Band 5.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.0 · Cambridge IELTS 11 · 2026-10-15

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 5.0)

Dear Sir or Madam

I am writing this letter to get assistance regarding the mechanical diagrams which I dropped at your establishment last week.

On weekdays lask week I was residing at your hotel for business purpose. This event occured when my client showed up and I left my documents at the reception desk.

Additionaly, these diagrams are of prototype hydraulic 51 series pump and

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 3.0

The opening makes the purpose clear: you are seeking help about “the mechanical diagrams” left at the hotel, and you identify the reception desk as the likely location. However, the response stops before completing the explanation of why the papers matter and does not tell the manager what action you want. The sentence about the diagrams ends with “and,” leaving the key information unfinished. The letter therefore addresses the task only minimally, rather than covering all three requested points. It also contains 65 words, so it does not meet the required minimum of 150. To improve, complete each bullet point with specific details, such as the papers’ business significance and a request to search for them and contact you.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 5.0

The response has a basic, understandable sequence: it opens by stating the purpose, then gives context about the hotel stay and where the documents may have been left. The paragraphing is simple but appropriate for this very short draft. However, there is no clear progression to the importance of the papers or to a request for assistance, and the final sentence is unfinished, ending with “and.” The link between the client’s arrival and leaving the documents could also be expressed more clearly. Develop the letter in separate stages—circumstances, importance, and requested action—and use clear transitions such as “They are important because…” and “Could you please…” to guide the reader.

Lexical Resource: Band 5.5

You use some relevant vocabulary for the situation, including “mechanical diagrams,” “prototype,” “hydraulic,” and “reception desk,” which helps identify the papers and their likely location. The wording is generally understandable, but there are noticeable spelling and collocation problems: “lask” should be “last,” “occured” should be “occurred,” and “Additionaly” should be “Additionally.” “For business purpose” is also an unnatural phrase; “for business purposes” would be more idiomatic. The technical description begins but is not completed, limiting the range shown. Proofread spelling and choose natural combinations, while adding precise vocabulary to explain the documents’ value and the action you need.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 5.5

The response includes a few clear sentence forms, including the purpose statement “I am writing this letter…” and a past-tense account of your stay. These are mostly understandable, but the range is limited and the final sentence is grammatically incomplete: “these diagrams are of prototype hydraulic 51 series pump and” has no completed thought. The phrase “I was residing at your hotel for business purpose” also needs a more natural grammatical construction, such as “I was staying at your hotel on business.” Add complete sentences and vary simple statements with clauses explaining the circumstances and importance of the papers. Check articles and number, for example, “a prototype … pump,” and use punctuation to mark complete ideas.

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

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