Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 13 · 2026-07-25
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 5.5)
Dear sir ,
I am writing to express my strong dissatisfaction regarding garage collection in my area .To begin with, irregular collection schedule from past four weeks which causes Problems like pile of garbage overflow in streets . It has been sincce the same procedure has been practiced . If we ever talk regarding this matter to them they replied in immature way .
Secondly, it significantly tarnishes beauty and pride of our area.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 5.5 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 5.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.5 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.5 |
| Overall | 5.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5
The response fails to meet the minimum word count requirement of 150 words, reaching only 74 words. Consequently, the task is only partially addressed. While you have identified the problem and mentioned the impact on the area, the suggestions for improvement are entirely missing, and the development of ideas is severely limited. To improve, you must ensure all three bullet points are addressed with sufficient detail and examples to meet the length requirement. The current brevity prevents a full exploration of the topic.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5
The letter lacks a clear structure. While there is an attempt at paragraphing, the progression of ideas is disjointed. Cohesive devices are used in a very limited and sometimes mechanical way, such as 'To begin with' and 'Secondly'. The transition between the description of the problem and the impact is abrupt. To improve, you should use a wider variety of linking words and ensure that each paragraph focuses on a single, well-developed idea that flows logically into the next.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.5
The vocabulary is basic and contains several errors, such as 'garage' instead of 'garbage' and 'sincce' (spelling error). The range of vocabulary is insufficient to express complex ideas effectively. Phrases like 'immature way' are somewhat vague in this context. To improve, focus on using more precise terminology related to waste management and formal letter writing. Expanding your vocabulary to include more varied adjectives and nouns will help you convey your dissatisfaction more professionally.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5
There are frequent grammatical errors that occasionally impede the flow of the text, such as 'irregular collection schedule from past four weeks' (missing articles and prepositions) and 'they replied in immature way' (missing article). The sentence structures are simple, and there is a lack of complex grammatical forms. To improve, focus on subject-verb agreement, the correct use of articles, and incorporating a wider range of complex sentence structures, such as relative clauses or conditional sentences.
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