Band 5.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.0 · Cambridge IELTS 13 · 2026-09-09

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 5.0)

Dear Sir / Madam

Garbage problem

i have to address you about rubbish collection problem in our local area because sometimes they are collect garbage after a two weeks and due to this it create a lot of problem for us because we have not a big garbage bin which we can use for store two weeks rubbish.

It's create a lot of problem because sometimes when we have keep the garbage outside the bin for one extra week it pollute air and its not only create big problem for our family but also for neighbours.

so please collect the garbage every week on time because this step will be helpful for us and our neighbours. its also good for a environment

I look forward to hearing you

Yours faithfully

Karan

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.0

The letter addresses all three bullet points: describing the problem, explaining the impact, and suggesting a solution. However, the response is significantly under the 150-word minimum, which limits the development of ideas. The points are mentioned but not fully extended or supported with sufficient detail. For example, the explanation of the impact on neighbours is quite brief. To improve, you should expand on the specific consequences of the missed collections, such as health concerns or pests, and provide a more detailed proposal for the council to consider. Because the response is under-length, it fails to meet the basic requirements of the task.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5

The letter is organized into three short paragraphs, which is appropriate for a formal letter. However, the progression of ideas is somewhat mechanical. There is a lack of varied cohesive devices; the text relies heavily on simple conjunctions like 'and' or 'because'. Transitions between sentences are often abrupt, and the lack of paragraph indentation or clear spacing makes the structure feel slightly disjointed. To improve, use a wider range of linking words such as 'consequently', 'furthermore', or 'in addition' to connect your ideas more fluidly and improve the overall flow of the letter.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.0

The vocabulary is basic and repetitive. Phrases like 'a lot of problem' are used multiple times, which limits the range. There are also errors in word choice and collocation, such as 'they are collect garbage' (should be 'they collect') and 'for a environment' (should be 'for the environment'). The range is sufficient to convey the basic message, but it lacks the flexibility and precision required for higher bands. To improve, try to incorporate more specific vocabulary related to waste management, such as 'sanitation services', 'overflowing bins', or 'hygiene concerns'.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0

The response contains frequent grammatical errors that occasionally impede clarity. There are consistent issues with verb tense and subject-verb agreement, such as 'it create a lot of problem' and 'when we have keep the garbage'. Sentence structures are mostly simple, with very few attempts at complex sentences. Punctuation is also inconsistent, particularly with the lack of proper capitalization and missing commas. To improve, focus on mastering basic sentence construction, ensuring that verbs agree with their subjects, and practicing the use of complex structures like relative clauses or conditional sentences.

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

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