Band 8.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 8.0 · 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 8.0)

Dear boss,

I hope you are doing well. I am writing this letter to inform you that I got enrolled in a part-time course, Business Management. Therefore, I want to make a request to reduce my working days.

I will be always present to contribute in major tasks of the company. However, my classes are scheduled from Monday to Wednesday, so I will not be able to work on these days. Moreover, I will be comfortable working on weekends as per requirements.

My six-month course includes subjects that are relevant to my current role in a company. Once I complete the course, I will give my best for the company's well-being. Additionally, I would be happy to share my knowledge with colleagues and interns.

I would be thankful to you for arranging my shift for four days a week. I will be waiting for your response, and I am happy to provide you with any further information required.

Yours sincerely,

Chashanjot

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 8.5

The letter successfully addresses all three bullet points in the prompt. You clearly explain the reason for the request (enrolling in a Business Management course), specify the desired working hours (four days a week, excluding Monday to Wednesday), and describe the benefits to the employer (applying relevant knowledge and sharing skills with colleagues). The tone is appropriate for a formal letter to a supervisor. The ideas are well-developed and the purpose of the letter is clear from the outset. You have fulfilled all requirements of the task effectively.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 8.5

The letter is logically organized with a clear introduction, body paragraphs, and a closing. Each paragraph focuses on a specific aspect of the prompt, which helps the reader follow your argument easily. You use cohesive devices such as 'Therefore', 'However', 'Moreover', and 'Additionally' to connect your ideas. The progression of information is smooth and natural. The paragraphing is appropriate for a formal letter, and the overall structure supports the message effectively without any confusion.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.5

You demonstrate an adequate range of vocabulary for this task. Phrases like 'contribute in major tasks', 'relevant to my current role', and 'well-being' are used correctly. While the vocabulary is functional and clear, it is somewhat standard. To reach a higher band, you could incorporate more precise or sophisticated collocations, such as 'professional development' or 'mutually beneficial arrangement'. However, the current vocabulary is accurate and conveys your meaning without any errors that impede communication.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.5

Your grammar is generally accurate, and you use a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. For example, 'Once I complete the course, I will give my best...' is a well-constructed complex sentence. There are minor slips, such as 'contribute in major tasks' (should be 'contribute to') and 'in a company' (should be 'in the company'). Despite these occasional errors, the majority of your sentences are error-free, and your meaning is always clear. The punctuation is consistent and correct throughout the letter.

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