data,' and 'valuables' demonstrate a suitable lexical resource. However, there are some minor awkward expressions and word choice inaccuracies, such as saying 'red color folder' instead of 'red folder,' and stating 'they also strictly told us' where 'expressly' or 'explicitly' would be more natural. Furthermore, the phrasing 'some of them are very particular about their information' is slightly informal for a business context. Despite these occasional limitations and minor errors, the vocabulary is more than adequate to convey the message clearly, fitting the Band 6.5 profile, rounded to 6.5.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.5

The response features a mix of simple and complex sentence forms, demonstrating reasonable control over grammar and punctuation. Sentences like 'I was giving a presentation on the financial position of my firm, and I assumed I forgot to take it from the podium' are structurally sound. However, there are a few grammatical inaccuracies, notably in the third paragraph: 'I would like to request that, inform your cleaning staff if they find any red color folder they will give it to you,' which contains a structural error and run-on tendency. Punctuation and comma splices occasionally interrupt the flow (e.g., 'information, they also strictly told us'). Nevertheless, the majority of sentences are clear and errors do not impede communication, placing this securely at a Band 6.5, rounded to 6.5.

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

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