Band 8.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 8.0 · Cambridge IELTS 14 · 2026-09-11

IELTS Writing Task 1 question

You have just read an article in an international travel magazine which contained some information about your town that is incorrect.

Write a letter to the editor of the magazine. In your letter

• correct the information in the article
• explain why it is important for the magazine to give correct information
• suggest what the magazine should do about this situation

You do NOT need to write any addresses.

Begin your letter as follows:

Dear Sir or Madam,

Student answer (Band 8.0)

Dear Sir or Madam,

Subject: Incorrect information published in the magazine

I am writing to inform you that the article you published in your magazine about the city of Toronto contained incorrect information about the city. I am a native of Toronto, and I would like to point out that the name of Toronto’s famous tower is the CN Tower, rather than the BM Tower. It is essential to correct this information because the CN Tower is a major tourist attraction, and visitors should know its correct name so they do not have difficulty finding this iconic landmark, which is a source of pride for the city.

In addition, I would like to request that you republish the magazine with the correct information and provide accurate details to your readers regarding the CN Tower, including the price of entry tickets, as well as the cost of EdgeWalk and other activities.

I look forward to your positive response. Thank you very much.

Yours faithfully,

Sukhbir

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 8.0

The response fully addresses all three bullet points required by the prompt. You successfully corrected the misinformation regarding Toronto's famous landmark by pointing out that it is the CN Tower rather than the BM Tower. Furthermore, you effectively explained the importance of accurate information for tourists and suggested that the magazine republish the article with correct details, including pricing. Your letter adopts an appropriate formal tone suitable for a letter to the editor. All parts of the task are well-developed and supported with relevant details, demonstrating a clear purpose throughout.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 8.0

The letter is logically sequenced, moving smoothly from the statement of purpose and correction to the justification and suggestions for resolution. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate different ideas, such as the initial correction and the subsequent request for action. Cohesive devices are used naturally and effectively, as seen in transition words like 'In addition' and referencing markers such as 'this information' and 'its correct name'. The overall organization is clear and easy to follow from beginning to end.

Lexical Resource — Band 8.0

You demonstrate a wide and flexible range of vocabulary appropriate for a formal complaint letter. Words and phrases such as 'native of Toronto', 'essential', 'major tourist attraction', 'iconic landmark', and 'source of pride' show good control of less common lexical items and collocations. Word choices are precise, and there are no spelling or word-choice errors that impede communication. Your vocabulary effectively conveys your message with both accuracy and appropriate style.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 8.0

The response features a good mix of complex and simple sentence structures that are handled with a high degree of accuracy. For example, your use of relative and subordinate clauses, such as 'which is a source of pride for the city', demonstrates control over complex grammar. The majority of your sentences are completely error-free, with proper punctuation and adherence to formal letter-writing conventions. Only occasional, minor structural flaws are present, which do not interfere with readability or meaning.

See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.

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