Band 8.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 8.5 · Cambridge IELTS 13 · 2026-07-24

IELTS Writing Task 1 question

The system used for rubbish/garbage collection in your local area is not working properly. This is causing problems for you and your neighbours. Write a letter to the local council. In your letter

• describe how the rubbish collection system is not working properly
• explain how this is affecting you and your neighbours
• suggest what should be done about the problem

You do NOT need to write any addresses.

Begin your letter as follows:

Dear Sir or Madam,

Student answer (Band 8.5)

Dear Sir or Madam,

I am writing to express my concern about the poor rubbish collection service in my local area. The current garbage collection system is not working properly, and it is creating several problems for residents.

Over the past few weeks, rubbish has not been collected on the scheduled days. Many garbage bins are left full for several days, and sometimes the collection is delayed without any notice. In addition, some areas are not being cleaned properly after the collection, leaving waste scattered on the streets.

This situation is affecting me and my neighbours in many ways. The overflowing bins are causing unpleasant smells and attracting insects and stray animals. It is also making the neighbourhood look dirty and unhygienic. Many residents, including families with children and elderly people, are worried about possible health risks caused by the accumulated waste.

I would like to suggest that the council improve the rubbish collection schedule and ensure that trucks arrive on the assigned days. The council should also increase the frequency of collections, especially in busy residential areas, and provide a proper system for residents to report missed collections.

I hope you will take immediate action to solve this issue and improve the cleanliness of our community. I look forward to your positive response.

Yours faithfully,

Shailini Gupta

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 8.5

The response fully addresses all three bullet points in the prompt. You clearly described the issues with the collection service, explained the negative impact on the community, and provided logical, actionable suggestions for the council. The tone is consistently formal and appropriate for a letter to a local authority. The ideas are well-developed and the purpose of the letter is clear from the outset. You have successfully met all the requirements of the task.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 8.5

The letter is logically organized with a clear introduction, body paragraphs addressing each prompt requirement, and a polite closing. Each paragraph has a central theme, and the progression of ideas is smooth. You have used a range of cohesive devices such as 'In addition', 'This situation is', and 'especially in' to link your ideas effectively. The paragraphing is appropriate and contributes to the overall clarity of the message.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.5

You demonstrate a good range of vocabulary appropriate for the context of a formal complaint. Phrases like 'scheduled days', 'accumulated waste', and 'unpleasant smells' are used accurately. While the vocabulary is functional and clear, it could be further enhanced by incorporating more sophisticated collocations or less common lexical items to reach the highest band. However, the current range is sufficient to convey your meaning with precision and style.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 8.5

Your grammar is very strong throughout the letter. You have used a variety of sentence structures, including complex sentences, with a high degree of accuracy. Punctuation is used correctly, and there are no significant errors that impede communication. The majority of your sentences are error-free, which indicates a high level of control over English grammar. The tone remains professional and consistent throughout the entire piece.

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