Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.5 · 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 7.5)

Dear Sir or Madam,

I am a resident of 45 Bramalea Avenue and writing this letter to apprise you of the fact that rubbish collection system has malfunctioned in my area and this has created a formidable situation. The garbage container has a hydraulic lid which is stuck mid-way, leaving no space to throw garbage in the container.

Since the container is not opening, people are leaving their garbage outside the container. As a result, me and my neighbours are facing discomfort. As the garbage box is next to my house, we are dealing with a constant unpleasant smell. My kids are unable to play outside. Additionally, wild animals such as coyotes tear the garbage bags at night in search of food, leaving waste scattered on the road.

Would you be kind enough to take a quick action? I would like to suggest that you should immediately send an experts team to fix the rubbish container. Furthermore, cleaning the roads will not only help children to play outside but will also allow people to inhale fresh air.

Hoping for a prompt consideration.

Kind regards,

Achin Pal

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.5

You have addressed all three bullet points of the task effectively. You clearly described the mechanical failure of the rubbish container, explained the negative impact on your household and the local environment, and provided a logical suggestion for resolution. The tone is appropriate for a formal letter to a local council. The ideas are well-developed and relevant to the prompt. To reach a higher band, you could provide slightly more detail regarding the duration of the problem or the specific location of the container to ensure the council can act immediately.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5

The letter is logically organized with a clear introduction, body paragraphs, and a formal closing. Each paragraph focuses on a specific aspect of the prompt, which aids readability. You have used cohesive devices such as 'As a result', 'Additionally', and 'Furthermore' to link your ideas effectively. The progression of information is smooth and easy to follow. The paragraphing is appropriate for a formal letter. To improve further, ensure that the transition between the problem description and the proposed solution is even more seamless.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.0

You demonstrate a sufficient range of vocabulary to convey your message with precision. Phrases like 'apprise you of the fact', 'formidable situation', and 'prompt consideration' are well-chosen and appropriate for the formal context. There are some minor colocation issues, such as 'send an experts team' (should be 'an expert team') and 'inhale fresh air' (while grammatically correct, 'breathe fresh air' is more natural). Overall, the vocabulary is varied and helps to maintain a professional tone throughout the letter.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.0

You use a mix of simple and complex sentence structures effectively. Most of your sentences are error-free and clearly constructed. There are a few minor grammatical slips, such as 'rubbish collection system has malfunctioned' (missing an article: 'the rubbish collection system') and 'me and my neighbours' (should be 'my neighbours and I'). However, these errors are infrequent and do not impede communication. Your control over punctuation and sentence variety is good, which supports the overall clarity of your writing.

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

Browse more IELTS Writing model answers or get your own writing scored by the same AI examiner.