Band 8.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 8.0 · Cambridge IELTS 13 · 2026-08-12

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 complain about the rubbish collection service in my local area. Recently, the rubbish has not been collected regularly, and some bins have been left full for many days.

This problem is causing serious difficulties for me and my neighbours. The full bins produce a bad smell, especially during hot weather. In addition, animals often open the bags and spread rubbish on the streets. As a result, the area looks dirty and unpleasant. Some children also play nearby, so I am worried about their health and safety.

I would like to suggest that the council increase the number of rubbish collections each week. The council should also provide more bins in areas where there is a large amount of rubbish. Finally, I think the collection schedule should be checked to make sure that rubbish is collected on time.

I hope you will take action soon.

Yours faithfully,

Deval

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 8.0

The letter successfully addresses all three bullet points in the prompt. You clearly describe the issue with the rubbish collection, explain the negative impact on your neighbours and the environment, and provide logical suggestions for improvement. The tone is appropriate for a formal letter to a local council, and the purpose is clear from the beginning. The ideas are well-developed and relevant, meeting all the requirements of the task effectively.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 8.0

The letter is well-organized with a clear logical progression. Each paragraph focuses on a specific aspect of the prompt, which makes the information easy to follow. You use appropriate cohesive devices such as 'In addition', 'As a result', and 'Finally' to link your ideas smoothly. The paragraphing is logical and contributes to the overall clarity of the message. The structure is coherent throughout, and the flow of information is natural.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.0

You demonstrate a good range of vocabulary appropriate for a formal complaint letter. Phrases like 'serious difficulties', 'unpleasant', and 'collection schedule' are used accurately. While the vocabulary is functional and clear, it is generally standard. To reach a higher band, you could incorporate more sophisticated collocations or less common lexical items to add precision to your descriptions of the situation and its consequences.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 8.0

Your grammar is accurate, and you use a variety of sentence structures effectively. You successfully combine simple and complex sentences, such as 'The full bins produce a bad smell, especially during hot weather' and 'Some children also play nearby, so I am worried about their health and safety.' There are no significant grammatical errors, and punctuation is used correctly throughout the letter. The control over complex structures is consistent and error-free.

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

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