Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 13 · 2026-10-04

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 5.5)

Dear Sir,

I would like to prompt your attention on garbage collection system, which is causing myreads of problem for me and my neighbours.

The garbage collection system used to send their trucks for taking garbages from our houses in a week, but it has passed 3 week and their trucks have not come for taking garbages. Furthermore, They have not sent us any emails or any notices about that issue. They should either send a email or arrange something for picking up those wastes from us.

Although we tried a lot to contact with them, they have not replied. However, We have not enough spaces for keping trash. Moreover, Our neighbours are warried if they got any infection because of trash the what will they do?

I would loke to request you to take some steps that can help us to get rid from this problem. If need any support, we will do.

I would be grateful if you could consider my request and take the necessary action at your earliest convenience.

Your faithfully,

Raj

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 6.5

The response successfully addresses all parts of the task by describing the broken-down garbage collection system, explaining its impact on the residents, and suggesting clear solutions. The purpose of the letter is evident right from the opening. However, some areas are slightly under-developed, which keeps the score at this level rather than higher. For example, while you mention that it has been three weeks without collection and that neighbours are worried about potential infections, the explanation of the emotional and practical impact could be extended further with more vivid details. To reach the next level, you would need to fully develop every bullet point with greater elaboration and depth while maintaining a consistently clear and appropriate tone throughout the entire communication.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 6.0

The letter maintains a coherent overall arrangement and follows a logical structure appropriate for a formal complaint. The text is divided into paragraphs that each serve a distinct purpose, moving from the introduction of the issue to details, impacts, and finally a call to action. Cohesive devices are used, such as 'Furthermore', 'Although', and 'Moreover', though some referencing and mechanical links feel slightly unnatural or repetitive. For instance, the transition 'However, We have not enough spaces...' disrupts the flow slightly due to punctuation and word choice. To achieve a higher score, you should ensure that cohesive devices connect ideas more smoothly and that referencing throughout the text is consistently clear and unobtrusive.

Lexical Resource: Band 5.0

The vocabulary used is adequate for the task, demonstrating an attempt to communicate the core message. You manage to use some functional vocabulary related to the topic, such as 'garbage collection', 'notices', and 'trash'. However, the range is limited and there are noticeable errors in word choice, collocation, and form, such as 'prompt your attention on' instead of 'draw your attention to', 'myreads of problem', and 'warried' for 'worried'. These lexical slips and awkward collocations cause some slight difficulty for the reader. To improve your lexical score, you need to expand your vocabulary range, learn proper word partnerships and collocations, and pay closer attention to spelling and word forms.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 5.0

The writing shows a mix of simple and complex sentence forms, attempting structures with clauses like 'which is causing...'. However, there are frequent errors in grammar and punctuation that can cause difficulty. Issues include incorrect prepositions and patterns, such as 'contact with them' instead of 'contact them', 'get rid from this problem' instead of 'get rid of', and unnecessary capitalization after commas ('However, We'). Article use and pluralization also show occasional inaccuracies, such as 'send a email' instead of 'send an email'. To reach the next band, you should aim to produce more error-free complex sentences and exercise tighter control over basic grammatical rules and punctuation.

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

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