Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.0 · Cambridge IELTS 13 · 2026-08-26

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 6.0)

Dear Sir,

I am writing this letter to inform you that the garbage collector is not working properly in my aria.

The rubbish collector is not coming to collect the garbage on the proper date and because of it me and my neighbours are collecting so much garbage over the time that some time i, have to theow some garbage in my office dustbin which is some time embracing for me.

Because the rubbish collector is not coming on time and the garbage start making bad smell and on rainy or windy day the garbage spread on allover the road and sidewalk which make it difficult walk people to walk and drive a car as will.

I, would say make a help line number on which we can contact and make compliant about any essy and also let you know when the garbage collector didnt come to collect the rubbish in the area.

I, would wait for your replay.

Thank you

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.0

The letter addresses all three bullet points required by the prompt: describing the system failure, explaining the impact on the community, and suggesting a solution. The ideas are relevant and clearly presented. However, the development of these ideas is somewhat basic. For instance, the suggestion to create a helpline is a good start, but it could be expanded by explaining how this would specifically improve the current situation. The tone is generally appropriate for a formal letter to a council, though some phrasing is slightly informal or awkward, such as 'make a help line number'. Overall, the response fulfills the requirements of the task effectively.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.0

The letter is organized into logical paragraphs, each focusing on a specific aspect of the prompt. There is a clear progression of ideas from the problem to the impact and finally the solution. However, the use of cohesive devices is quite limited and sometimes mechanical. Phrases like 'because of it' and 'because the rubbish collector is not coming' are repetitive. The transition between sentences could be smoother through the use of a wider variety of linking words (e.g., 'consequently', 'furthermore', 'in addition'). Paragraphing is present, but the internal flow within paragraphs is occasionally disjointed.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.5

The vocabulary is adequate for the task but lacks variety and precision. There are several spelling errors, such as 'aria' (area), 'theow' (throw), 'embracing' (embarrassing), and 'replay' (reply). Some word choices are unnatural, such as 'garbage collector is not working' (the service is failing) and 'make compliant' (make a complaint). While the meaning is generally clear, the range of vocabulary is limited to basic, everyday terms. To reach a higher band, you should focus on using more precise collocations and ensuring correct spelling of common words.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5

The letter contains a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, but there are frequent grammatical errors that occasionally impede readability. Issues include incorrect verb tenses ('garbage start making'), subject-verb agreement, and awkward phrasing ('make it difficult walk people to walk'). Punctuation is also inconsistent, particularly with the unnecessary use of commas after 'I' and 'me'. While the meaning is usually understandable, the frequency of errors in basic grammar and sentence construction prevents the writing from reaching a higher band. Focusing on sentence structure and proofreading for basic errors will significantly improve your score.

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

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