Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.5 · Cambridge IELTS 13 · 2026-10-21

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 6.5)

Dear Sir or Madam,

I am writing to complain about the garbage collection management not doing their tasks properly; because of that, our society tends to suffer from frequent issues, as it is not working from past few weeks.

Firstly, the rubbish collection has not been done at its scheduled times, due to which it falls on the street and destroys the pleasant environment of the society. Sometimes the bins are filled and smell bad.

Secondly, this situation is affecting me and my neighbourhood, as I said we got bad smell around the houses. Moreover, this filled garbage attracts flies, mosquitoes, and other species which leads to numerous health problems and an untidy atmosphere.

I would suggest that the local council arrange rubbish collection and check that trucks arrive on time. In addition, implement additional trash bins for safety purposes. i hope you look into my request. I am waiting for your response.

Thank you.

Yours faithfully

Muskan

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 7.0

You address all three points: you explain that collections miss their scheduled times, describe the resulting smell and pests, and ask the council to ensure timely truck arrivals and provide more bins. Your purpose is clear and appropriately formal, and the effects on residents are relevant. The ideas are extended with examples such as flies and mosquitoes, although the proposed remedies could be developed more specifically—for instance, by requesting a collection schedule review or a temporary clean-up. The opening also says the problem has continued for several weeks, but the exact collection failures and their frequency remain somewhat general. More precise details and fuller support for the proposed action would make the response more complete.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 7.0

The letter has a clear progression from the complaint, to its effects, and then to suggested action. Paragraphing supports this structure, while signposts such as “Firstly,” “Secondly,” and “In addition” help readers follow the points. The links are generally effective, though the repeated sequencing words make the organisation somewhat formulaic. The opening sentence is also crowded: the semicolon and “because of that” connect several ideas before the specific problem is explained. The closing moves quickly from the request to “I am waiting for your response” and “Thank you.” Use a more natural transition into the request and a conventional closing to make the letter flow more smoothly.

Lexical Resource: Band 6.0

Your vocabulary is adequate for the complaint and includes relevant terms such as “scheduled times,” “attracts,” and “health problems.” You also use some topic-specific language, including “rubbish collection” and “trash bins,” so the message is easy to understand. However, several choices are imprecise or unnatural: “garbage collection management” is awkward, “other species” is too broad for pests, and “for safety purposes” does not clearly explain why extra bins are needed. “Society” is also used where “neighbourhood” or “residential area” would sound more natural. Aim for precise collocations and consistent terminology, especially when describing the council’s service and the practical purpose of your suggestions.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 6.0

You use a mix of simple and complex sentences, including clauses with “due to which,” “as,” and “which leads to,” and the meaning remains clear. Some grammatical and punctuation errors persist. In the opening, “not working from past few weeks” needs a more accurate tense and article, such as “has not been working for the past few weeks.” The phrase “I would suggest that the local council arrange rubbish collection and check that trucks arrive on time” is understandable, but the parallel structure could be clearer. Also, “i hope” should begin with a capital letter, and the semicolon before “because” is not well handled. Review tense, articles, capitalization, and punctuation while retaining your varied sentence forms.

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