Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.0 · Cambridge IELTS 13 · 2026-07-28

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 6.0)

Dear Sir or Madam,

I am writing a letter to you about garbage system. This system is awful progressively. This is creating pollution and many diseases. So focused on this situation and solved the problem and people will safe diseases and pollution.

Therefore, the rubbish collection system is extremely inadequate and they not focused on this problem. All people are disturbed due to rubbish and diseases are transmitted. For many days they do not come pick up the garbage.

Furthermore, it is very emotive me and my neighbours. When we wake up early in the morning and go to walk, when I open the door then too much smell and heap garbage in front of the door. Which create safety worries for children and older residents who walk past the bins.

I am extremely requesting you, please send a special truck immediately to pick up all extra wastage, and make sure the workers follow the regular weekly timetable without delays

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.5

The letter addresses all three bullet points: the system failure, the impact on residents, and the suggested solution. However, the development of these points is somewhat limited. The description of the problem is repetitive, and the explanation of the impact lacks specific detail, relying on general statements like 'many diseases'. While the tone is appropriate for a formal letter, the ideas could be expanded further to provide a more comprehensive response. The purpose of the letter is clear, but the overall development is basic, fitting the criteria for a Band 5.5 or 6.0 response.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.0

The letter is organised into paragraphs, which helps the reader follow the structure. However, the use of cohesive devices is often mechanical or inaccurate. For example, the transition 'Therefore' at the start of the second paragraph does not logically follow the previous paragraph. Additionally, the sentence structure within paragraphs is sometimes disjointed, such as 'Furthermore, it is very emotive me and my neighbours', which lacks a clear logical connection to the preceding text. While the overall message is understandable, the flow between ideas is frequently interrupted by awkward phrasing and limited linking words.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

The vocabulary is limited and often repetitive. Phrases like 'garbage system', 'rubbish collection system', and 'garbage' are used frequently without much variation. There are also issues with word choice and collocation, such as 'it is very emotive me' (likely meant 'affecting me') and 'people will safe diseases' (meant 'be safe from'). While the vocabulary is sufficient to convey the basic meaning of the letter, it lacks the range and precision required for a higher band score. The errors in word choice occasionally cause the reader to pause.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5

The response contains a mix of simple and some attempted complex sentences, but there are frequent grammatical errors throughout. Common issues include missing articles ('in front of door'), incorrect verb forms ('they not focused', 'people will safe'), and awkward sentence construction ('Which create safety worries'). Punctuation is also inconsistent, particularly with comma usage. While the errors do not completely prevent communication, they are frequent enough to be noticeable and impact the overall fluency of the writing. A greater focus on basic subject-verb agreement and sentence structure is needed.

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