Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.5 · Cambridge IELTS 13 · 2026-09-11

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 6.5)

Dear Sir or Madam,

I am writing to complain about the failure of the rubbish collection system in our area, Greenfield Avenue and the surrounding streets.

For the past three weeks, the collection lorry has not arrived on its scheduled day, which is Tuesday morning. On the first occasion, it arrived two days late, on Thursday evening. For the last two weeks, it has not come at all. As a result, the communal bins at the end of the street are completely overflowing, and many black bags have been left beside them on the pavement.

This is causing considerable problems for residents. The bags have been torn open by dogs and cats, and rubbish is now scattered all over the street, which is both unsightly and unhygienic. There is a very unpleasant smell, particularly in the current hot weather, and we

I look forward to hearing from you at your earliest convenience.

Yours faithfully,

Dharti Patel

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.0

The letter addresses all three bullet points: describing the failure of the collection system, explaining the impact on residents, and mentioning the need for action. However, the response is incomplete as it cuts off mid-sentence in the third paragraph. Consequently, the final bullet point regarding suggestions for the council is not addressed. This is a significant omission that prevents the task from being fully completed. To reach a higher band, ensure all parts of the prompt are covered and the letter reaches a logical conclusion.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.0

The letter follows a logical structure with clear paragraphing. The introduction sets the context, and the body paragraphs transition from the problem to the consequences. Cohesive devices such as 'For the past three weeks', 'On the first occasion', and 'As a result' are used effectively to guide the reader. However, because the text ends abruptly, the overall coherence is disrupted. If the letter had been finished, it would likely have achieved a higher score. The use of paragraphing is appropriate for a formal letter.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.0

The vocabulary is appropriate for a formal complaint letter. Phrases such as 'scheduled day', 'communal bins', 'unsightly and unhygienic', and 'at your earliest convenience' demonstrate a good range of relevant language. The tone is consistently formal and polite, which is suitable for the task. There are no significant errors in word choice or spelling. To improve, you could incorporate more sophisticated collocations or idiomatic expressions related to civic issues, but the current range is sufficient for a solid score.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.0

The grammar is generally accurate, with a good mix of simple and complex sentence structures. Examples include 'For the past three weeks, the collection lorry has not arrived...' and 'The bags have been torn open by dogs and cats, and rubbish is now scattered...'. Punctuation is used correctly throughout the completed sections. The sentences are clear and easy to follow. Aside from the incomplete final sentence, there are no noticeable grammatical errors. The control of tense and structure is strong.

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

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