Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.5 · Cambridge IELTS 13 · 2026-08-20

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 am writing this letter to express my dissatisfaction regarding the garbage collection in the local area which has affected me and our neighbours.

To begin with, there is no fixed timing for the rubbish to be picked by the workers. They will come any time during the day that causes disturbance to the residents who are working from home or studying or resting at home. In addition to this, the litter is always left on the road while the garbage collector worker is picking up the waste from the houses. Because of this the foul smell of the garbage and waste is scattered in the whole neighbourhood.

However, initiatives should be taken by the local council to resolve this issue. Firstly, the trash should be picked up in the morning. Secondly, the workers should make sure that there is no residue of waste left on the street. Therefore, it will deplete the disturbance created by the rubbish collector worker and cleanliness will be maintained in the local area.

I hope you would take appropriate action in this matter. I look forward to your response.

Yours faithfully,

Susan Zana

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.5

The letter successfully addresses all three bullet points required by the prompt. You clearly describe the inconsistency in collection times, explain the negative impact on residents (disturbance and hygiene issues), and provide actionable suggestions for the council. The tone is appropriate for a formal letter to a local authority. To reach a higher band, you could expand slightly on the impact, perhaps mentioning specific health concerns or the frequency of the issue, to ensure the ideas are fully developed rather than just stated.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.0

The letter is logically organized with a clear introduction, body paragraphs, and a formal conclusion. You use transition signals such as 'To begin with', 'In addition to this', and 'Therefore' to guide the reader through your arguments. The paragraphing is appropriate, with each paragraph focusing on a distinct aspect of the task. The progression of ideas is smooth, and the use of cohesive devices is generally effective, though some transitions could be more varied to improve the flow further.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.5

You demonstrate an adequate range of vocabulary for the task, using terms like 'dissatisfaction', 'initiatives', and 'residue'. However, some word choices are slightly imprecise or repetitive. For example, 'garbage collector worker' is redundant; 'refuse collectors' or 'sanitation workers' would be more professional. Additionally, 'deplete the disturbance' is an unusual collocation; 'alleviate the disturbance' or 'mitigate the disruption' would be more natural. Expanding your range of collocations will help you achieve a higher score.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.5

You use a mix of simple and complex sentence structures effectively. Most sentences are clear and grammatically sound. There are minor errors, such as 'the litter is always left on the road while the garbage collector worker is picking up', where the phrasing is slightly awkward. Another instance is 'the foul smell of the garbage and waste is scattered', as smells are usually described as 'wafting' or 'permeating' rather than 'scattered'. Despite these minor slips, your control over grammar is good, and your meaning is never obscured.

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

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