Band 8.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 8.0 · Cambridge IELTS 14 · 2026-09-21

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,

I am writing to express my concern about some incorrect information published in last week's issue of your international travel magazine.

Firstly, your article incorrectly identified my hometown, Garhdiwala, as "Hardiwal". Garhdiwala is a town in Punjab, India, and I would appreciate it if you could correct its name.

It is important for an international magazine to provide accurate information because many readers rely on your articles when planning their trips. Incorrect details may confuse tourists and damage the magazine's reputation. Although I understand that mistakes can happen, I believe such errors should be corrected promptly.

I would therefore suggest publishing a correction in your next issue and updating the online version of the article. Furthermore, I recommend that your editorial team carefully checks place names before publishing future articles to prevent similar mistakes.

Thank you for your attention to this matter. I look forward to seeing the necessary corrections.

Yours faithfully,

Raj

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 8.0

The candidate has fully and effectively addressed all parts of the bullet points required by the prompt. First, the incorrect information is clearly corrected by providing the accurate name of the town ('Garhdiwala' instead of 'Hardiwal') and its location. Second, the importance of accuracy is well explained in terms of reader reliance and the magazine's reputation. Finally, practical suggestions are offered, including publishing a correction and updating the online version. The tone is appropriately formal and polite for a letter to an editor. All aspects of the task are well developed, achieving a strong Band 8.0.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 8.0

The letter exhibits a clear logical organisation and progression throughout. Each paragraph serves a distinct purpose corresponding to the prompt requirements, moving smoothly from the statement of purpose to the correction, the explanation, the suggestions, and finally the closing. Cohesive devices such as 'Firstly', 'It is important', 'Furthermore', and 'I would therefore' are used effectively and appropriately without being overused. Paragraphing is skilfully managed, with distinct separation of ideas. Overall, the text flows naturally and meets all descriptors for a Band 8.0.

Lexical Resource — Band 8.0

The student demonstrates a wide and flexible range of vocabulary suited to a formal complaint and correction letter. Appropriate lexical items and phrases such as 'express my concern', 'accurately identified', 'provide accurate information', 'promptly', and 'editorial team' are used naturally and with precision. There are no notable spelling or word-choice errors, and collocation is handled well throughout the piece. The vocabulary fully supports the communicative purpose, warranting a Band 8.0.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 8.0

The response features a very good mix of complex and simple sentence structures. The candidate demonstrates strong control over grammar and punctuation, utilising relative clauses, conditional ideas implied through context, and well-structured noun phrases (e.g., 'I would appreciate it if you could correct its name' and 'Although I understand that mistakes can happen, I believe such errors should be corrected promptly'). The majority of sentences are completely error-free, and any minor slips are entirely absent. This level of grammatical control comfortably aligns with a Band 8.0 descriptor.

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

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