Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.5 · Cambridge IELTS 12 · 2026-09-13

IELTS Writing Task 1 question

There have been several complaints about the reception area where visitors to your company arrive. Your manager has asked you to suggest how the reception area could be improved.

Write a letter to your manager. In your letter

• describe the complaints that have been made
• say why the reception area is important
• suggest how the reception area could be improved

You do NOT need to write any addresses.

Begin your letter as follows:

Dear ................. ,

Student answer (Band 7.5)

Dear Mr Brown,

I would like to share a few suggestions about our reception area.

Firstly, visitors have experienced difficulty finding the reception due to a vague reception desk. Secondly, people have complained about the long waiting times, which waste their precious time. Finally, some also mentioned the lack of refreshments in the reception area.

I believe the reception area is of paramount importance when it comes to customer service. It is, in fact, the first impression of the company, which should be positive. An ambient reception area can have a lasting impact on customers, which in turn builds the company's reputation in the market.

I would like to offer several opinions to improve the reception area. First and foremost, the reception area should be easily accessible, which can be achieved by making a prominent sign for the reception area. Another suggestion is to hire more receptionists so that they can deal with many visitors at a time. It would be even better to add a few snacks and refreshments near the reception desk, so people can enjoy them while waiting for their turn.

I hope you will pay heed to my suggestions. I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Yours faithfully,

Mark Cornell

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.5

The candidate has successfully addressed all three bullet points of the task prompt. First, the complaints regarding the reception area are clearly described, including the vague reception desk, long waiting times, and lack of refreshments. Second, the importance of the reception area is justified by framing it as the first impression of the company that builds market reputation. Finally, practical suggestions are offered, such as putting up a prominent sign, hiring more receptionists, and providing refreshments. The tone is appropriate for a formal letter to a manager, and all ideas are well-developed and relevant, fulfilling the criteria for a strong performance.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5

The letter is well-organized with a clear, logical progression of ideas. Each paragraph serves a distinct purpose, moving smoothly from the opening statement and complaints to the importance of the reception area, followed by actionable suggestions, and concluding politely. Cohesive devices such as 'Firstly', 'Secondly', 'Finally', and 'First and foremost' are used effectively to structure the arguments and guide the reader. Paragraphing is used sufficiently and appropriately, and referencing throughout the text is clear and easy to follow.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.5

The vocabulary used is sufficiently wide and precise for the task, with natural collocation and appropriate formal tone. The writer successfully employs less common lexical items and phrases such as 'paramount importance', 'lasting impact', 'easily accessible', and 'pay heed to my suggestions'. Word choice is generally accurate, with only minor limitations that do not impede communication. The use of phrases like 'vague reception desk' is slightly unnatural, but overall the lexical resource demonstrates good flexibility and control.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.5

The response demonstrates a good mix of simple and complex sentence structures. The writer successfully uses relative clauses and conditional structures, such as 'which can be achieved by making a prominent sign' and 'so people can enjoy them while waiting'. The majority of sentences are error-free, and punctuation is handled correctly throughout the letter. Grammatical control is strong, with only very occasional awkwardness, allowing for smooth and effortless reading by the audience.

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

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