Band 7.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.0 · Cambridge IELTS 11 · 2026-09-22

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 7.0)

Dear Sir or Madam,

I am writing in response to the recent announcement regarding the closure of the local sports and leisure centre. As a regular visitor, I believe its closure would significantly affect both my family and the wider community.

My family and I have been using this club for several years. I mostly use the gym after work, while my sister attends swimming classes every day. On weekends, my friends and I often meet there for recreational activities. However, the convenient location and peaceful environment make it easier for us to recharge and stay active throughout the day.

Beyond its recreational value, the centre serves as an important community hub. It offers reasonably priced sports facilities, encourages healthier lifestyles, and brings residents of different age groups together in the community.

.

Closing the club would leave many people with limited opportunities for physical activities, particularly for those who cannot afford private gym memberships. In addition, travelling to facilities in other areas would increase commuting charges and other expenses. Moreover, this closure could negatively affect people's overall well-being.

I strongly encourage the council to consider alternative solutions, such as securing additional funding or introducing affordable memberships, rather than proceeding with the closure.

I look forward to your response

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.5

The candidate has fully and effectively addressed all parts of the prompt. The letter opens with a clear purpose and outlines how the family uses the centre, noting details such as 'I mostly use the gym after work, while my sister attends swimming classes every day.' Furthermore, the importance of the centre to the community is well-articulated, highlighting its role as an affordable hub that brings residents together. Finally, the potential negative consequences of closure, such as increased expenses and reduced well-being, are logically explored and supported. The tone is appropriately formal and polite throughout, maintaining a consistent position. There are no omissions or under-developed ideas.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5

The response demonstrates a clear and logical organisation from beginning to end. Information and ideas are coherently sequenced across well-defined paragraphs, each serving a distinct purpose in line with the prompt requirements. Cohesive devices are used naturally and effectively, such as 'Beyond its recreational value' and 'In addition,' which help guide the reader smoothly through the writer's arguments. Paragraphing is used appropriately, and referencing throughout the letter is clear and unambiguous, ensuring seamless progression of ideas.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.5

The candidate displays a sufficient and flexible range of vocabulary appropriate for a general correspondence task. Less common lexical items are used successfully, including phrases like 'recreational activities,' 'community hub,' and 'affordable memberships.' Word choice is generally precise and natural, with only minor lapses. The spelling and word formation are accurate throughout, allowing the message to be communicated fluently and without obstruction from lexical limitations.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.0

The letter exhibits a good control of grammar and punctuation, utilising a successful mix of simple and complex sentence structures. The writer employs various dependent clauses effectively, as seen in 'while my sister attends swimming classes every day' and 'particularly for those who cannot afford private gym memberships.' The majority of sentences are entirely error-free, and the few minor errors present do not impede communication or cause any strain for the reader. Control over tense and agreement is consistent and reliable.

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

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