Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.5 · Cambridge IELTS 13 · 2026-08-03

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 6.5)

Dear Sir/Madam,

I am writing to complain about the current garbage collection system followed in the suburb of Halifax because it is concerning the residents.

Currently, the GFL team comes to collect garbage on their fixed days, such as Monday and Friday only. People need to manage their bins on their own throughout the week and keep the rubbish safe in garbage bags. Due to harsh weather conditions, it is extremely difficult for people to keep rubbish at homes as the smell disturbs the neighborhood and when people put their garbage bags outside for collection, wind blows those bags that is causing road accidents as well.

Yesterday, local people found insects around the rubbish kept on their walkways for collection, which is causing trouble for people to keep garbage for such a long time in their homes.

As weather conditions are not favorable thus I request you to please arrange waste collection on everyday basis so that people can keep their homes clean, fresh and they can stay healthy too.

I hope you will look into this matter and consider taking a prompt action.

Your sincerely,

Rajwinder Kaur

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.0

The letter successfully addresses all three bullet points of the prompt. You clearly describe the current collection schedule, explain the negative impacts on the neighborhood (such as hygiene issues and road safety), and provide a logical suggestion for improvement. The tone is appropriate for a formal letter to a council. To reach a higher band, you could expand slightly on the 'trouble' caused to residents by providing more specific examples of how the current system disrupts daily life, rather than just mentioning the smell and insects. Overall, the task is fully covered.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5

The letter is logically organized with a clear introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion. Each paragraph focuses on a specific aspect of the task. You use some cohesive devices, such as 'Currently', 'Due to', and 'As', to link ideas. However, the flow between sentences could be improved by using a wider variety of linking words. For instance, the transition between the second and third paragraphs is a bit abrupt. Improving the use of referencing and substitution would help the text feel more cohesive and professional.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

You demonstrate an adequate range of vocabulary for the task, using terms like 'favorable', 'prompt action', and 'residents'. There are some minor issues with collocation, such as 'garbage collection system followed' (better: 'implemented' or 'in place') and 'keep rubbish at homes' (better: 'store rubbish at home'). While the vocabulary is sufficient to convey your message clearly, incorporating more precise, less common lexical items would elevate the response. The language is functional and appropriate for a formal complaint.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.0

You use a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. There are some grammatical slips, such as 'wind blows those bags that is causing' (should be 'which causes') and 'on everyday basis' (should be 'on an everyday basis'). Additionally, 'Your sincerely' is incorrect; it should be 'Yours sincerely'. Despite these errors, the meaning is always clear, and the mistakes do not impede communication. To improve, focus on subject-verb agreement and the correct use of articles.

See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.

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