Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 6.5 · Cambridge IELTS 13 · 2026-08-11
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)
Respected Sir/Madam,
I am a resident of Maple Avenue. The reason why I'm writing this letter is to address that we are having difficulties with waste collection system that is in our area from past couple weeks.
The compression machine that presses down all the waste bags is not working properly. Even though, we know that we should not put our garbage outside the bin, we do not have any other option.
Due to bags not being disposed properly, we are noticing a large number of raccoons in our area. They rip the bag open to find some food, because of that our neighbourhood is covered in a bad smell. Younger ones are starting to fall sick due to the odor and flies.
We recommend installing a new recycling system or assigning people so that the waste can be treated properly. Your time and consideration is highly appreciated.
Manpreet Singh.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 7.0 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 6.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 6.0 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 6.0 |
| Overall | 6.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.0
The letter addresses all three bullet points of the prompt. You clearly describe the mechanical failure of the waste system, explain the negative consequences for the neighborhood, and propose solutions. The tone is appropriate for a formal letter to a local council. To reach a higher band, ensure that your ideas are slightly more developed; for instance, the suggestion to 'assign people' is a bit vague. Expanding on how a new recycling system would specifically mitigate the raccoon problem would demonstrate a more thorough development of ideas.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5
The letter follows a logical progression, moving from the problem description to its impact and finally to a suggested solution. Paragraphing is used correctly to separate these distinct ideas. You use some cohesive devices, such as 'Due to' and 'because of that', to link your points. However, the flow could be improved by using a wider variety of linking words and transition phrases to connect sentences more fluidly. Some transitions feel slightly mechanical, and the overall structure is functional but lacks the sophisticated, unobtrusive cohesion required for higher bands.
Lexical Resource — Band 6.0
You use a sufficient range of vocabulary to communicate your message clearly, such as 'disposed', 'neighborhood', and 'consideration'. There are some minor issues with collocation and word choice, such as 'address that we are having difficulties' (which should be 'address the difficulties') and 'compression machine' (which is understandable but slightly unnatural). To improve, try to incorporate more precise, topic-specific vocabulary related to municipal services and environmental health. The current range is adequate for the task but lacks the flexibility and precision of higher-level writing.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.0
You demonstrate a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. While the meaning is always clear, there are several grammatical slips, such as 'system that is in our area from past couple weeks' (missing articles and prepositions) and 'Even though, we know' (unnecessary comma). Additionally, 'Younger ones are starting to fall sick' is slightly informal. The majority of your sentences are error-free, but the frequency of minor errors in articles and prepositions prevents a higher score. Focusing on proofreading for these small grammatical inaccuracies will significantly improve your accuracy.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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