Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.0 · Cambridge IELTS 13 · 2026-09-14

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,

I hope this message finds you well. I am writing to enquire about the system that is used for rubbish or garbage collection.

The rubbish collection system in our area is not functioning properly. Last week, residents of our area put the garbage in the system but unfortunately it did not fit well because of the damaged system.

It is affecting me and my neighbours. All the garbage is outside the system because of that, there is so much smell in our area. Moreover, it is difficult to go out of the house because whenever we go out, we have to suffer from that bad smell.

I would be really appreciate it if you could fix this issue as soon as possible. If this problem is solved then I and all the neighbours will be happy.

Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing from you.

Yours sincerely,

John.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.5

The letter effectively covers all bullet points required by the task prompt. You successfully describe how the rubbish collection system is not functioning properly, explaining that garbage does not fit well due to a damaged system. Furthermore, you clearly explain the negative impact on you and your neighbours, noting the unpleasant smell and difficulty leaving the house. Finally, you suggest a clear solution by asking the council to fix the issue promptly. The tone is appropriately formal for a letter to a local council, despite a minor slip in the salutation format ('Dear Sir,' instead of 'Dear Sir or Madam,'). All aspects of the task are addressed adequately, placing this response at Band 6.5.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.0

The response demonstrates a clear overall structure with an appropriate beginning and ending. Ideas are logically sequenced, moving from the description of the problem to its impact and finally to a suggested solution. Paragraphing is used to separate different ideas, which helps guide the reader through the letter. However, the cohesive devices used between sentences are at times repetitive and slightly mechanical, such as relying heavily on 'because of that' and 'moreover'. While referencing is generally clear, the flow could be smoother with a wider variety of transitional phrases. Overall, the organization is coherent and meets the requirements for a Band 6.0.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

The vocabulary used is adequate for the task, successfully communicating your message about the rubbish collection problem. You use standard terms such as 'residents', 'garbage collection', and 'consideration'. However, the lexical range is somewhat limited, and there is noticeable repetition of words like 'system', 'area', and 'garbage'. Furthermore, there are minor awkward collocations, such as 'damaged system' or 'put the garbage in the system', where terms like 'bins' or 'containers' would be more natural. There are no severe spelling errors, but the lack of flexibility and occasional imprecise word choices restrict this criterion to a Band 6.0.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.0

The response features a mix of simple and complex sentence forms, demonstrating some control over grammar. You successfully use conditional structures and polite enquiry forms such as 'I would be really appreciate it if you could fix this issue'. However, there are notable grammatical errors present, such as the incorrect verb form in 'I would be really appreciate it' (instead of 'I would really appreciate it') and missing articles or preposition issues in places. Punctuation is generally fine, but the grammatical inaccuracies occasionally disrupt the flow, though they do not impede overall communication. These features align closely with the Band 6.0 descriptors.

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

Browse more IELTS Writing model answers or get your own writing scored by the same AI examiner.