Band 8.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 8.0 · Cambridge IELTS 13 · 2026-08-22

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,

I am writing to complain about the rubbish collection system in my local area, which has not been working properly for the past few weeks. Normally, rubbish is collected twice a week, but recently the collection has been delayed or completely missed. In addition, some rubbish bins are being left uncollected for several days.

This situation is causing considerable inconvenience to me and my neighbours. The bins are now overflowing, and rubbish is being left on the streets. As a result, the area has become unpleasant and unhygienic. There is also a bad smell, and we have noticed an increase in flies and stray animals around the rubbish.

I would therefore request the council to investigate this issue and ensure that rubbish is collected according to the regular schedule. It would also be helpful to provide additional collection services temporarily until the situation returns to normal. The council should also inform residents about any changes to the collection schedule.

I hope you will take immediate action to resolve this problem.

Yours faithfully,

Mann

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 8.0

The response fully addresses all three bullet points of the task. You clearly describe the failure of the rubbish collection system, explain the negative impact on your living environment, 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, meeting all requirements of the prompt effectively.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 8.0

The letter is logically organized 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', 'As a result', and 'I would therefore request', which link your sentences and paragraphs smoothly. The use of paragraphing is appropriate for a formal letter, and the overall structure is coherent and easy to navigate.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.5

You demonstrate a good range of vocabulary that is appropriate for the context of a formal complaint. Phrases like 'considerable inconvenience', 'unhygienic', and 'regular schedule' are used accurately. While the vocabulary is functional and precise, it could be elevated further by incorporating more sophisticated collocations or less common lexical items to reach the highest band. However, the current usage is natural and error-free, effectively conveying your message without any ambiguity.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 8.0

The grammar is highly accurate throughout the letter. You use a mix of simple and complex sentence structures effectively, such as the conditional-like structure 'It would also be helpful to provide...' and the passive construction 'rubbish is being left'. There are no noticeable grammatical errors, and punctuation is used correctly. The control over sentence structure is strong, and the writing flows naturally, which is indicative of a high level of grammatical competence.

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.