Band 8.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 8.0 · Cambridge IELTS 12 · 2026-08-29
IELTS Writing Task 1 question
A large company in your area has decided to spend a certain amount of money, either to sponsor a local children's sports team for two years, or to pay for two open-air concerts. It has asked for feedback from the general public.
Write a letter to the company. In your letter
- describe the benefits of sponsoring the sports team
- summarise the benefits of paying for the concerts
- say how you think the company should spend the money
You do NOT need to write any addresses.
Begin your letter as follows:
Dear Sir or Madam,
Student answer (Band 8.0)
Dear Sir or Madam,
I am writing to express my opinion about how your company should spend the money allocated to support the local community.
Sponsoring a children’s sports team for two years would have several important benefits. It would encourage young people to exercise regularly, develop teamwork and discipline, and make new friends. Furthermore, supporting a local team could create a positive image for your company and demonstrate its commitment to children and the community.
On the other hand, paying for two open-air concerts would provide entertainment for a much larger number of people. Such events could bring residents together, create a lively atmosphere and attract visitors to the area. They could also benefit local businesses such as restaurants and shops.
Nevertheless, I strongly believe that sponsoring the sports team would be the better choice. The benefits would last for two years and have a lasting positive impact on children’s health and development.
Yours faithfully,
Keith
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 8.0 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 8.0 |
| Lexical Resource | 7.5 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 8.0 |
| Overall | 8.0 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 8.0
The response fully addresses all parts of the prompt. You have clearly described the benefits of the sports team sponsorship and the open-air concerts, and you have provided a clear recommendation for the company's decision. The ideas are well-developed and relevant to the context of a formal letter. The tone is appropriate for a business communication, and the position is consistent throughout the text. There are no omissions, and the response effectively balances the two options before justifying your final choice.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 8.0
The letter is logically organized with a clear progression of ideas. Each paragraph focuses on a specific aspect of the prompt, which makes the structure easy to follow. You have used cohesive devices effectively, such as 'Furthermore', 'On the other hand', and 'Nevertheless', to transition between points. The paragraphing is appropriate, and the overall flow is natural. The information is presented in a way that is easy to read and understand, meeting the requirements for a high band score in this criterion.
Lexical Resource — Band 7.5
You have used a sufficient range of vocabulary to convey your ideas with precision. Phrases such as 'allocated to support', 'demonstrate its commitment', and 'lasting positive impact' show a good command of language. The vocabulary is natural and appropriate for the formal context of the letter. While the range is solid, incorporating a few more sophisticated or less common collocations could elevate the response further. However, the current usage is accurate and effectively communicates your message without any errors in word choice.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 8.0
The response demonstrates a good variety of complex sentence structures, such as the use of conditional-like structures ('would have', 'would be') and subordinate clauses. The grammar is highly accurate, with no noticeable errors in punctuation or syntax. The majority of sentences are error-free, and the control over verb tenses and modal verbs is consistent. The writing is clear and professional, reflecting a high level of grammatical competence suitable for this type of task.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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