Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.0 · Cambridge IELTS 13 · 2026-09-20

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 am writing to express my dissatisfaction with garbage collection in my local area because system is not working properly, which i experienced recently.

To begin with, garbage collection trucks are not coming on regular basis. This was particularly disappointing because its getting stocked up and spread a mess all around the places. For instance, trash can are getting fulled and people throw the garbage all around the places and make that place completely dirty.

Furthermore, I experienced another issue regarding garbage collection system that people are suffering with a illness. As a result, in my neighbourhood all are hospitalized and suffering with a fever, vomiting and many more diseases.I believe this matter should be addresed as soon as possible.

Finally, I would like to suggest that managment have to take responsibilty and try to improve this system better.I would apperciate it if you could take some action and try to arrange a daily garbage pick up.

I look forwrd to your propmpt response

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.0

The response successfully covers all parts of the prompt. You begin by describing the issue with the rubbish collection trucks failing to arrive regularly. You then explain the negative impacts on you and your neighbours, noting that trash cans are full, rubbish is scattered everywhere, and residents are falling ill with fever and vomiting. Finally, you provide clear suggestions by asking management to take responsibility and arrange daily pick-ups. The tone is appropriately formal for a letter to a local council, though the development of ideas is slightly straightforward and could be extended further for a higher band. Overall, all bullet points are adequately addressed and the purpose of the letter is clear.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5

The letter demonstrates a clear overall arrangement with logical progression from describing the problem to explaining its effects and making suggestions. You use basic cohesive devices such as 'To begin with', 'Furthermore', and 'Finally' to structure the letter. Paragraphing is used to separate different points, which helps the reader follow your argument easily. However, referencing is sometimes imprecise, such as in the opening sentence where 'system is not working properly, which i experienced recently' contains a vague relative clause. Additionally, some transitions feel a bit mechanical. Overall, cohesion is sufficient for a functional letter, earning a solid score in this area.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.5

Your vocabulary is adequate for the task, allowing you to convey your message effectively. You attempt some less common expressions like 'express my dissatisfaction', 'disappointing', and 'prompt response'. However, there are noticeable word choice and spelling errors throughout the text, such as 'regular basis' missing an article ('a regular basis'), 'stocked up' instead of 'piling up', 'fulled' instead of 'full', 'addresed' instead of 'addressed', and 'managment' instead of 'management'. These errors do not impede communication because your meaning remains clear, but they prevent the score from reaching a higher band level.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.0

You demonstrate a mix of simple and complex sentence forms, such as 'I am writing to express my dissatisfaction with garbage collection in my local area because system is not working properly...' However, there are several grammatical errors and punctuation mistakes. For instance, there are missing articles ('because system', 'with a illness'), pronoun/capitalisation errors ('i experienced'), and minor run-on sentences. Complex structures tend to contain inaccuracies, and punctuation at the end of sentences is occasionally missing. Despite these errors, the majority of your sentences remain understandable and communication is rarely impeded, placing your grammar performance firmly within the band 6 category.

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

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