Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 13 · 2026-07-26

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)

Subject- Regarding the complaint about garbage collection is not working properly

Dear- Sir\ Madam,

I hope you are doing well

I am writing to complaint that the system used for rubbish collection system in my area is not working well. This is happening from many weeks. Due to this issue, all individuals face many problems as it spread diseases or infections in our local area.

Moreover, it also affected area's structure when outsiders come in our surrounding area. Also, it looks like dirty and awkard. We informed about this problem all community members however they did not gave any response. So, it's my hardly request to you that resolve this problem as soon.

I hope you will understand my point and please take it serious.

Thank you for your cooperation

Your's sincerely,

Name- Komal

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5

The letter addresses all three bullet points: describing the issue, explaining the impact, and suggesting a solution. However, the response is significantly under the 150-word minimum, which limits the development of ideas. The explanation of the impact is somewhat vague, and the suggestion for a solution lacks detail. Because the response is under-length, it fails to fully develop the points as required for a higher band. To improve, you should expand on the specific nature of the rubbish collection failure and provide more concrete, actionable suggestions for the council.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.0

The letter is logically organized with a clear opening and closing. However, the use of cohesive devices is limited and sometimes mechanical, such as the repetitive use of 'Also' and 'Moreover'. Paragraphing is not clearly defined, which affects the overall flow. The transition between the problem description and the impact is abrupt. To improve, use a wider variety of linking words (e.g., 'consequently', 'furthermore', 'in light of this') and ensure each paragraph focuses on a single, well-developed idea to improve the overall progression of the letter.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.5

The vocabulary is basic and occasionally inaccurate, which limits the clarity of your message. Phrases like 'hardly request' are incorrect; 'earnest request' or 'urgent request' would be more appropriate. There are also issues with word choice, such as 'awkard' instead of 'unsightly' or 'unhygienic'. While the meaning is generally conveyed, the lack of precision and the limited range of vocabulary prevent a higher score. Focus on learning collocations related to formal complaints and environmental issues to enhance your writing.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5

There are frequent grammatical errors throughout the text, including subject-verb agreement ('it spread diseases' should be 'it spreads diseases') and tense usage ('This is happening from many weeks' should be 'This has been happening for many weeks'). The sentence structures are mostly simple, with few attempts at complex sentences. Punctuation is also inconsistent, particularly in the salutation and closing. To improve, focus on mastering verb tenses for duration and ensuring subject-verb agreement, and try to incorporate more complex sentence structures to demonstrate a wider range.

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