Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.0 · Cambridge IELTS 13 · 2026-09-07

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/madam

I am writing to share my concern about rubbish collection in our locality, which is irregular nowadays and creating problems our locality residents.

Before, garbage collection was done three days in a week. However, from last few weeks garbage is not getting collected even once in week and due to this, garbage bins remained overfilled for weeks.

Overfilled garbage is coming on roads which creating problems for citizens and animals. Garbage not only blocking the pipes but also spreading virus and infections due to the smell.

I would be great if you consider my request and continue the process of rubbish collection on regular basis until the issue is not solved then a proper schedule should be continued. Also, it would be helpful if residents are informed if any changes happen in waste collection.

Thank you for your time for taking the matter into your consideration.

Your faithfully,

Jasmeet kaur

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.0

The letter addresses all three bullet points of the prompt: describing the irregular collection, explaining the impact on the community, and suggesting a solution. The tone is appropriate for a formal letter to a council. However, the development of ideas is somewhat limited. For instance, the impact on the community is described briefly, and the suggestion for a solution could be more detailed to fully meet the requirements of a Band 7 or higher. The purpose of the letter is clear from the beginning, and the reader is left in no doubt about the situation, though the overall development remains basic.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.0

The letter is organised into logical paragraphs, which helps the reader follow the argument. There is a clear introduction, body, and conclusion. However, the use of cohesive devices is somewhat mechanical and limited. Phrases like 'However' and 'Also' are used, but the flow between sentences could be smoother. The referencing is generally clear, but some transitions feel abrupt. The paragraphing is appropriate for a formal letter, but the overall structure lacks the sophisticated linking required for a higher band score.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

The vocabulary is adequate for the task, allowing the message to be conveyed clearly. There are some attempts at more specific vocabulary, such as 'locality' and 'overfilled', but the range is limited. There are some minor errors in word choice and collocation, such as 'garbage is not getting collected' (passive voice would be more formal) and 'I would be great' (should be 'It would be great'). The vocabulary is sufficient to communicate the main points but lacks the precision and variety expected at higher levels.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5

The letter uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. There are several grammatical errors, such as 'from last few weeks' (should be 'for the last few weeks'), 'garbage is coming on roads' (should be 'garbage is spilling onto the roads'), and 'until the issue is not solved' (which is logically confusing). While these errors do not prevent the reader from understanding the message, they are frequent enough to impact the overall accuracy. A greater variety of error-free complex structures is needed to move into the higher bands.

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

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