Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.5 · Cambridge IELTS 19 · 2026-07-28

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 7.5)

Dear Sir or Madam,

I hope you are doing great. I am writing this letter to request a reduction in my working hours to study part-time.

Firstly, right now I am studying part-time at Niagara Falls University, and I have to complete my assignments on time. In addition, I am unable to give time to my family, and I can't balance my work and study at the same time. Therefore, I would like to reduce my working hours.

Moreover, my classes are from Monday to Wednesday, so that I can work a full day on Thursday and Friday. Thus, I can complete my assignments on time. Furthermore, I can also spend some time with my parents on weekends.

I would like to describe that I have started the Master of Management course at Niagara Falls University, and this course will be in high demand in the future. So, it will be very beneficial for the company in the future. I could improve numerous skills from this course such as time management, leadership skills, communication skills and so on.

Thank you for your consideration. I request that you will accept my working hours and understand my situation.

Best regards,

Dhruv Soni

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.5

The letter covers all three bullet points required by the prompt. You clearly explain the need for a reduction in hours, specify the preferred schedule (Thursday and Friday), and explain the benefits to the employer through the acquisition of management skills. The tone is appropriate for a formal request to a boss. To improve, you could provide more specific details regarding how the Master of Management course directly applies to your current role, which would strengthen the persuasive element of your letter. Overall, the response is well-structured and addresses the task requirements effectively.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5

The letter is logically organized with clear paragraphing. Each paragraph focuses on a specific aspect of the prompt, which helps the reader follow your argument. You use a variety of cohesive devices such as 'Firstly', 'In addition', 'Moreover', and 'Furthermore'. While some of these transitions are slightly repetitive or mechanical, they successfully link your ideas. The progression of information is logical, moving from the problem to the proposed solution and finally the benefits. To reach a higher band, try to vary your linking words to avoid a formulaic structure.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.0

You demonstrate an adequate range of vocabulary for the task. Phrases like 'reduction in my working hours', 'complete my assignments', and 'beneficial for the company' are accurate and appropriate. There is an attempt to use more specific terminology related to your studies, such as 'Master of Management course'. However, the vocabulary is somewhat functional and lacks the sophistication or 'less common' items that would push the score into the 8.0 range. The word choice is generally precise, and there are no errors that impede communication.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.0

You use a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. Most sentences are clear and grammatically sound. There are a few minor issues, such as 'I request that you will accept my working hours', which is slightly unnatural; 'I request that you accept' or 'I hope you will consider' would be more standard. Additionally, 'I would like to describe that I have started' is a bit wordy; 'I would like to inform you that I have started' would be more precise. Despite these minor slips, your control over grammar is good, and your meaning is always clear.

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