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 or Madam,

I repectfully wrote this letter to let you know about the system of collection of the rubbish/garbage in my area was not working properly. This are causing problem to me and my neighbor.

since, i moved in this area i noticed that that collection of the rubbish or garbage are have a problem because when i going to put a rubbish on the designated area which supposed to have an arrangement and indecate the day of collection. this problem causing a massive impact on our health such as smell of the rubbish and having a bad ambiance causing irratation and eating unwell.

I would like that you might noticed this problem and have an action immidietly, i got some sugguestion about what you focus. Like, that day of collection and indicate the arrangement of biodigredable and unbiodigredable. I hope you cooperate this problem.

Thank you in advance

sincerly yours,

josh

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 6.0

The response successfully covers all three bullet points required in the task instructions, meaning the letter addresses the prompt adequately overall. The rubbish collection issues are outlined, the negative effects on health and the local environment are explained, and a few suggestions for improvement are provided. However, some ideas remain under-developed or briefly stated. For instance, the description of how the system is malfunctioning lacks specific details, and the suggestions regarding biodegradable waste are somewhat limited and lack elaboration. Despite these limitations in depth, the purpose of the letter is clearly conveyed to the reader, fulfilling the core requirements of this level.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 6.0

The letter maintains a coherent overall arrangement with a recognisable beginning, body, and closing structure. The progression of ideas generally makes sense as it moves from the problem to its effects and finally to suggested solutions. However, cohesion is at times faulty and mechanical. The paragraphs are not clearly demarcated with standard spacing or clear transitions, and referencing is occasionally unclear, such as the pronoun use in 'I hope you cooperate this problem'. While the letter is divided into rough sections, the cohesive devices used between sentences are basic and repetitive, preventing a smoother flow of ideas throughout the text.

Lexical Resource: Band 5.0

The vocabulary used is adequate for the task, providing a minimally acceptable range to communicate the basic message. The writer attempts some less common vocabulary, such as 'biodigredable', 'immidietly', and 'ambiance', but these attempts are marred by noticeable spelling and word-form errors. There are frequent issues with word choice and spelling, including 'repectfully', 'irratation', and 'sincerly', which stem from a limited lexical control. Although these inaccuracies do not entirely impede communication, they cause some difficulty for the reader and reflect a vocabulary range that requires further development and precision.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 5.0

The text displays a limited range of structures, relying mostly on basic sentence forms alongside attempts at complex sentences that are often faulty. There are frequent errors in grammar and punctuation, such as tense inconsistencies ('I repectfully wrote... was not working'), subject-verb agreement errors ('This are causing problem'), and missing articles or prepositions ('when i going to put a rubbish on the designated area'). These persistent errors can cause some difficulty for the reader, although the general meaning of the letter remains discernible. Punctuation and sentence boundaries are also irregular, particularly around clauses connected by conjunctions like 'since' and 'because'.

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