Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.5 · Cambridge IELTS 19 · 2026-07-29

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 Mr Linus,

I am writing to request for a reduction in my working hours in order for me to study part time. I just got an admission to study optometry in the university of ibadan and as you know it is a tedious course that needs both practical and theory aspect.

I have discussed with my lecturer and he has granted an exemption period of Thursdays and Saturdays. However, I would like like to work Thursdays only for 10 hours (between 7am - 5pm) because the organisation do not function on weekends.

Futhermore, studying this course will a great advantage to the company because the hospital is in dire need of an optometrist. I noticed the eye clinic hasn't been functioning for quite awhile. Also it will help in future investment by securing that position as I will be capable of running the clinic.

Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward for your prompt response.

Yours Sincerely

Signature

Ajawara chidimma

AI examiner evaluation

CriterionBand
Task Achievement / Task Response8.0
Coherence and Cohesion7.5
Lexical Resource7.0
Grammatical Range and Accuracy7.0
Overall7.5

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 8.0

The letter successfully addresses all three bullet points of the prompt. You clearly explain the reason for the request (studying optometry), specify the desired working hours (Thursdays, 7am-5pm), and articulate the benefits to the employer (reviving the eye clinic). The tone is appropriate for a formal request to a manager. To reach a higher band, ensure that the explanation of the benefits is slightly more detailed; for instance, you could elaborate on how your new skills will specifically increase the clinic's revenue or patient satisfaction. Overall, the task is fully accomplished.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5

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 some cohesive devices such as 'However', 'Furthermore', and 'Also' to link ideas. To improve, try to vary your transition words further and ensure that the flow between sentences is smoother. For example, the transition to the benefits section could be more sophisticated to better connect your personal study goals with the company's needs.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.0

You demonstrate an adequate range of vocabulary for this task, using terms like 'exemption period', 'tedious', and 'dire need'. However, there are some minor inaccuracies in word choice and collocation, such as 'got an admission' (should be 'was admitted' or 'received an offer') and 'functioning for quite awhile' (should be 'functioning for quite a while'). While these do not impede communication, refining these collocations would elevate your score. Focus on using more precise professional terminology to enhance the formal tone of your request.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.0

You use a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, which is appropriate for this task. There are a few grammatical slips, such as 'the organisation do not function' (subject-verb agreement: 'does not') and 'I look forward for your prompt response' (preposition error: 'look forward to'). Additionally, there is a repetition error in 'I would like like to work'. Despite these errors, the meaning is always clear, and the grammar does not hinder the reader's understanding. Increasing your control over subject-verb agreement and prepositional phrases will help you achieve a higher band.

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