Band 7.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.0 · Cambridge IELTS 12 · 2026-09-16

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 7.0)

Dear Manager,

I am writing regarding the recent complaints about the condition of our reception area and would like to suggest some improvements that could make it more welcoming and comfortable for visitors.

Several visitors have complained that the reception area looks outdated and lacks sufficient seating. In addition, the waiting area can become quite crowded during busy periods, and there is limited information available about the different departments in the building. Some visitors have also mentioned that the reception desk is difficult to identify when they enter the office.

The reception area is particularly important because it is the first part of our company that most visitors see. A clean, organised and welcoming reception can create a positive first impression and reflect the company's professionalism. It can also make visitors feel more comfortable while they are waiting for their appointments.

I would therefore suggest replacing the old furniture with comfortable chairs and improving the lighting in the waiting area. We could also install a clear sign above the reception desk and provide a display containing information about our departments and services. Finally, adding some plants and a few simple decorative items could make the area more pleasant without requiring a major renovation.

I hope you will consider these suggestions. I would be happy to discuss them further and help with any arrangements that may be required.

Yours sincerely,

Kush

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.5

The candidate has fully and effectively addressed all parts of the task prompt. In the second paragraph, the specific complaints are clearly described, noting that the reception area 'looks outdated and lacks sufficient seating' and that the desk is 'difficult to identify'. The third paragraph successfully explains why the reception area is important, emphasizing how it creates a 'positive first impression and reflect[s] the company's professionalism'. Finally, the fourth paragraph provides practical and detailed suggestions for improvement, such as replacing old furniture, installing a clear sign, and adding plants. The tone is entirely appropriate for a professional letter to a manager, and the response is well-developed from start to finish. This performance easily meets the criteria for Band 8.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5

The letter is well-organized with a clear, logical progression of ideas throughout. Each paragraph serves a distinct purpose corresponding to the bullet points in the prompt. For instance, the transition from describing complaints to explaining the importance of the area, and subsequently offering solutions, is handled smoothly. Cohesive devices such as 'In addition', 'The reception area is particularly important because', and 'I would therefore suggest' are used naturally and accurately to guide the reader through the text. Paragraphing is used sufficiently and appropriately, with a clear opening, distinct body paragraphs addressing each prompt requirement, and a polite closing. All aspects of cohesion are managed very well, earning a solid Band 8.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.5

The candidate demonstrates an adequate and natural range of vocabulary suitable for a workplace letter. Words and phrases like 'outdated', 'sufficient seating', 'professionalism', 'major renovation', and 'appointments' show a good level of lexical control. While the vocabulary is appropriate and communicates the ideas clearly, it relies mostly on standard business terminology rather than a wide range of less common or idiomatic items, which prevents it from reaching the highest bands. However, word choice and spelling are accurate throughout, and there are no noticeable errors that impede communication. This fits comfortably within the Band 7 descriptor.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.0

The response features a good mix of simple and complex sentence structures, showing strong control over grammar and punctuation. The candidate successfully uses multi-clause sentences, such as 'Although the waiting area can become quite crowded...' and relative clauses like '...that most visitors see.' The majority of the sentences are error-free, and punctuation is handled correctly throughout the letter. While there is a slight room for a wider variety of more sophisticated complex structures to reach Band 8, the current control of grammar is very good, with only occasional minor slips if any. The grammatical range and accuracy clearly support a Band 7.5 score, rounded here to 7.5.

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

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