Band 7.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.0 · Cambridge IELTS 12 · 2026-10-11

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 express my dissatisfaction with a laptop, which I purchased from your Jazz store. This device is a black ipad, which I expected to perform reliably.

Unfortunatly, I have experienced two significant problems. Firstly, the laptop runs extremely slowly and frequently displays error messages when I try to use applications. For instance, WhatsApp takes unusually long time to open, making even simple tasks frustrating. Secondly, the battery life is disappointing, as the laptop does not retain its charge for a reasonable period. This is particularly inconvienient when I am using it for zoom meeting for office work. It is not only effecting our work quality but also interruping my communication with my team.

Given that these issues have occurred so soon after the purchase, I believe that a refund would be an appropriate solution. I would therefore be grateful if youcould reimburse the full purchase price rather than offer of exchange, as my grandfather bought me a new laptop for my birthday last week. I can provide the receipt and warranty details if required.

Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to receiving your response and having this matter resolved promptly.

Your faithfully,

Deep

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 7.0

The letter addresses all three required points and maintains a clear, appropriate purpose: you identify the laptop’s slow performance and battery problem, explain their impact on office work and communication, and request a full refund. The examples—WhatsApp taking a long time to open and the battery failing during Zoom meetings—make the complaint specific and relevant. Your request is also supported by the explanation that you have received a replacement laptop as a gift. To develop the response further, clarify the practical next step, such as how the device can be returned or when you expect the refund. The description of the problems is clear, though the effect on work quality could be explained more precisely.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 7.0

The letter is organised in a clear progression: it introduces the complaint, describes two faults, explains their consequences, and then states the requested remedy. Paragraphing supports this structure, while signposts such as “Firstly,” “Secondly,” and “Given that” help the reader follow the argument. The closing is also appropriate for a formal complaint. Some links between ideas could be smoother: the move from the battery problem to its effect on work is understandable, but the relationship between the gift of a new laptop and the request for a refund could be made more explicit. Check spacing and presentation as well, since several words run together or have extra spaces; these small distractions reduce the polish of an otherwise logical letter.

Lexical Resource: Band 6.0

You use an adequate range of vocabulary for a formal complaint, including “dissatisfaction,” “retain its charge,” “appropriate solution,” and “reimburse the full purchase price.” These choices communicate the problem and requested action clearly, and the examples make the language specific to your situation. However, some word choices and collocations are inaccurate or less natural, such as “black ipad” for a laptop, “for zoom meeting,” and “effecting our work quality.” There are also spelling errors, including “Unfortunatly,” “inconvienient,” and “interruping.” These do not prevent understanding, but they limit precision and control. Aim to use standard product terminology and check spelling and common collocations before submitting.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 7.0

The letter shows a useful mix of sentence forms, including complex clauses such as “when I try to use applications” and “as my grandfather bought me a new laptop.” Many sentences are clear and grammatically controlled, and the sequence of ideas is easy to understand. Some errors remain in sentence construction and grammatical patterns. For example, “takes unusually long time” needs an article, and “when I am using it for zoom meeting” needs a more complete noun phrase. The phrase “rather than offer of exchange” is also structurally incomplete; use “rather than accept an exchange.” In addition, “Your faithfully” is not the correct formal closing. Review articles, verb patterns after “rather than,” and formal letter conventions to improve accuracy.

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

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