Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.0 · Cambridge IELTS 13 · 2026-09-04

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 or Madam,

I am writing this letter to formally inform that the rubbish collection system is not working properly. The garbage is not collecting in proper manner.

The rubbish collection system is not working up to the mark. The system has three trash which is in colored bin out of which green bin which is used for compostable and food waste is not working. Any waste dumped into it, is rejected automatically which sirens a warning message.

For last one week, this issue has been started due to which the daily routine of each and every residents is disturbed. None of them can put waste, due to which the waste has been piled up for last one week. This creates a foul smell across the area and it made the life of residents horrible.

I would request the council to arrange an alternate option and consider this issue on a priority basis.

Hoping for a positive reply .

Yours Faithfully,

Tom

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.0

The letter addresses all three bullet points: describing the system failure, explaining the impact on residents, and suggesting a solution. However, the development of these ideas is somewhat limited. For instance, the description of the 'sirens a warning message' is slightly confusing and lacks clarity regarding the actual nature of the technical fault. The tone is generally appropriate for a formal letter, though it could be more professional in its phrasing. To improve, you should provide more specific details about the nature of the 'alternate option' you are requesting to ensure the council understands the urgency and the specific requirement.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5

The letter is logically organized into clear paragraphs, each focusing on a specific aspect of the prompt. The progression of ideas is easy to follow. However, the use of cohesive devices is somewhat mechanical and limited. Phrases like 'For last one week' and 'due to which' are repeated, which makes the flow feel a bit repetitive. To reach a higher band, try to vary your linking words and transition phrases to create a more natural and sophisticated flow between sentences and paragraphs.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

You have an adequate range of vocabulary to convey your message, but it lacks the precision and flexibility required for higher bands. Phrases like 'not working up to the mark' and 'made the life of residents horrible' are functional but somewhat informal or imprecise. There are also minor collocation issues, such as 'garbage is not collecting' (should be 'is not being collected'). Expanding your vocabulary to include more formal, topic-specific collocations would significantly improve your score.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.0

The letter contains a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. While the meaning is generally clear, there are several grammatical errors, such as 'The system has three trash which is in colored bin' (should be 'three types of bins') and 'the issue has been started' (should be 'the issue started'). Additionally, there are minor punctuation and article errors throughout. To improve, focus on subject-verb agreement and the correct use of passive voice, which is particularly useful for formal complaints.

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

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