Band 7.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.0 · Cambridge IELTS 13 · 2026-08-08

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 7.0)

Dear Sir or Madam,

I am writing to complain about the inefficient garbage collection system in our local area of Auroville, which has started to cause concerning issues in our neighbourhood.

The waste collection system around our neighbourhood is not managed properly. Everyone on the block dispose their garbage in the waste bins placed on the street in an efficient manner. However, the garbage collector truck only comes once a week to empty those bins, causing those garbage bins to fill up completely over the week. As soon as these bins overfill, the garbage starts spilling on the streets which creates problems of foul smell, making the surrounding areas appear unhygienic and not well maintained. Moreover, it is exacerbating the health issues for elderly people living in our local area.

To address and mitigate this issue, I would suggest to run the garbage collection every Monday and Thursday, which will help keep the area tidy. As a precautionary measure, the local council can also place separate rubbish bins for dry and wet waste.

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

Yours faithfully,

Jane.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.5

The letter successfully addresses all three bullet points of the prompt. You clearly describe the issue with the collection frequency, explain the negative impact on the neighbourhood, and provide specific, actionable suggestions for improvement. The tone is appropriate for a formal letter to a local council, and the purpose of the communication is clear from the outset. The ideas are well-developed and relevant, showing a good understanding of the task requirements. To reach a higher band, you could expand slightly more on the specific health concerns mentioned to add further depth to your argument.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5

The letter is logically organized with a clear introduction, body paragraphs, and a formal closing. Each paragraph focuses on a distinct aspect of the task, which aids readability. You use cohesive devices such as 'However', 'Moreover', and 'To address and mitigate this issue' effectively to link your ideas. The progression of information is smooth, moving logically from the problem to its consequences and finally to the proposed solutions. The paragraphing is appropriate and contributes to the overall coherence of the response.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.0

You demonstrate a good range of vocabulary appropriate for a formal complaint letter. Phrases like 'inefficient garbage collection system', 'exacerbating the health issues', and 'precautionary measure' are used accurately and effectively. There is a good level of precision in your word choice, which helps convey your message clearly. While the vocabulary is sufficient and natural, incorporating a few more sophisticated collocations or less common lexical items could elevate the response further. Overall, the language is precise and fits the context well.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.5

You display a good command of grammatical structures, using a mix of simple and complex sentences effectively. For example, the use of participial phrases like 'making the surrounding areas appear unhygienic' shows good control. There is a minor error in the second paragraph: 'Everyone on the block dispose their garbage' should be 'disposes' to ensure subject-verb agreement. Additionally, 'the garbage collector truck' is slightly awkward; 'the refuse collection truck' or 'the waste collection vehicle' would be more natural. Despite these minor slips, the majority of your sentences are error-free and communication is never impeded.

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

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