Band 9.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 9.0 · Cambridge IELTS 14 · 2026-08-20

IELTS Writing Task 1 question

You recently did a short cookery course. The cookery school has asked for your feedback on this course. Write a letter to the course director at the cookery school. In your letter

• describe what you enjoyed about the course
• say how much cooking you've done since the course
• suggest another cookery course you’d like the school to offer

You do NOT need to write any addresses.

Begin your letter as follows:

Dear Sir or Madam,

Student answer (Band 9.0)

Dear Sir or Madam,

I am writing to provide feedback on the short cookery course I recently attended at your school. Overall, I found it highly enjoyable and informative, and I particularly appreciated the practical approach used throughout the sessions.

What I enjoyed most was learning how to prepare a variety of dishes under the guidance of an experienced chef. The demonstrations were clear and easy to follow, while the hands-on practice helped me become more confident in the kitchen. I also enjoyed learning useful techniques, such as preparing sauces and improving the presentation of meals. The friendly atmosphere made the classes even more enjoyable.

Since completing the course, I have been cooking quite regularly at home. I have prepared several of the dishes we learned during the course and have also started experimenting with my own recipes. I now cook approximately three or four times a week, whereas previously I only cooked occasionally. I feel that the course has made me much more independent and creative in the kitchen.

If possible, I would strongly recommend offering an advanced baking and pastry course in the future. I would particularly like to learn how to make different types of bread, pastries, cakes and desserts from scratch. I believe such a course would be a valuable next step for students who have already completed the basic cookery programme.

Thank you for providing such an enjoyable and worthwhile learning experience. I hope you will consider my suggestion for a future course.

Yours faithfully,

Mk

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 9.0

The response fully addresses all three bullet points of the task. You clearly describe what you enjoyed (practical approach, demonstrations, and atmosphere), explain your increased cooking frequency since the course, and provide a relevant suggestion for an advanced baking course. The tone is consistently appropriate for a formal letter to a course director. The ideas are well-developed and extended, providing a clear and coherent response to the prompt. There are no omissions, and the purpose of the letter is maintained throughout.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 9.0

The letter is logically organized with a clear progression of ideas. Each paragraph focuses on a specific aspect of the prompt, and the transition between paragraphs is smooth. You use a variety of cohesive devices effectively, such as 'Overall', 'What I enjoyed most', 'Since completing the course', and 'If possible'. The paragraphing is logical and contributes to the overall clarity of the message. The structure is professional and easy to follow, meeting the requirements for a high band score.

Lexical Resource — Band 8.5

You demonstrate a wide range of vocabulary that is used with precision and natural control. Phrases such as 'highly enjoyable and informative', 'hands-on practice', 'independent and creative', and 'worthwhile learning experience' show a strong command of language. The vocabulary is well-suited to the context of providing feedback on a course. There are no noticeable errors in word choice or collocation, and the language is sophisticated enough to convey your points clearly and effectively.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 9.0

The response exhibits a wide range of grammatical structures with high accuracy. You successfully use complex sentences, such as 'I have prepared several of the dishes we learned during the course and have also started experimenting with my own recipes.' Punctuation is used correctly throughout, and there are no grammatical errors that impede communication. The majority of sentences are error-free, and the control over verb tenses—shifting between past experiences and current habits—is handled with ease.

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

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