Band 7.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.0 · Cambridge IELTS 12 · 2026-09-23

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 7.0)

Dear Sir or Madam,

I am writing to complain about a laptop that I purchased from your company a few weeks ago. As this Dell laptop is primarily used for my professional work, its current condition is causing me considerable inconvenience.

At the outset, I used the laptop for at least 12 hours a day due to my work requirements, and it worked perfectly well during the first week. However, since yesterday, it has started switching on and off by itself and is no longer functioning properly. In addition, although the battery was supposed to last for approximately 14 hours, it now lasts for only two hours, which is seriously affecting my ability to work efficiently from home.

I would therefore appreciate it if you could send a technician to inspect and repair the laptop as soon as possible. Since the product is still under warranty, I would also like to request a replacement if the problem cannot be resolved. Ideally, I would prefer the same model with 12 GB of RAM, 256 GB of storage and a fingerprint scanner.

I look forward to receiving your response and a suitable solution at the earliest opportunity.

Yours faithfully,

Venus

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 7.5

The candidate has fully and effectively addressed all three bullet points of the prompt. First, the problem with the equipment is clearly described, noting specific malfunctions such as 'switching on and off by itself' and severe battery drainage. Second, the impact on work is well-articulated, explaining how it is 'seriously affecting my ability to work efficiently from home.' Finally, clear demands are made regarding what the company should do, including sending a technician, requesting a repair, and outlining preferences for a replacement if necessary. The tone is appropriately formal and consistent throughout, and the purpose of the letter is immediately clear. All parts of the task are well-developed without any omissions, fully meeting the requirements for a Band 8 level.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 7.0

The letter exhibits a clear logical progression from introducing the complaint, detailing the specific issues and their consequences, and concluding with requested solutions. Paragraphing is used logically and appropriately, with each paragraph serving a distinct function. Cohesive devices are managed well, using phrases like 'At the outset,' 'However,' 'In addition,' and 'I would therefore appreciate it,' which guide the reader smoothly through the text. Reference pronouns such as 'its current condition' and 'the product' are accurate and unambiguous. While the cohesion is effective and supports the flow of information, it occasionally relies on standard formal letter formulas rather than demonstrating a fully sophisticated repertoire, securing a solid Band 7.5.

Lexical Resource: Band 6.5

The student demonstrates a sufficient and natural range of vocabulary suitable for a formal complaint letter. Expressions like 'considerable inconvenience,' 'work requirements,' 'functioning properly,' and 'under warranty' show good control of common and less common lexical items. Word choice and collocation are generally accurate, and spelling is flawless. While the vocabulary is precise and effectively communicates the message, it stops short of the wider, highly flexible range of uncommon idiomatic or figurative expressions required for higher bands. Nevertheless, the lexical control is consistent and fully appropriate, meriting a Band 7.0.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 7.5

The writing features a good mix of complex and simple sentence forms, demonstrating control over grammatical structures. Examples include conditional and subordinate clauses such as 'As this Dell laptop is primarily used for my professional work...' and '...request a replacement if the problem cannot be resolved.' The majority of sentences are error-free, and punctuation is handled correctly throughout the letter. Minor awkwardness is virtually absent, and the grammatical accuracy supports clear, effortless communication. The control exhibited here aligns closely with the criteria for Band 8.0, showing only occasional minor limitations in structural variety.

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