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 on behalf of the residents of our community to express our disappointment regarding the garbage collection system, which has not been functioning properly.

Previously, garbage was collected every other Wednesday. However, for the past month, no garbage collection trucks have come to pick up the rubbish. As a result, the streets have become difficult to walk through because of the foul odor.

Furthermore, it has become extremely unpleasant to keep our doors and windows open due to the strong smell. The accumulated garbage is also attracting wild animals searching for food, which poses a safety risk to residents. In addition, flies and other insects have become increasingly common, making our daily lives more uncomfortable.

To resolve this issue, I would like to suggest implementing a well-organized garbage collection schedule. For example, garbage trucks could collect waste from each neighborhood on a specific day every week. This would help keep the community clean and ensure that residents are aware of the collection schedule.

Thank you for your time and consideration. I hope you will look into this matter urgently, as it requires immediate attention.

Yours faithfully,

Jitu Pandya

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 8.5

The letter fully addresses all three bullet points in the prompt. You clearly describe the failure of the collection system, explain the negative impacts on the community (foul odor, pests, safety risks), and provide a constructive suggestion for improvement. The tone is appropriate for a formal letter to a local council, and the purpose is clear from the outset. The ideas are well-developed and logically presented, meeting all the requirements of the task effectively. There are no omissions, and the response is focused and relevant throughout.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 8.5

The letter is well-organized with a clear introduction, body paragraphs, and a formal closing. Each paragraph has a central theme, and the progression of ideas is logical. You use a range of cohesive devices effectively, such as 'However', 'As a result', 'Furthermore', and 'In addition', which help to guide the reader through your argument. The paragraphing is appropriate, and the transition between the problem description and the proposed solution is smooth. The overall structure is coherent and easy to follow.

Lexical Resource — Band 8.0

You demonstrate a good range of vocabulary that is appropriate for the context of a formal complaint. Phrases like 'on behalf of the residents', 'functioning properly', 'accumulated garbage', and 'poses a safety risk' show a level of sophistication beyond basic communication. The word choice is precise and natural throughout the letter. There are no significant errors in spelling or collocation, and the vocabulary used is sufficient to convey your message clearly and professionally.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 8.5

The letter displays a good command of grammatical structures. You use a mix of simple and complex sentences effectively, such as the conditional structure in 'This would help keep the community clean'. The punctuation is accurate, and the sentence construction is generally error-free. The grammar is consistent and does not impede communication at any point. While the range of structures is solid, incorporating a few more varied complex sentence patterns could further enhance the fluency and sophistication of your writing.

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