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)

# IELTS Task 1 — Rubbish Collection Complaint

Dear Sir or Madam,

I am writing to complain about the rubbish collection system in my neighbourhood, as it has not been functioning properly for the past few weeks and is causing considerable inconvenience to local residents.

Firstly, rubbish is supposed to be collected twice a week, but recently the collection trucks have been arriving only once a week or sometimes not at all. In addition, several public bins are not emptied regularly, which has resulted in large amounts of waste accumulating around them. As a result, the streets have become dirty and unpleasant.

This situation is affecting both my family and our neighbours. The uncollected rubbish produces an unpleasant smell and attracts insects and other pests, which could create serious health concerns. In addition, waste sometimes spreads onto the road and footpaths, making the neighbourhood look untidy and creating inconvenience for pedestrians.

I would appreciate it if the council could arrange more frequent and reliable rubbish collection. Additionally, the public bins should be emptied regularly and additional bins could be installed in busy areas. I believe these measures would significantly improve cleanliness in our neighbourhood.

I would be grateful for your prompt attention to this matter.

Yours faithfully,

Navpreet Singh

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 8.0

The response fully addresses all three bullet points of the prompt. You clearly describe the failure of the collection system, explain the negative impact on residents, and provide logical suggestions for improvement. The tone is consistently appropriate for a formal letter to a local council. The ideas are well-developed and supported with specific details, such as the mention of pests and the accumulation of waste on footpaths. The letter follows the required format and maintains a professional stance throughout, meeting all the requirements of the task effectively.

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 prompt, and the transition between the problem description and the proposed solutions is smooth. You use a range of cohesive devices effectively, such as 'Firstly', 'In addition', 'As a result', and 'Additionally', which help guide the reader through your argument. The paragraphing is appropriate, and the overall structure is coherent, making the letter easy to follow and professional in its presentation.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.5

You demonstrate a good range of vocabulary appropriate for a formal complaint. Phrases such as 'considerable inconvenience', 'accumulating', 'prompt attention', and 'functioning properly' are used accurately and naturally. The vocabulary is precise and fits the context of a formal letter well. There are no significant errors in word choice or collocation, and the language used is sophisticated enough to convey your message clearly and effectively. The tone is consistently formal and polite, which is essential for this type of task.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 8.0

The response exhibits a high level of grammatical accuracy. You use a variety of sentence structures, including complex sentences, with confidence. For example, 'The uncollected rubbish produces an unpleasant smell and attracts insects and other pests, which could create serious health concerns' is a well-constructed complex sentence. Punctuation is used correctly throughout, and there are no noticeable grammatical errors. The control over tense and agreement is consistent, and the writing flows naturally, reflecting a strong command of English grammar.

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

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