Band 8.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 8.5 · Cambridge IELTS 11 · 2026-07-28

IELTS Writing Task 1 question

Write a letter to the local council. In your letter

• give details of how you and your friends or family use the centre
• explain why the sports and leisure centre is important for the local community
• describe the possible effects on local people if the centre closes

You do NOT need to write any addresses.

Begin your letter as follows:

Dear Sir or Madam,

Student answer (Band 8.5)

Dear Sir or Madam,

I am writing to express my concern about the possible closure of the local sports and leisure centre.

I have been a member of the centre for more than a year. My friends and I usually visit the centre on weekends to spend our free time together. We enjoy taking part in different activities such as working out in the gym, playing indoor games, and relaxing after a busy week. Visiting the centre helps us reduce stress and keeps us physically active.

I believe this sports and leisure centre is very important for our local community. It provides a place where people of all ages can relax, enjoy their free time, and improve their health. Moreover, it allows friends, families, and neighbours to spend time together and build stronger relationships.

If the centre closes, it will have a negative impact on many local residents. People may feel isolated because they will no longer have a place to meet others and spend quality time with their loved ones. In addition, many people may become less active, which could affect both their physical and mental well-being.

I kindly request that the council reconsider this decision and keep the sports and leisure centre open for the benefit of the entire community.

Yours faithfully,

Sukhveer Kaur

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 8.5

The letter fully addresses all three bullet points in the prompt. You clearly explain how you use the centre, why it is important for the community, and the potential negative effects of its closure. The tone is appropriate for a formal letter to a local council, and the purpose is clear from the outset. The ideas are well-developed and logically presented, providing a coherent argument throughout the response. You have successfully met all the requirements of the task.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 8.5

The letter is well-organized with a clear structure. Each paragraph focuses on a specific aspect of the prompt, ensuring a logical progression of ideas. You use cohesive devices effectively, such as 'Moreover', 'In addition', and 'If the centre closes', which help to link your points smoothly. The paragraphing is appropriate, and the flow of the letter is natural and easy to follow. There is a clear sense of progression from the introduction to the conclusion.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.5

You demonstrate a good range of vocabulary appropriate for the context of a formal letter. Phrases like 'express my concern', 'physically active', 'negative impact', and 'well-being' are used accurately. While the vocabulary is functional and clear, it is generally standard. To reach a higher band, you could incorporate more precise or sophisticated collocations, such as 'vital community hub' instead of 'important for our local community' or 'detrimental consequences' instead of 'negative impact'.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 8.5

Your grammar is consistently accurate throughout the letter. You use a variety of sentence structures, including complex sentences such as 'If the centre closes, it will have a negative impact on many local residents.' Punctuation is used correctly, and there are no significant errors that impede communication. The majority of your sentences are error-free, showing a strong command of English grammar. The tone remains formal and consistent from start to finish.

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