Band 8.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 8.0 · Cambridge IELTS 19 · 2026-07-25

IELTS Writing Task 1 question

You would like to reduce your working hours in order to study part time.

Write a letter to your boss. In your letter

• explain why you want to reduce your working hours
• say which hours you would like to work
• describe how your part-time studies would benefit your employer

You do NOT need to write any addresses.

Begin your letter as follows:

Dear ....................................,

Student answer (Band 8.0)

Dear Chantale,

I am writing to request the reduction in my working hours so that I can pursue my part-time studies.

As you know, I am working at the daycare for the past two years and have thoroughly enjoyed a part of the team. Recently, I enrolled in a part-time early childhood education course to enhance my professional knowledge and develop new skills. Since, my classes are scheduled in the evenings, I would appreciate the opportunity to reduce my working hours.

If possible, I would like to work from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., Monday to Friday, instead of my current full-time schedule. I will ensure that all my responsibilities are completed before leaving and will assist in handling over any reaming tasks to my colleagues.

I believe that the knowledge and practical skills I gain from this course will enable me to contribute more effectively to the daycare by applying updated teaching methods.

Thankyou for you to considering my request. I look forward to your positive response.

Your Sincerely,

Divya.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 8.5

You have successfully addressed all three bullet points in the prompt. You clearly explained the reason for your request (pursuing part-time studies), specified the desired working hours (9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., Monday to Friday), and described the benefits to your employer (applying updated teaching methods). The tone is appropriate for a formal letter to a manager. The ideas are relevant and well-developed, ensuring the reader understands your situation and the value you bring to the daycare. The letter is well-structured and follows the conventions of a formal request.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 8.5

The letter is logically organized with a clear progression of ideas. Each paragraph serves a distinct purpose, moving from the request to the details of the schedule, and finally to the benefits for the employer. You have used cohesive devices such as 'Since', 'If possible', and 'I believe that' to link your thoughts effectively. The paragraphing is appropriate for a formal letter. The flow of information is smooth, and the reader can easily follow your argument without any confusion. The structure is coherent and professional throughout.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.5

You demonstrate a good range of vocabulary suitable for a professional context, such as 'pursue', 'enhance', 'professional knowledge', and 'contribute more effectively'. While the vocabulary is generally accurate and natural, there are a few minor slips, such as 'handling over' (should be 'handing over') and 'reaming' (likely a typo for 'remaining'). Despite these minor errors, the vocabulary is sufficient to convey your meaning clearly and professionally. You have successfully used topic-specific language related to your workplace and education.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.0

You use a mix of simple and complex sentence structures effectively. However, there are some grammatical inaccuracies that slightly affect the flow. For example, 'I am working at the daycare for the past two years' should be 'I have been working', and 'Thankyou for you to considering' contains redundant prepositions and incorrect verb forms. Additionally, 'Since, my classes are scheduled' has an unnecessary comma. While these errors are noticeable, they do not impede communication, and your overall control of grammar is solid for this level.

Browse more IELTS Writing model answers or get your own writing scored by the same AI examiner.