Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.5 · Cambridge IELTS 13 · 2026-08-17

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)

Dear Sir or Madam,

I hope you are doing well. I'm writing to let you know that the garbage collection system hasn't been working properly in our area for the last two weeks.

Garbage Collectors are not coming on time, and they are also not taking out all the garbage. In addition to this, they are coming on the wrong day, so we are not able to figure out when we have to put the rubbish outside. In our neighbourhood , we are working professionals, so it is easy for us to stay at home and have to check to see if they are coming; then we can put our rubbish outside. To solve this, can you please set up a meeting with the company and decide the perfect date and time for the waste collection?

Please do the needful as soon as possible, and if you require any other information, then let me know.

Kind Regards,

ABC

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.5

You have addressed all three bullet points in the prompt: describing the problem, explaining the impact, and suggesting a solution. The tone is appropriate for a formal letter to a local council. However, the development of ideas is somewhat limited. For example, you mention that the situation is affecting you and your neighbours, but you could have elaborated more on the specific consequences, such as health risks, unpleasant odours, or the attraction of pests. Expanding on these points would have provided a more comprehensive response. Overall, the purpose of the letter is clear and the requirements are met.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.0

The letter follows a logical structure with a clear opening and closing. You use some cohesive devices such as 'In addition to this' and 'To solve this' to link your ideas. However, the paragraphing is quite sparse; the entire body of the letter is contained within one paragraph. Breaking the letter into distinct paragraphs—one for the problem, one for the impact, and one for the proposed solution—would significantly improve the flow and readability. The progression of ideas is generally clear, but more varied linking words would enhance the overall coherence.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

Your vocabulary is adequate for the task and allows you to communicate your message clearly. You use some functional phrases like 'working professionals' and 'waste collection'. However, the range is somewhat limited and relies on fairly common, everyday language. To achieve a higher band score, try to incorporate more precise or sophisticated vocabulary related to the topic, such as 'sanitation services', 'irregular collection schedule', or 'hygiene concerns'. There are no significant spelling errors, and the word choice is generally accurate, though it lacks the nuance of a more advanced lexical range.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.5

You demonstrate a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. Most of your sentences are grammatically correct and easy to follow. There are a few minor issues, such as the phrasing 'have to check to see if they are coming', which is slightly wordy, and the slightly awkward construction 'do the needful', which is an idiom often restricted to specific regional English. Your control of punctuation is generally good. To improve, try to incorporate a wider variety of complex grammatical structures, such as conditional sentences or passive voice, to demonstrate greater flexibility.

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

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