Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.0 · Cambridge IELTS 13 · 2026-09-19

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 or Madam,

With due respect, I would like to address an issue regarding the waste disposal in our community, which is not functioning properly and causing manifold problems for the residents in this area.

The supplied trash bin is not having enough storage space, which results in spill over of garbage with in a day. Moreover, the waste contents were scattered in the public area due to the stray cats and dogs, which opens the items from the garbage covers. Thus, it makes our community with bad odours and catches more house flies. Apparently, many locals are getting sick recent days.

I would recommend you to to install large waste bins which can hold a capacity for five hundred poplation and increasing the frequency of collecting and clearing the dump. It would aid in preventing the contagious nature of disease spread by insects and animals.

I am looking forward in getting a positive response on your behalf. thanking you in advance.

Yours faithfully,

Haseen

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.5

The response successfully covers all bullet points required in the task instructions. You clearly described how the rubbish collection system is not working by mentioning that the 'trash bin is not having enough storage space' and that garbage spills over. You also explained the impact on you and your neighbours, noting that stray animals scatter the waste, causing 'bad odours and catches more house flies' as well as local illness. Finally, you provided practical suggestions by recommending the installation of larger bins and an increased collection frequency. The tone is appropriately formal for a council letter, and the purpose is clear throughout. All aspects of the task are adequately addressed, earning a solid band score.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.0

The letter is logically organised with a clear beginning, middle paragraphs addressing the specific bullet points, and an appropriate sign-off. Paragraphing is used sufficiently to separate the introduction, the description of the problem, the proposed solutions, and the conclusion. Cohesive devices such as 'Moreover', 'Thus', and 'It would aid' are employed to link ideas together, although transitions can sometimes feel a bit mechanical. Referencing is generally clear, and the overall progression of information follows a natural path from stating the problem to explaining its effects and finally offering recommendations.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.5

You demonstrate an adequate range of vocabulary for the task, successfully incorporating less common phrases like 'manifold problems', 'waste disposal', and 'contagious nature'. However, there are several lexical errors and awkward collocations that prevent a higher score, such as 'spill over' (should be 'spillover'), 'with in' (within), 'bad odours' (unpleasant odours), and saying 'catches more house flies' instead of 'attracts more house flies'. Furthermore, the phrase 'hold a capacity for five hundred poplation' contains spelling and word choice inaccuracies. Despite these slips, communication is never impeded.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5

The letter features a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, such as relative clauses ('bins which can hold...') and conditional-like impacts ('It would aid in...'). However, there are several grammatical errors and awkward phrasing choices throughout the text. Examples include 'is not having enough storage space' (statues/states of possession typically use 'does not have'), 'waste contents were scattered' (tense shift inconsistency), 'getting sick recent days' (missing preposition 'in recent days'), and 'looking forward in getting' (should be 'looking forward to getting'). Punctuation is generally acceptable, but preposition usage requires closer attention.

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.