Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.5 · 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 7.5)

Dear Sir or Madam,

I hope you are doing well.

I am writing to bring to your attention an issue regarding the garbage collection system in our local area. For the past few weeks residents of our society have noticed that the garbage collection service has not been operating as usual.

Previously, the garbage collection truck used to come every Wednesday and Friday to collect dry and wet waste separately. However, for the past month the truck has been coming only once a week and collecting all the waste together. Keeping garbage stored for an entire week is unhygienic and can attract mosquitoes and other insects, creating an unhealthy environment for residents as we have elderly people living in our society whose health is affected by this poor hygiene conditions.

We kindly request you to look into this matter and arrange for garbage collection at least every alternate day or three times a week to maintain cleanliness, hygiene, and a healthy environment for everyone in the society.

Thank you for your attention and cooperation.

Regards,

Prachi

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 8.0

The response covers all parts of the task very well and maintains an appropriate semi-formal tone suitable for a letter to a local council. The opening clearly introduces the purpose of the letter. The problem is well described, detailing the shift from twice-weekly separate collections to a weekly mixed collection. The impact on residents, particularly vulnerable elderly members and the risk of attracting pests, is clearly explained. Finally, a practical and specific suggestion is made to resolve the issue. The ideas are well developed and supported, with no omissions, placing this securely at a high level of task achievement.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 7.5

The letter demonstrates a clear logical organisation and progression throughout. The paragraphs are structured effectively, moving smoothly from the statement of purpose to the description of the problem, the impacts, and concluding with a constructive request. Cohesive devices such as 'Previously', 'However', and 'Keeping garbage stored' are used appropriately to connect ideas. Referencing throughout the text is clear, ensuring the reader easily follows the sequence of events and arguments. Paragraphing is used sufficiently and appropriately, reflecting the structural requirements of a formal complaint letter.

Lexical Resource: Band 7.0

The vocabulary used provides a sufficient range for flexibility and precision. The writer successfully employs less common and topic-specific vocabulary items such as 'resident', 'dry and wet waste separately', 'unhygienic', 'poverty of hygiene conditions' (though slightly flawed in prepositions, handled under grammar), and 'alternate day'. Word choice is generally appropriate for a council complaint, with only occasional minor inaccuracies. Spelling is accurate throughout, and words like 'cooperation' and 'environment' are used correctly in context. The lexical range is adequate to convey precise meaning without impeding communication.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 7.0

The letter displays a good mix of simple and complex sentence forms, demonstrating control over grammatical structures. Sentences such as 'Previously, the garbage collection truck used to come every Wednesday and Friday...' and 'Keeping garbage stored for an entire week is unhygienic and can attract mosquitoes...' show good control of gerunds and relative or dependent clauses. There are some minor slips, such as 'poor hygiene conditions' instead of 'poor hygienic conditions' or 'poor hygiene condition', but these errors are infrequent and do not impede communication. Punctuation and verb tenses are handled well across the response.

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