Band 8.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 8.0 · Cambridge IELTS 17 · 2026-09-13

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 8.0)

Dear Sir or Madam,

I am writing to request the cancellation of my booking for the part-time Web Development course, which I recently enrolled in at your college.

I booked this course because I wanted to improve my programming skills and gain practical knowledge of web development. However, I have recently started a new job with working hours that conflict with the course schedule. Unfortunately, I will therefore be unable to attend the classes and would like to cancel my booking.

Although I cannot attend the Web Development course at present, I am still interested in studying at your college. Could you please let me know whether there are any part-time courses with evening or weekend classes? In particular, I would be interested in a course related to database management or software development. I would also appreciate it if you could explain whether my existing booking can be transferred to another course and whether any additional fee would apply.

Thank you for considering my request. I look forward to hearing from you and hope to enrol in a more suitable course soon.

Yours faithfully,

Axay Nayi

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 8.0

The candidate has fully and effectively addressed all parts of the task prompt. First, the specific part-time course is clearly identified as the Web Development course. Second, the reason for cancellation—a conflict with working hours from a newly started job—is logically explained and expanded upon. Finally, the letter successfully asks about booking a different course, specifically inquiring about database management or software development, evening or weekend options, and transfer fees. The tone is appropriate for a formal letter to a college administrator, and the purpose is maintained consistently throughout the text. The response easily meets the length requirement with well-developed ideas, earning a solid band score.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 8.0

The letter exhibits clear logical organisation and a natural progression throughout. Ideas are logically sequenced, moving smoothly from the opening statement of purpose to the explanation of the cancellation, followed by alternative inquiries, and finally a polite closing. Paragraphing is used sufficiently and appropriately, with each paragraph dedicated to a distinct aspect of the communication. Cohesive devices such as 'Although', 'In particular', and referencing pronouns ('this course', 'my existing booking') are managed effectively and unobtrusively, ensuring the letter is easy to follow and read.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.5

The candidate demonstrates a sufficient and natural range of vocabulary suitable for a formal administrative request. Words and phrases such as 'request the cancellation', 'practical knowledge', 'conflict with the course schedule', and 'transferred to another course' are used accurately and with good control. There is an attempt at less common lexical items related to education and employment contexts. Spelling and word choice are accurate throughout, and communication is completely unimpeded, reflecting a secure command of vocabulary.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 8.0

The writing features a wide range of grammatical structures, successfully blending simple and complex sentences. Complex structures are handled with good control, seen in sentences such as 'I am writing to request the cancellation of my booking for the part-time Web Development course, which I recently enrolled in at your college.' and 'Could you please let me know whether there are any part-time courses with evening or weekend classes?'. The vast majority of sentences are error-free, and punctuation is handled accurately throughout the letter, demonstrating strong command over grammar.

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

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