Recent IELTS GT Writing Task 1 - Music Instrument

You are interested in learning to play a musical instrument. Write a letter to a music teacher. In your letter: 

• explain how you learned about the teacher 
• say which instrument you would like to learn and why 
• suggest a suitable schedule for your lessons

📌 Note: This question appeared in the PBT-IELTS Writing exam on 6th November, 2025 in India.

All IELTS Writing Task 1 Questions – Click to View

Band 9 Sample Answer:

Dear Mr. Bennett,

I am writing to express my interest in taking music lessons with you after reading about your classes in the local newspaper last weekend.

I have always wanted to learn a musical instrument, and your reputation as an experienced music teacher encouraged me to get in touch. I would like to learn to play the piano, as I find its sound both relaxing and versatile. I believe that developing this skill will not only be personally rewarding but will also help me better understand musical composition, which I have always admired.

As I am currently employed full-time, weekday evenings would be most suitable for me. Ideally, I would prefer to have two sessions a week—on Tuesdays and Thursdays after 6 p.m.—if that fits your schedule. Alternatively, I am also available on Saturday mornings. Please let me know which of these options would be convenient for you.

I look forward to your response and hope to begin the lessons soon.

Yours sincerely,

Emma Collins

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Band 9 Insights Based on IELTS Writing Band Descriptors: 

1. Task Achievement (Band 9)

• All three bullet points are fully addressed:
  • How the teacher was discovered (local newspaper).
  • Instrument and reason (piano; admiration for its sound and versatility).
  • Suitable schedule (weekday evenings or Saturday mornings).
• The purpose is clear from the opening sentence.
• Each point is developed naturally with logical reasoning and appropriate tone.
• The letter maintains a polite, professional, and formal voice throughout.

2. Coherence and Cohesion (Band 9)

• Follows the four-paragraph structure from the model letter:
  1. Introduction and purpose
  2. Explanation and details of interest
  3. Scheduling and flexibility
  4. Closing statement
• Logical flow between ideas; each paragraph focuses on one clear point.
• Cohesive devices are used naturally: “I have always wanted…,” “Ideally, I would prefer…,” “Alternatively…”
• Smooth transitions ensure clarity and readability.

3. Lexical Resource (Band 9)

• Excellent range of precise, formal vocabulary:
  “express my interest,” “developing this skill,” “musical composition,” “versatile,” “convenient for you.”
• Accurate collocations: “take music lessons,” “reputation as an experienced teacher,” “fits your schedule.”
• No informal words or phrases; tone is consistently polite and professional.

4. Grammatical Range and Accuracy (Band 9)

• Variety of sentence types:
  • “As I am currently employed full-time, weekday evenings would be most suitable for me.”
  • “I would like to learn to play the piano, as I find its sound both relaxing and versatile.”
• Accurate use of conditionals, articles, and complex clauses.
• Entirely error-free grammar and punctuation.

Overall Band: 9.0

This letter deserves Band 9 because it:

• Fully answers all task requirements.
• Maintains a consistent formal tone with clear structure.
• Uses a rich range of vocabulary and grammar naturally and accurately.
• Reads smoothly and authentically, as if written by a native professional.

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