Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 6.0 · Cambridge IELTS 13 · 2026-08-18
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 6.0)
Dear sir or madam,
I am writing to inform you that in your area the garbage collection is not working accurately which is causing issue for me as well as for nearby people.
There are several issue in the garbage collection. Firstly, the system is not responding properly while pressing the button on it it takes lots of time to respond it. In addition, there is no sign or mark that which system will take which type of garbage collection it in.
Due to this we have to wait for such a long to respond for the system and once the it respond we have to figure it out by ourself which type of garbage will go in which bin. It takes lots of time to figure it out for this small thinks.
In mine suggestion. Firstly, we can install a new or we can replace the system which are not working properly and else we can provide a proper marking sigh about the bin and the system so that it can be easy for everyone.
I hope you find my opinion well. Lets make your garbage collection work properly together.
your faithfully,
dk
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 6.0 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 6.0 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.5 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.5 |
| Overall | 6.0 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.0
The letter addresses all three bullet points required by the prompt. You clearly describe the technical issues with the rubbish collection system, explain the impact on residents, and provide suggestions for improvement. The tone is appropriate for a formal letter to a council. However, the development of ideas is somewhat limited; for instance, the description of the 'system' is slightly vague, making it difficult for the reader to fully visualize the specific type of equipment being discussed. To reach a higher band, ensure that your explanations are more detailed and specific, providing a clearer context for the problems you are experiencing.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.0
The letter is organized into logical paragraphs, which helps the reader follow your argument. You use basic cohesive devices such as 'Firstly', 'In addition', and 'Due to this' to link your ideas. However, the flow is occasionally interrupted by awkward phrasing and repetitive sentence structures. The transition between the problem description and the suggested solutions is clear, but the overall progression could be smoother. To improve, try to vary your linking words and ensure that each paragraph has a clear topic sentence that guides the reader through your points.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.5
Your vocabulary is generally adequate for the task, allowing you to communicate your message effectively. You use some relevant terms like 'garbage collection' and 'install'. However, there are several instances of imprecise word choice and minor errors, such as 'nearby people' instead of 'neighbors' or 'residents', and 'small thinks' instead of 'small things'. The range of vocabulary is somewhat limited and relies on basic descriptors. To achieve a higher score, try to incorporate more precise, topic-specific vocabulary and avoid repetitive phrasing.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5
You demonstrate a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, but there are frequent grammatical errors throughout the text. Examples include 'in your area the garbage collection is not working accurately' (should be 'properly'), 'there is no sign or mark that which system will take which type' (awkward syntax), and 'In mine suggestion' (incorrect pronoun usage). Punctuation is also inconsistent, particularly with comma placement. While these errors do not completely impede communication, they are frequent enough to distract the reader. Focusing on subject-verb agreement and correct word order in complex sentences will help improve your accuracy.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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