Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.5 · Cambridge IELTS 12 · 2026-10-10

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 6.5)

Dear Sir,

I hope this letter finds you well.

I am the resident of DHA phase one, and have been living there for ten years. Recently, we received an email to give our feedback on whether your company should sponsor a local sports team or pay for two open-air concerts. If you sponsor a sports team of our society then it will be beneficial for the local children of the society to indulge in a healthy activity. They will get the chance to show their skills and talent; in addition, they will learn sportsmanship and how to perform as a team. It will be beneficial for them to choose a sport as a career. It will alo enhance their social and motor skills.

On the other hand, organising a concert for the society has benefits too. A number of residents will get an opportunity to take out time from their busy schedule, relax their mind and spend time with their family and friends. Furthermore, they can get along with the other residents of their society. It will also be helpful for the local businesses of the society.

However, I advice you to see the broader picture and spend in a way which has long term benefits. Although, paying for concerts is beneficial for whole society but I believe you should sponsor our local sports team which is good for the youth of our society.

Thank you in advance.

Yours sincerely,

Zara Shaikh.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 7.0

You address all three points and maintain a clear recommendation: the company should sponsor the children’s team. The benefits are relevant and supported with examples, including children developing teamwork and potentially pursuing sport as a career. You also summarise concert benefits, such as giving residents time to relax and supporting local businesses. This fits the descriptor’s expectation that all parts are addressed and ideas are extended, although some claims remain broad—for example, “beneficial for the whole society” is not explained in detail. To strengthen the response further, make the recommendation more persuasive by directly comparing the lasting benefits for children with the shorter-term benefits of concerts. The letter’s purpose and audience are clear.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 6.5

The letter has a clear overall progression: it introduces the request, discusses the sports sponsorship, considers the concerts, and then gives a recommendation. Paragraphing helps distinguish the two options, and signposts such as “On the other hand” and “However” guide the reader. This shows a coherent arrangement, with some flexibility in linking ideas. However, the sports-team discussion is joined to the concert section without a paragraph break, making the shift less clear, and “Although” is followed by a slightly awkward contrast with “but.” Use separate paragraphs for each option and the final recommendation, and make links between ideas more precise. These changes would make cohesion smoother and less dependent on explicit transition phrases.

Lexical Resource: Band 6.0

You use an adequate range of vocabulary for the topic, including “sportsmanship,” “motor skills,” “broader picture,” and “long term benefits.” These choices help communicate the advantages of both options, and the meaning remains clear throughout. There are also some imprecise or unnatural expressions: “spend in a way which has long term benefits” is vague, while “relax their mind” and “get along with the other residents” do not express the intended ideas as naturally as they could. The spelling slip “alo” also needs correction. Aim for more precise collocations and check spelling; for example, describe concerts as helping residents “unwind” and encouraging them to “socialise with neighbours.”

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 6.5

You use a mix of simple and complex sentence forms, including a conditional clause (“If you sponsor…”) and a concessive structure (“Although… but…”). Most sentences communicate the intended meaning, and errors rarely obstruct understanding. Some grammatical inaccuracies remain, however. “I am the resident” needs an article choice suited to the meaning, and “I advice you” should use the verb form “advise.” The final sentence also combines “Although” and “but” unnecessarily; use one contrast structure. Review article use and verb forms, and punctuate the transition between the sports and concert discussion with a paragraph break. More consistent accuracy in these areas would strengthen control.

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.