Band 5.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.0 · Cambridge IELTS 12 · 2026-08-27
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 5.0)
Dear sir,
As Due to the prevailing of epidemic I was suggested to work from home.
As I am a customer representative I have to reply many emails and calls.
The laptop I am using often does not work.Due to this situation my performance and work both are affecting.l want to bring it in your Many customers are trying to reach but due some bug it's not functioning.
What would you suggest me. Can I get another device to perform my tasks effectively. I don't want any hazard for the customers.It will be catastrophic jerk for the company too.
We are already running out of funds.If couldn't reach the customers economy of the country Will be at risk.
I hope you understand hundred times better than me so I hope you will bring the best solution and soon I will be able to work smoothly.
Looking forward
Rahila Kamil.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 5.0 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 5.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.0 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.0 |
| Overall | 5.0 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.0
The response addresses all three bullet points: describing the problem, explaining the impact, and requesting a solution. However, the development of ideas is somewhat illogical and hyperbolic, particularly the claims regarding the 'economy of the country' being at risk due to a faulty laptop. This detracts from the professional tone required for a formal letter. Furthermore, the response is slightly under the 150-word minimum, which results in a penalty. To improve, focus on providing more realistic, professional details about the equipment failure and its direct impact on your specific daily tasks rather than using exaggerated, irrelevant consequences.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5
The letter is divided into short paragraphs, but the logical progression between ideas is weak. Transitions are often missing or misused, such as the abrupt shift from the laptop issue to the national economy. The use of cohesive devices is limited and sometimes mechanical. For instance, the phrase 'Due to this situation' is used, but the connection between sentences is often disjointed, making the overall flow feel fragmented. To improve, use a wider variety of linking words (e.g., 'consequently', 'furthermore', 'therefore') and ensure that each paragraph focuses on a single, clearly developed idea.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.0
The vocabulary is basic and occasionally inappropriate for a formal business context. Phrases like 'catastrophic jerk' are confusing and do not convey the intended meaning effectively. There is also a lack of precision in describing the technical issue, using vague terms like 'some bug' instead of describing the specific malfunction. The range of vocabulary is limited, and there are instances of awkward phrasing that hinder the professional tone. To improve, focus on learning business-specific collocations and avoid overly dramatic or informal language when writing formal correspondence.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0
The response contains frequent grammatical errors, including issues with sentence structure, punctuation, and article usage (e.g., 'As Due to the prevailing of epidemic', 'If couldn't reach the customers economy of the country Will be at risk'). Many sentences are fragmented or lack proper subject-verb agreement. While the meaning is generally understandable, the high frequency of errors makes the text difficult to read at times. To improve, focus on basic sentence construction, ensuring every sentence has a clear subject and verb, and pay closer attention to standard punctuation rules.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
Browse more IELTS Writing model answers or get your own writing scored by the same AI examiner.