Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.5 · Cambridge IELTS 19 · 2026-08-04

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 Mr. Thompson,

I am writing to formally request a reduction in my working hours, from full-time to part-time schedule, in order to pursue a part-time master's degree in Master of Commerce, which commence next month.

Specifically, I would like to propose working from 8am to 1pm Monday through friday, totalling 25 hours per week. This schedule would allow me to attend my afternoon classes and labs while I am present during our core morning meeting hours.

I am confident that this arrangement would not only benefit my personal development but also bring significant value to our team. The advanced analytical skills and new software proficiencies I will gain are directly applicable to our current reporting system

I am happy to discuss a transition plan and ensure my current projects are handed over smoothly. I hope you will consider my request.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5

You have addressed all three bullet points of the task: explaining the reason for the request, specifying the desired hours, and describing the benefits to the employer. The tone is appropriate for a formal letter. However, the response is 141 words, which falls short of the 150-word minimum requirement. This under-length impacts the development of your ideas, as the explanation of benefits could have been expanded further to demonstrate a more professional and persuasive approach. To improve, ensure you meet the minimum word count by elaborating on your points.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.0

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. You use basic cohesive devices such as 'Specifically' and 'not only... but also' to link ideas. However, the transitions between sentences could be more sophisticated to improve the flow. The paragraphing is appropriate for a formal letter, and the overall structure is clear and easy to follow.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.5

You demonstrate an adequate range of vocabulary for the task, using terms like 'formally request,' 'pursue,' 'analytical skills,' and 'proficiencies.' There are no significant errors in word choice that impede communication. However, the vocabulary is somewhat functional and lacks the variety of less common lexical items that would push the score into the higher bands. To improve, try to incorporate more precise collocations or academic vocabulary related to professional development and workplace negotiations.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.5

You use a mix of simple and complex sentence structures effectively. For example, the sentence 'I am confident that this arrangement would not only benefit my personal development but also bring significant value to our team' is well-constructed. There are a few minor grammatical slips, such as 'which commence' (should be 'commences') and 'Monday through friday' (should be capitalized). Despite these, your control of grammar is generally good, and the errors do not cause any confusion for the reader.

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

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