Band 8.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 8.5 · Cambridge IELTS 13 · 2026-07-29

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 to express my concern about the rubbish collection service in my neighbourhood. Over the past few weeks, the rubbish has not been collected regularly. Sometimes the collection trucks arrive several days late, and on some occasions they do not come at all. As a result, the bins become full very quickly.

This problem is causing many difficulties for me and my neighbours. The overflowing rubbish creates a bad smell and attracts insects and rats. It also makes the area look dirty and unpleasant. In addition, people have started leaving their rubbish beside the bins because there is no space left inside them.

I would like to suggest that the council increase the frequency of rubbish collection or send extra trucks when needed. It would also be helpful to provide larger bins for the neighbourhood and ensure that the collection schedule is followed regularly.

I hope you will look into this matter and take the necessary action as soon as possible. Thank you for your attention.

Yours faithfully,

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 8.5

The response fully addresses all three bullet points required by the prompt. You clearly described the irregular collection service, explained the negative consequences for the neighborhood (smell, pests, and littering), and provided logical suggestions for improvement. The tone is appropriate for a formal letter to a local council, and the purpose of the letter is clear from the beginning. The ideas are well-developed and relevant, meeting all the requirements of the task effectively.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 8.5

The letter is logically organized with a clear introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion. Each paragraph focuses on a specific aspect of the prompt, which aids readability. You have used cohesive devices such as 'As a result', 'In addition', and 'It also' to link ideas effectively. The progression of information is smooth, moving logically from the problem to its impact and finally to the proposed solutions. The paragraphing is appropriate and contributes to the overall clarity of the message.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.5

You have used a sufficient range of vocabulary to convey your message clearly and accurately. Phrases like 'express my concern', 'irregularly', 'overflowing rubbish', and 'take the necessary action' are well-chosen and appropriate for a formal complaint. While the vocabulary is functional and accurate, it is generally standard. To reach a higher band, you could incorporate more precise or sophisticated collocations, but the current range is more than adequate for the task and demonstrates good control.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 8.5

The writing is highly accurate, with a variety of sentence structures used correctly. You have successfully employed complex sentences, such as 'I would like to suggest that the council increase the frequency of rubbish collection or send extra trucks when needed.' Punctuation is used correctly throughout, and there are no significant grammatical errors that impede communication. The control over verb tenses and subject-verb agreement is consistent, reflecting a high level of grammatical competence.

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