Band 8.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 8.0 · Cambridge IELTS 13 · 2026-08-21

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 recently become unreliable and is causing serious problems for residents.

Over the past few weeks, the rubbish has not been collected on the scheduled days. In some cases,the collection has been delayed for several days, and the bins are becoming completely full. In addition, some rubbish has been left on the streets after collection, making the area look untidy.

This situation is affecting both me and my neighbours. The overflowing bins are producing unpleasant smells, particularly during warm weather, and they are attracting flies, insects and other pests. Moreover, rubbish is sometimes scattered around the streets by animals, which creates an unhygienic environment and makes it unpleasant for residents to walk around the neighbourhood.

I would strongly suggest that the council investigate the reason for these delays and ensure that rubbish is collected according to the published schedule. It would also be helpful to provide an additional collection if the problem continues. I believe that informing residents about any changes to the collection schedule would also prevent confusion.

I hope the council will take immediate action to resolve this issue and maintain a clean and healthy environment for local residents.

Yours faithfully,

Pratima

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 8.0

The response fully addresses all three bullet points in the prompt. You clearly describe the failure of the collection system, explain the negative impact on the neighborhood (smells, pests, and hygiene), and provide logical, actionable suggestions for the council. The tone is appropriate for a formal letter, and the purpose is clear from the outset. The ideas are well-developed and relevant, demonstrating a strong understanding of the task requirements. There are no omissions, and the letter maintains a consistent focus throughout.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 8.0

The letter is logically organized with a clear introduction, body paragraphs for each point, and a polite closing. Paragraphing is used effectively to separate the different aspects of the complaint. Cohesive devices such as 'In addition', 'Moreover', and 'Consequently' (or similar transitions) are used naturally to link ideas. The progression of information is smooth, moving logically from the problem to its consequences and finally to the proposed solutions. The referencing is clear, and the overall structure is coherent and easy to follow.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.5

You demonstrate a good range of vocabulary appropriate for a formal complaint. Phrases like 'scheduled days', 'unhygienic environment', and 'take immediate action' are used accurately. The language is natural and precise, effectively conveying the severity of the situation. While the vocabulary is sufficient and fits the context well, there is room to incorporate more sophisticated or less common collocations to reach the highest band. However, the current range is more than adequate for clear and professional communication.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 8.0

The writing is highly accurate with very few errors. You use a good mix of simple and complex sentence structures, such as 'I am writing to complain about...' and 'It would also be helpful to provide...'. Punctuation is generally correct, and the control over verb tenses is consistent. The sentence construction is varied, which helps maintain the reader's interest. There are no significant grammatical slips that impede meaning, and the overall quality of the grammar is strong and reliable.

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.