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 Mr. Smith,

I am writing to request if you could please reduce my working hours. I am planning to pursue a master's degree in computer science.

This is a two-year program that will commence in September. In order to manage my academic workload, I wanted to request flexibility and a less hectic work schedule.

Currently, my work hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. from Monday to Friday. However, since my classes will be in the evening, I would be available only till 2 p.m. on weekdays. This schedule would allow me to balance both work and school efficiently.

Moreover, this program would not only allow me to fulfill my personal endeavours but also hone my technical skills to contribute more meaningfully to the upcoming projects. I assure you that I will remain fully committed to my work responsibilities and continue to work with same dedication and honesty. I

will appreciate your support and guidance.

Thank you.

Yours sincerely,

Sarah Makkar

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 8.5

The letter successfully addresses all three bullet points required by the prompt. You clearly explain the reason for the request (pursuing a master's degree), specify the desired working hours (until 2 p.m.), and articulate the benefits to the employer (honing technical skills for upcoming projects). The tone is appropriate for a formal request to a manager, and the purpose of the letter is clear from the outset. The ideas are well-developed and relevant, providing a logical justification for the request. You have fully satisfied the requirements of the task.

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 schedule details and finally to the benefits for the company. Cohesive devices such as 'Moreover', 'However', and 'In order to' are used effectively to link sentences and ideas. The paragraphing is appropriate, and the overall structure is easy to follow. The flow of information is smooth, and the letter maintains a professional tone throughout, which is essential for this type of correspondence.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.5

You demonstrate a good range of vocabulary appropriate for a formal business letter. Phrases like 'pursue a master's degree', 'manage my academic workload', and 'contribute more meaningfully' show a solid command of language. While the vocabulary is functional and accurate, it could be further elevated to reach a higher band by incorporating more sophisticated collocations or less common lexical items. There are no significant spelling or word-choice errors, and the language used is natural and precise enough to convey your message clearly.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 8.0

The letter displays a good mix of simple and complex sentence structures. You use complex sentences effectively, such as 'Moreover, this program would not only allow me to fulfill my personal endeavours but also hone my technical skills...'. Grammar and punctuation are generally accurate, with only minor slips, such as the slightly awkward phrasing in the opening sentence ('I am writing to request if you could please...'). Most sentences are error-free, and your control over tense and modal verbs is consistent throughout the text.

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