Band 9.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 9.0 · Cambridge IELTS 17 · 2026-08-11

IELTS Writing Task 1 question

You recently booked a part-time course at a college. You now need to cancel your booking.

Write a letter to the college administrator. In your letter:

• say which part-time course you booked
• explain why you need to cancel your booking
• ask about booking a different course

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 formally request the cancellation of my enrollment in a part-time course at your institution, as well as to inquire about alternative study options.

Three weeks ago, I registered and paid for the "Introduction to Digital Marketing" evening course (Course Code: DM-204), which is scheduled to commence on September 15th.

Regrettably, due to an unexpected change in my work schedule, I will no longer be able to attend these sessions. My employer has recently assigned me to a major project that requires regular evening overtime and occasional domestic travel over the next three months. As a result, I would be unable to commit to the required 80% attendance rate for DM-204.

Since I am still keen to pursue professional development with your college, I would appreciate it if you could inform me about alternative arrangements. Specifically, I would like to know if this course is offered as a distance-learning program or if there are weekend batches available later this term. If so, I would welcome the opportunity to transfer my registration fee to one of those options.

Thank you for your assistance and understanding. I look forward to hearing from you regarding the transfer process and available alternatives.

Yours faithfully,

Alex Morgan

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 9.0

The response fully addresses all three bullet points of the task. You clearly identified the course, provided a logical and detailed explanation for the cancellation, and effectively inquired about alternative options. The tone is consistently formal and appropriate for a letter to an administrator. The ideas are well-developed and the purpose of the letter is clear from the opening paragraph. You have successfully covered all parts of the task with a professional approach, meeting the requirements for a high band score.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 9.0

The letter is logically organized with a clear progression of ideas. Each paragraph serves a distinct purpose, moving from the request to the explanation and finally to the inquiry. Cohesive devices such as 'Regrettably', 'As a result', and 'Specifically' are used naturally to link sentences and ideas. The paragraphing is appropriate, and the overall structure is coherent, making the letter easy to follow. There is no evidence of mechanical or repetitive use of cohesive devices, and the flow of information is smooth throughout.

Lexical Resource — Band 9.0

You demonstrate a wide and sophisticated range of vocabulary that is highly appropriate for a formal letter. Phrases such as 'formally request the cancellation', 'commence', 'regrettably', and 'professional development' show excellent control over lexical items. The collocations are natural and precise, such as 'assigned me to a major project' and 'transfer my registration fee'. There are no errors in word choice or spelling, and the language used is both accurate and varied, reflecting a high level of proficiency.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 9.0

The response exhibits a wide range of grammatical structures with full flexibility and accuracy. You effectively use complex sentences, such as the conditional 'If so, I would welcome the opportunity...' and the subordinate clauses in the second paragraph. Punctuation is used correctly throughout, and there are no grammatical errors. The control over tense and aspect is precise, particularly when discussing future arrangements and past actions. The writing is error-free and demonstrates a high degree of grammatical maturity.

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