Band 8.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 8.0 · 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 8.0)

Dear Sir or Madam,

I am writing to bring to your attention a persistent issue regarding the rubbish collection system in our neighbourhood.

Over the past several weeks, the scheduled garbage pickup has become highly unreliable. On multiple occasions, the collection trucks have completely bypassed our street, or they have only emptied the recycling bins while leaving the general waste untouched. Furthermore, when the collection does occur, the handling is often careless, resulting in loose trash being spilled onto the road and left behind by the operators.

This situation is causing considerable inconvenience and distress for me and my neighbours. The uncollected garbage is emitting a strong, foul odour, making it unpleasant to spend time outdoors or even open our windows. More alarmingly, the overflowing bins are attracting local wildlife and pests, which tear into the plastic bags and scatter debris across our front lawns and driveways. As a result, residents are frequently forced to clean up this unsanitary mess themselves before starting their day.

I urge the council to take immediate action to resolve this problem. I suggest conducting a prompt review of the current waste management contractor to ensure they adhere strictly to the designated collection routes and weekly schedules. Additionally, it would be highly beneficial to dispatch a street cleaning crew to clear the existing spilled waste and to instruct the collection staff to handle the bins with greater care moving forward.

I look forward to your prompt response and a swift resolution to this matter.

Yours faithfully,

Pranav Jayachandran

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 8.0

The response fully addresses all three bullet points in the prompt. You clearly describe the failure of the collection system, explain the negative impact on residents, and provide logical, actionable suggestions for the council. The tone is consistently formal and appropriate for a letter to a local authority. The ideas are well-developed and supported with specific details, such as the mention of 'local wildlife' and 'foul odour,' which adds depth to the argument. The letter follows the required structure and maintains a clear purpose throughout, demonstrating a strong grasp of the task requirements.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 8.0

The letter is logically organised with a clear progression of ideas. Each paragraph focuses on a specific aspect of the prompt, and the transition between the problem, the impact, and the proposed solution is seamless. You use a variety of cohesive devices effectively, such as 'Furthermore,' 'As a result,' and 'Additionally,' which help guide the reader through your argument. The paragraphing is skilful, and the overall structure is coherent, making the letter easy to follow and professional in its presentation.

Lexical Resource — Band 8.0

You demonstrate a wide and flexible range of vocabulary that is well-suited to the formal context of the letter. Phrases such as 'persistent issue,' 'highly unreliable,' 'considerable inconvenience,' and 'swift resolution' show a sophisticated command of language. The word choices are precise and natural, contributing to the clarity and professional tone of the communication. There are no noticeable errors in word choice or collocation, and the vocabulary is used with a high degree of accuracy throughout the text.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 8.0

The response exhibits a wide range of grammatical structures with high accuracy. You successfully use complex sentences, such as 'The uncollected garbage is emitting a strong, foul odour, making it unpleasant to spend time outdoors,' which demonstrate control over subordinate clauses and participial phrases. Punctuation is used correctly to enhance readability, and the majority of sentences are error-free. The control over verb tenses and sentence construction is consistent, reflecting a high level of grammatical competence appropriate for this task.

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

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