Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.5 · 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 6.5)

Dear Sir or Madam,

I am writing this email to discuss about the system of waste collection has been not working properly.

Firstly, I would like to inform you that before two weeks ago the garbage collection system worked efficiently, but at that moment something happens and then its stope working. Also, every time when people wants to do their rubbish to throw out they notice that there are already garbage there, so it is troubling to everyone.

In addition, nowadays all garbage is bothering to my neighbours, and my family, also it is affecting to gusts who are visiting to anyone's house. Moreover, it is smelling too much as well as individuals do not have extra place to dupe their waste.

Finally, I would like to request that if possible as early as could please clear out all garbage and collect them and properly dispose.

I hope to here from you soon.

Kind Regards,

Smith.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.5

The letter addresses all three bullet points of the prompt: describing the system failure, explaining the impact on the community, and suggesting a solution. However, the development of these points is somewhat limited. For example, the description of the problem is repetitive, and the suggestion is quite brief. While the purpose of the letter is clear, the ideas could be expanded with more specific details to fully meet the requirements of a higher band. The tone is generally appropriate for a formal letter to a council, though some phrasing is awkward.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5

The letter is organized into logical paragraphs, which helps the reader follow the structure. There is an attempt to use cohesive devices such as 'Firstly', 'In addition', and 'Finally' to signal the progression of ideas. However, the use of these devices is sometimes mechanical or slightly unnatural. Additionally, the referencing is occasionally unclear, such as in the phrase 'at that moment something happens', which lacks a clear antecedent. The overall flow is coherent, but the transitions between sentences could be smoother to improve the logical progression.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

The vocabulary is adequate for the task but lacks range and precision. There are several instances of awkward word choice and incorrect collocations, such as 'do their rubbish to throw out' instead of 'dispose of their rubbish', and 'dupe their waste' instead of 'dump their waste'. The word 'gusts' is likely a misspelling of 'guests'. While the meaning is generally conveyed, the limited range of vocabulary and the frequent errors in word choice prevent a higher score. More precise, formal terminology would enhance the quality of the writing.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.0

The response contains a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, but there are frequent grammatical errors throughout. Issues include tense inconsistencies ('before two weeks ago... worked', 'something happens'), article misuse, and awkward phrasing ('the system of waste collection has been not working'). While these errors do not completely impede communication, they are frequent enough to cause some difficulty for the reader. To improve, focus on subject-verb agreement, correct verb tenses, and sentence construction to ensure greater accuracy.

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