Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.5 · Cambridge IELTS 19 · 2026-08-03

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 6.5)

Dear Sir,

I am writing this email requesting to reduce my working hours.

As i mention in the beggining, at the time of interview that, I will be doing my Canadian CPA. I have decided to strart my course from next week.

And for the above reason, i would like to reduce my hours by 8 hours per week. I want to request if, I can work 4 days, that is Monday to thursday 8.00 am to 4 pm.

Furthermore, i would like to mentioned that my course is retaled to my work and would be extremely beneficial in a way that I would be able to work with more clear mind and with confidence. Additionally, the knowledge I would gain will aid me in understanding my role better and inturn will be profitable to the company as a whole

Hoping that you will consider my reuest and grant me the necessary permission.

Thanks & regards

Reshma

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.0

The letter covers all three bullet points required by the prompt. You clearly state the reason for the request (CPA studies), specify the desired working hours (Monday to Thursday, 8 am to 4 pm), and explain the benefits to the employer. The tone is appropriate for a formal request to a manager. To improve, ensure that the explanation of benefits is more specific; while you mention gaining a 'clear mind' and 'confidence', linking the CPA knowledge more directly to specific tasks or projects within your company would strengthen the argument further.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5

The letter is organized into logical paragraphs, which helps the reader follow your request easily. You use some cohesive devices such as 'Furthermore', 'Additionally', and 'in turn' to connect your ideas. However, the paragraphing is slightly fragmented, and some transitions feel a bit mechanical. To reach a higher band, focus on using a wider variety of linking words and ensure that the flow between sentences is smoother. The opening and closing are standard and appropriate for a formal letter.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

You have an adequate range of vocabulary to convey your message clearly. You use relevant terms like 'working hours', 'part-time', and 'beneficial'. However, there are several spelling errors, such as 'beggining', 'strart', 'retaled', and 'reuest'. These errors are noticeable but do not prevent the reader from understanding your intent. To improve, try to incorporate more precise professional vocabulary and ensure you proofread for basic spelling mistakes, as these detract from the professional tone of the letter.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.0

You use a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. While the meaning is generally clear, there are several grammatical inaccuracies, such as 'As i mention' (should be 'As I mentioned'), 'i would like to mentioned' (should be 'I would like to mention'), and 'in turn will be profitable' (should be 'in turn, will be profitable'). Additionally, the use of 'i' instead of the capitalized 'I' is a recurring error. Focusing on subject-verb agreement and consistent capitalization will significantly improve the quality of your writing.

See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.

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