Band 5.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.0 · Cambridge IELTS 13 · 2026-10-29

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 5.0)

Dear Sir,

I would like tell about situation that we are facing in our area right now , which is garbage collection the system that has been used for garbage

collection is totally in proper cleanliness.and because of that we and our neighbours are having serious issues regarding our health.

last week we raised this issue to local community but there was no response we got.

we could suggest that if the system of garbge collection can be done time to time to reduse the dirt around the our house.

also the garbage box can be better, like hard plastic could be use so it can be last long and can fill more garbage. this could be better for everyone who is collecting the garbage.

health saftey is first and we also keep different garbege like dry and wet.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 5.0

You identify the central problem—rubbish collection is not functioning properly—and mention health concerns, a previous complaint, more regular collection, and stronger bins. These points are relevant, but the task is only partially addressed: the collection failure itself is not described clearly (for example, whether pickups are missed or delayed), and the effects on neighbours are stated generally rather than illustrated. Your proposed solutions are also brief and not fully explained. The letter is 11 words below the required minimum, which limits the space available to develop the three points. To strengthen the response, describe a specific collection problem, explain its practical consequences, and make a clear, detailed request to the council.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 5.0

The response has a basic sequence: it introduces the problem, mentions an unsuccessful complaint, and then offers suggestions. This gives the reader some organisation, and the ideas are broadly related to the task. However, progression is not consistently clear because the opening sentence is difficult to follow, and the suggestions about collection frequency, bin material, and separating waste are placed together without clear links. The paragraph breaks help distinguish the main points, but the final sentence feels added rather than connected to the request. Use separate paragraphs for the problem and its effects, followed by a clearly signposted request, and connect each suggestion to the issue it would solve.

Lexical Resource: Band 5.0

You use relevant topic vocabulary such as “garbage collection,” “health,” “plastic,” and “dry and wet,” so the reader can identify the subject. However, the range is limited and several word choices or collocations make the message unclear, including “totally in proper cleanliness,” “time to time,” and “garbage box.” There are also noticeable spelling errors, such as “garbge,” “reduse,” and “saftey,” which reduce the accuracy and polish of the letter. Aim for precise phrases commonly used in formal complaints, such as “missed collections,” “collection schedule,” and “waste bins.” Proofreading spelling and choosing natural collocations would make your meaning easier to understand.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 5.0

You attempt to communicate several connected ideas, including a relative clause in “the system that has been used” and a conditional suggestion beginning “if the system…”. However, the range of sentence structures is limited, and attempts at longer sentences are often faulty. For example, “I would like tell” is missing “to,” while “hard plastic could be use” has an incorrect verb form. The opening sentence also lacks clear sentence boundaries, and punctuation and capitalisation are inconsistent. These errors sometimes make the reader work to understand the message. Practise accurate simple sentences first, then build longer requests using correct verb forms and punctuation.

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