Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.5 · Cambridge IELTS 13 · 2026-08-09

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 7.5)

Dear Sir or Madam,

I am writing this letter to apprise you of the fact that the garbage collection system in my vicinity has malfunctioned. This is causing considerable inconvenience to the residents of this area.

The mechanical arm of the large container is stuck at an angle of 20 degree, which is why its top is partially opened. As a result, we are unable to dispose our waste and most of the people are leaving it outside near the waste collection container.

Ever since I have moved to this area, I never faced such issues until this one happened. As we are unable to dispose our weekly waste, we have to keep that waste near the collection container. Wild animals such as kyotes tear the garbage bag in search of food and spread the waste. This has caused a formidable situation as roads are dirty in front of our houses.

Would you be kind enough to take proactive steps to mitigate the issue? I would like to suggest that you should send a team to clear the garbage spread on the road. Additionally also replace or fix the container as soon as possible to maintain a clean and hygienic environment in the area.

Hoping for a prompt consideration.

Yours faithfully,

Achin Pal

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 8.0

The letter successfully addresses all three bullet points of the prompt. You clearly describe the mechanical failure of the container, explain the negative consequences for the residents and the local environment, and provide actionable suggestions for the council. The tone is appropriate for a formal letter to a local authority. The ideas are well-developed, particularly the description of the wildlife issue, which adds depth to your explanation of the problem. You have maintained a consistent focus on the task throughout the response, ensuring all requirements are met with sufficient detail.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 8.0

The letter is logically organized with a clear progression of ideas. Each paragraph focuses on a specific aspect of the task, which helps the reader follow your argument easily. You use appropriate cohesive devices such as 'As a result', 'Ever since', and 'Additionally' to link your sentences and paragraphs. The paragraphing is effective, and the opening and closing salutations are correct for a formal letter. The flow of information is smooth, and there is a clear sense of purpose throughout the text.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.0

You demonstrate a good range of vocabulary, using terms like 'apprise', 'vicinity', 'malfunctioned', and 'mitigate' effectively. There is a slight error in the phrase 'unable to dispose our waste' (should be 'dispose of'), and 'kyotes' is a spelling error for 'coyotes'. However, these minor slips do not impede communication. You show an ability to use less common lexical items appropriately for the context of a formal complaint, which indicates a strong command of vocabulary.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.5

You use a variety of complex sentence structures, such as 'The mechanical arm... is stuck..., which is why its top is partially opened.' Most of your sentences are error-free and demonstrate good control over grammar and punctuation. There are a few minor inaccuracies, such as 'I never faced such issues' (should be 'I had never faced') and 'Additionally also' (which is redundant). Despite these occasional slips, your control over complex structures is strong, and the meaning is always clear.

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

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