Band 5.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.0 · Cambridge IELTS 12 · 2026-09-01
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 /mam
I am rj writing a letter regarding the equipment with which I face a difficulty in my work .
Unfortunately, I don't have a proper equipment which i need for my job .I bought a laptop from your shop last year its not properly working right now I just purchased new one but I dont know why its not working i need this for my work everyday because I m working from home .when I working on it so, its just blanked sometime .Moreover, sometimes keys also not worked properly so I am unable to type properly.
So , I just want to request related to solve my problem because its really urgent if you repaire it or replaced it so its help me alot .
If its possible please call me or just email me that I give you last time .
Your sincerely
Raj .lk
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 5.5 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 5.0 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.0 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.0 |
| Overall | 5.0 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5
The letter addresses all three bullet points: the problem is described (screen blanking, keyboard issues), the impact on work is explained (unable to type, urgent need), and a resolution is requested (repair or replacement). However, the development of these points is quite basic. The tone is somewhat informal for a formal letter of complaint, and the structure lacks the professional polish expected in a business context. To reach a higher band, you should provide more specific details about the purchase (e.g., model number, order reference) and use a more formal, assertive tone to clearly outline your expectations for a resolution.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.0
The letter is logically organized, moving from the introduction to the problem, the impact, and the desired action. However, the use of cohesive devices is very limited and often mechanical (e.g., 'Moreover', 'So'). Paragraphing is insufficient; the entire body of the letter is presented as one block of text, which makes it difficult to follow. To improve, you should use clear paragraph breaks to separate the introduction, the description of the problem, the impact, and the conclusion. Additionally, try to use a wider variety of linking words to connect your ideas more fluidly.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.0
The vocabulary is limited and repetitive, relying on basic terms like 'working', 'problem', and 'properly'. There are several errors in word choice and collocation, such as 'I don't have a proper equipment' (equipment is uncountable) and 'its just blanked' (should be 'goes blank'). The spelling of 'repaire' is incorrect. While the meaning is generally clear, the range of vocabulary is not sufficient to express ideas with precision or sophistication. Expanding your vocabulary to include more specific business-related terms would significantly improve your score.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0
The letter contains frequent grammatical errors that occasionally impede the flow of reading. There are issues with subject-verb agreement ('keys also not worked properly'), article usage ('a proper equipment'), and sentence structure (run-on sentences and comma splices). Punctuation is also inconsistent, particularly with the use of spaces before commas and the informal salutation. While you attempt some complex sentences, they are often faulty. To improve, focus on mastering basic sentence construction, ensuring correct verb tenses, and proofreading for punctuation errors before finalizing your writing.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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