Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.5 · Cambridge IELTS 12 · 2026-08-16

IELTS Writing Task 1 question

You work at home and have a problem with a piece of equipment that you use for your job.

Write a letter to the shop or company which supplied the equipment. In your letter

• describe the problem with the equipment
• explain how this problem is affecting your work
• say what you want the shop or company to do

You do NOT need to write any addresses.

Begin your letter as follows:

Dear Sir or Madam,

Student answer (Band 7.5)

Dear sir/ Madam,

I am writing to complain about a laptop that I purchased from your company two months ago, which I use regularly for my work from home.

Unfortunately, the laptop has recently developed several problems. It frequently freezes while I am working and occasionally shuts down without warning. Although I have updated the software and followed the troubleshooting instructions, the issue has continued.

As I depend on this equipment to attend online meetings, prepare reports and communicate with my colleagues, these problems are seriously affecting my productivity. On one occasion, the laptop stopped working during an important meeting, while I have also been unable to complete several tasks on time.

I would therefore be grateful if you could arrange a repair or replacement as soon as possible. Since the laptop is still under warranty, I would also appreciate a temporary replacement while it is being repaired.

I look forward to your prompt response and a satisfactory solution.

Yours faithfully,

Jas

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.5

The response fully addresses all three bullet points in the prompt. You clearly described the technical issues (freezing and shutting down), explained the impact on your professional responsibilities (meetings and report deadlines), and provided a clear request for a resolution (repair or replacement). The tone is appropriately formal and professional for a business letter. The ideas are well-developed and the purpose of the letter is clear from the outset. You have successfully met all the requirements of the task, maintaining a consistent and relevant focus throughout the entire piece.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5

The letter is logically organized with a clear progression of ideas. Each paragraph serves a distinct purpose, moving from the statement of the problem to the impact and finally the requested action. You have used cohesive devices effectively, such as 'Although', 'As I depend on', and 'I would therefore be grateful', which help to link your sentences and ideas smoothly. The paragraphing is appropriate and contributes to the overall clarity of the message. The flow of information is natural and easy to follow, meeting the requirements for a high band score in this criterion.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.0

You demonstrate a good range of vocabulary appropriate for a formal business letter. Phrases such as 'developed several problems', 'troubleshooting instructions', 'seriously affecting my productivity', and 'satisfactory solution' are used accurately and naturally. The language is precise and fits the context well. While the vocabulary is functional and effective, it stays within a standard range. To reach a higher band, you could incorporate slightly more sophisticated or varied collocations, but the current usage is error-free and perfectly suited to the task requirements.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.5

The grammar is highly accurate throughout the letter. You have used a variety of sentence structures, including complex sentences with subordinate clauses (e.g., 'Although I have updated the software...'). There are no significant grammatical errors, and punctuation is used correctly. The control over verb tenses is consistent, particularly in the use of the present perfect for ongoing issues and the conditional for the request. The writing is clear, professional, and demonstrates a strong command of English grammar, with no errors that impede communication.

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

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