Band 8.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 8.0 · Cambridge IELTS 13 · 2026-09-13

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 8.0)

Dear Sir or Madam,

I am writing to complain about the rubbish collection service in my local area, which has recently become increasingly unreliable and is causing considerable inconvenience to residents.

First of all, the garbage collection is supposed to take place twice a week, but for the past several weeks, the rubbish has not been collected according to the scheduled timetable. In some cases, collection vehicles have arrived but failed to collect all the bins, leaving a large amount of rubbish on the streets.

As a result, this situation is having a negative impact on both my neighbours and me. The accumulated garbage is producing unpleasant odours, particularly in warm weather, and that is attracting flies and other insects. Moreover, overflowing bins are making the neighbourhood look untidy and could potentially create health and environmental concerns. Additionally, many residents are also frustrated because they have no alternative place to dispose of their household waste.

Therefore, I would appreciate it if the council could investigate this matter urgently and ensure that the collection schedule is followed consistently. It would also be helpful to arrange an additional collection to remove the rubbish that has already accumulated. I would be grateful if residents could also be informed about any changes to the collection schedule.

I look forward to your response and hope that this issue will be resolved soon.

Yours faithfully,

Ruchi Shah.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 8.0

The student covers all parts of the task fully and effectively. The letter opens with an appropriate purpose, then explicitly describes how the rubbish collection is failing (e.g., 'collection vehicles have arrived but failed to collect all the bins'). The impact on neighbours is clearly articulated by mentioning 'unpleasant odours', 'attracting flies', and health concerns. Finally, practical suggestions are provided, including investigating the matter urgently and arranging an additional collection. The tone is consistently formal and appropriate for a council complaint. Ideas are well-developed and entirely relevant to the prompt, easily meeting the requirements for a high band score.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 8.0

The response demonstrates a clear and logical organisation from beginning to end. Paragraphing is used skilfully, with each paragraph dedicated to a distinct aspect of the letter: introduction, description of the problem, impact, suggestions, and conclusion. Cohesive devices such as 'First of all', 'As a result', and 'Additionally' are used naturally and effectively to guide the reader through the argument. Referencing is clear throughout, and the progression of ideas is smooth, ensuring the letter reads like a coherent, unified piece of correspondence.

Lexical Resource — Band 8.0

The vocabulary used is varied, precise, and appropriate for a formal complaint letter. The student successfully employs less common lexical items such as 'increasingly unreliable', 'considerable inconvenience', 'accumulated garbage', and 'dispose of their household waste'. Word choices and collocations are accurate, and there are no noticeable spelling or word-choice errors. The range of vocabulary is sufficient to convey nuanced meanings naturally and fluently, fitting comfortably within the higher band criteria.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 8.0

The response features a wide variety of grammatical structures, successfully blending complex sentences ('I am writing to complain about... which has recently become increasingly unreliable') with accurate simple sentences. The majority of sentences are completely error-free, and control over tense, aspect, and modal verbs is strong (e.g., 'would appreciate it if', 'could potentially create'). Punctuation is accurate throughout, and there are no grammatical slips that impede communication.

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

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