Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 6.0 · Cambridge IELTS 13 · 2026-10-08
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,
I am writing regarding the garbage collection ilin our area that is the Centre Street, which is not working properly and is becoming a major problem for the society.
The collection system is not collecting garbage as per the schedule and sometimes there is a delay without any notice. Moreover, after the rubbish is collected, the are is still not cleaned properly and is very unhygienic.
It is become a big problem for the society as the unpleasant smell from the garbage bins is attracting a lot of pest and stray animals. The surrounding is concerned about the health problems that can be caused due to the smell to children and elderly.
I believe to council should take strict actions and form a proper waste collection schedule that should be followed. Furthermore, the collection timings should be increase. Also, garbage trucks should check busy areas and visit there more frequently.
I hope to hear a positive response from you
Yours sincerely,
Prabhnoor
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 7.0 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 6.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.5 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.5 |
| Overall | 6.0 |
Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 7.0
The letter addresses all three requirements: it describes missed or delayed collections, explains the effects of smell, pests and health concerns, and proposes a schedule and more frequent visits. The purpose is clear from the opening, and the tone is appropriately formal. The effects on children and older residents add relevant support, although the suggested remedies are less fully explained: for example, “collection timings should be increase” does not clarify whether you mean longer collection hours or more collection days. To strengthen the response, make each proposal precise and connect it directly to the problem, such as requesting a published schedule and a clean-up after collection.
Coherence and Cohesion: Band 6.5
The information follows a sensible sequence: the collection failures are described first, their consequences next, and proposed action last. Separate paragraphs help the reader identify these stages, while “Moreover,” “Furthermore,” and “Also” signal additions. This gives the letter a coherent overall arrangement. However, some linking is mechanical, particularly the repeated additive transitions in the final paragraph, and the opening sentence is difficult to follow because “regarding the garbage collection ilin our area that is the Centre Street” combines several ideas awkwardly. Use clearer sentence boundaries and more precise references—for example, state directly that collection on Centre Street is unreliable—so the progression feels smoother and less dependent on linking words.
Lexical Resource: Band 5.5
The response uses enough topic vocabulary to communicate the problem, including “garbage collection,” “unhygienic,” “pest,” and “stray animals.” These choices show some awareness of the formal complaint context. However, the range is limited and several word choices or collocations are inaccurate or unnatural, such as “for the society,” “the surrounding is concerned,” and “strict actions.” There are also spelling or typing slips, including “ilin” and “are” for “area,” which reduce the impression of control. Aim for more precise civic-service language, such as “residents,” “the neighbourhood,” “take corrective action,” and “collection frequency,” and check spelling carefully.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 5.5
The letter attempts both simple and more developed sentences, including the sentence explaining that the smell is attracting pests and animals. However, control is inconsistent, and errors in verb forms, agreement, articles and sentence construction are noticeable. Examples include “It is become a big problem,” “the collection timings should be increase,” and “I believe to council should take,” where the intended meaning remains understandable but the grammar is faulty. The opening sentence also has an unclear structure. Practise accurate verb patterns and agreement—for example, “It has become a serious problem,” “collection frequency should be increased,” and “I believe the council should take action”—then proofread each sentence for a clear subject and verb.
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