Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 19 · 2026-08-06

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 5.5)

Dear Manager,

I am writting this letter to inform you that from the next week I am working only 18 hours per week. Because from the next week I am starting to study part time.

By reducing working hours can benifits me in certain ways such as, I can focus on my study very well without being tired from work.

I would like to work on Monday and Tuesday 9 hours each day. Working for two days can help me to stay focus on my studies.

If I complete this course with high grades it will also benefit you as well. After successfully passed this course I will be become an Inventory clerk. I know this position will be open after three months in our company. So, If I finish this course there will be a chance to get an Inventory clerk position.

I hope you understand my situation and reuduce my working hours.

Best regards,

Krish

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.0

The letter addresses all three bullet points: the reason for the request, the proposed schedule, and the benefit to the employer. However, the development of these points is somewhat limited. The explanation of how the studies benefit the employer is a bit simplistic, focusing primarily on your personal career advancement rather than specific skills that would immediately add value to the company. To improve, ensure you clearly link your new knowledge to the company's operational needs. The tone is generally appropriate for a formal request, though it lacks the professional polish expected in a business context.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.0

The letter is organized into logical paragraphs, which helps the reader follow your request. However, the use of cohesive devices is quite basic and sometimes repetitive. For example, the transition 'By reducing working hours can benifits me' is grammatically awkward and lacks a smooth connection to the previous sentence. The use of linking words is limited, making the flow feel somewhat mechanical. To reach a higher band, try to use a wider variety of cohesive devices such as 'consequently,' 'furthermore,' or 'in addition to this' to connect your ideas more fluidly.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.5

The vocabulary is sufficient to convey your message, but it is quite limited and contains several spelling errors, such as 'writting' instead of 'writing' and 'benifits' instead of 'benefits'. There is also a lack of variety in word choice, with the word 'work' and 'study' repeated frequently. To improve, try to incorporate more professional vocabulary related to business requests, such as 'propose,' 'arrangement,' 'professional development,' or 'contribute.' The current range is adequate for basic communication but lacks the precision and flexibility required for higher bands.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0

There are frequent grammatical errors throughout the text that occasionally impede clarity. Examples include 'I am writting,' 'from the next week I am working,' and 'After successfully passed this course I will be become.' These errors indicate a struggle with verb tenses and sentence structure. While you attempt to use complex sentences, they are often marred by these inaccuracies. To improve, focus on mastering basic subject-verb agreement and consistent tense usage. Proofreading for common errors like 'I will be become' (which should be 'I will become') would significantly improve the accuracy of your writing.

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

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