Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 13 · 2026-08-29

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 5.5)

Dear Sir or Madam,

This is from residents staying near Al falah Steet.The system used for rubbish/garbage collection in our local area is not working properly.The system used for rubbish/garbage collection in our local area is not working properly.

The rubbish collection system is not working properly due to shortage of collection of waste on time and its been accumulated every day. To solve this issue please arrange the collection team every twice a week , this way it will be no longer causing problems to the community since the foul smell as caused problems and the mosquitoes were effecting the children when they play during evening time down the garden.

The collection system on time is the only way to solve this problems.we hope to resolve this issue promptly. Looking forward for your reply.

Thanks.

Kind Regards ,

Jim

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.0

The response addresses all three bullet points, but the development is insufficient. The letter is 10 words under the 150-word minimum, which negatively impacts the task achievement score. The description of the problem is repetitive, as the first two sentences are identical. While you mention the foul smell and mosquitoes, the explanation of the impact on neighbours is quite brief. To improve, you should expand on the specific consequences of the waste accumulation and provide more detailed suggestions for the council, rather than repeating the same points. Ensure you meet the minimum word count to fully develop your ideas.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5

The letter is organised into paragraphs, which is a positive step. However, the progression of ideas is hindered by the repetition of the opening sentence. Cohesive devices are limited; for example, the transition between the problem and the impact is somewhat abrupt. The use of 'this way' and 'since' attempts to link ideas, but the overall flow is mechanical. To improve, use a wider variety of linking words and phrases (e.g., 'consequently', 'furthermore', 'in light of this') to connect your sentences more naturally and ensure that each paragraph has a clear, singular focus without redundant information.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.5

The vocabulary is generally adequate for the task but lacks the precision and variety expected at higher bands. You use basic terms like 'working properly' and 'problems' repeatedly. There are some minor errors in word choice, such as 'every twice a week' (which should be 'twice a week') and 'effecting' (which should be 'affecting'). To reach a higher band, try to incorporate more specific vocabulary related to waste management, such as 'sanitation services', 'hazardous', 'hygiene standards', or 'rectify the situation'. Expanding your range of collocations will help make your writing sound more professional and natural.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0

The response contains a mix of simple and some complex sentence structures, but there are frequent grammatical errors. Examples include 'shortage of collection of waste on time', 'its been accumulated', and 'the mosquitoes were effecting the children'. Punctuation is also inconsistent, with missing spaces after periods and incorrect comma usage. While the meaning is generally clear, these errors occur frequently enough to cause some difficulty for the reader. To improve, focus on subject-verb agreement, correct tense usage (e.g., 'has been accumulating'), and ensuring proper punctuation and spacing throughout your writing.

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

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