Band 8.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 8.0 · 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 8.0)

Dear Sir or Madam,

I am writing to complain about the rubbish collection service in my local area, which has not been working properly for the past few weeks. The collection schedule is not being followed, and rubbish is often left uncollected for several days. In addition, some rubbish bins are overflowing because the collection is irregular.

This situation is causing serious problems for me and my neighbours. The overflowing bins are creating an unpleasant smell, especially during warm weather. They are also attracting flies, insects and stray animals, which is making the neighbourhood unhygienic. Furthermore, rubbish is sometimes scattered on the streets, making the area look dirty and unpleasant.

I would appreciate it if the council could investigate this issue and ensure that rubbish is collected according to the scheduled timetable. It would also be helpful to arrange an additional collection for the areas where rubbish has already accumulated. I hope the council will take prompt action to resolve this problem.

Thank you for your attention. I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Yours faithfully,

Alin Maknojia

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 8.0

The response fully addresses all three bullet points required by the prompt. You clearly describe the failure of the rubbish collection system, explain the negative impact on the neighbourhood (smell, pests, and aesthetic issues), and provide logical suggestions for the council to resolve the situation. The tone is appropriate for a formal letter to a local authority, and the purpose is clear from the outset. The ideas are well-developed and relevant, meeting all the requirements of the task effectively.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 8.0

The letter is logically organised with a clear progression of ideas. Each paragraph focuses on a specific aspect of the prompt, which helps the reader follow your argument easily. You use appropriate cohesive devices such as 'In addition', 'Furthermore', and 'It would also be helpful' to link your sentences and paragraphs smoothly. The structure is professional, and the use of standard letter formatting (salutation and sign-off) is correct, contributing to the overall coherence of the piece.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.5

You demonstrate a good range of vocabulary that is well-suited to the formal context of the letter. Phrases like 'rubbish collection service', 'unhygienic', 'accumulated', and 'prompt action' are precise and natural. There are no spelling errors, and the word choice is consistently accurate. While the vocabulary is functional and effective, incorporating a few more sophisticated or less common collocations could elevate the response further, but the current range is sufficient for a high band score.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 8.5

The grammar is highly accurate throughout the letter. You use a variety of sentence structures, including complex sentences, with no noticeable errors. Punctuation is used correctly, and the flow of the text is natural. The control over verb tenses—such as the present perfect continuous for the ongoing problem and the future/modal structures for your suggestions—is excellent. The writing is error-free, demonstrating a high level of grammatical control.

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

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