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 Patrick,

I am writing this letter to let you know about that I want to cut my full time hours as I am taking admission to school in construction engineering program. As you know I am working in your west end store as a sales supervisor.

Firstly, as I have already discussed my scenario that I want to build my career as a tradesperson. So, I had taken a construction technician program in Saint Clair college starting this fall 2026.

So, preferably I would like to work in the evening shifts starting from 5:00 pm till 9:00 pm. Moreover, I can work 4 shifts in a week. I will let you know as I will get the proper schedule from my school.

Lastly, this program will enhance my abilities to work and I can properly train my team. To illustrate, I am getting proper training for each and every equipment from school which we sell in our store. In addition, I am aware of every machinery procedure, so in a team we can boost our annual sales.

I am hoping for a prompt and positive reply.

Your Sincerely,

John.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.0

The letter successfully addresses all three bullet points required by the prompt. You clearly explain the reason for the request (construction engineering studies), specify the desired hours (5:00 pm to 9:00 pm, four shifts a week), and provide a logical benefit to the employer (enhanced product knowledge and team training). The tone is appropriate for a formal request to a supervisor. To reach a higher band, ensure that the connection between your studies and the store's benefit is more explicitly detailed, perhaps by mentioning how your technical knowledge will specifically improve customer service or technical support in the store.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5

The letter is logically organized with a clear introduction, body paragraphs for each requirement, and a formal closing. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate distinct ideas. You use some cohesive devices such as 'Firstly', 'Moreover', and 'To illustrate' to guide the reader. However, the flow is occasionally interrupted by slightly awkward phrasing, such as the transition 'So, preferably I would like to work'. Improving the variety of linking words and ensuring smoother transitions between sentences would enhance the overall flow and coherence of the letter.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

You demonstrate an adequate range of vocabulary for the task, such as 'tradesperson', 'construction technician program', and 'machinery procedure'. However, there are some inaccuracies in word choice and collocation, such as 'taking admission to school' (should be 'enrolling in a program') and 'each and every equipment' (equipment is uncountable; 'each piece of equipment' is more accurate). While these errors do not impede communication, they limit the precision of your writing. Expanding your vocabulary to include more professional collocations would help elevate your score.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.0

You use a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. There are several grammatical errors, such as 'about that I want to cut' (unnecessary 'that'), 'I had taken' (should be 'I will be taking' or 'I have enrolled in'), and 'Your Sincerely' (should be 'Yours sincerely'). Additionally, there are minor punctuation and article usage issues throughout. While these errors are noticeable, they do not prevent the reader from understanding your request. To improve, focus on subject-verb agreement and the correct use of verb tenses when discussing future plans.

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

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