Band 9.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 9.0 · Cambridge IELTS 19 · 2026-08-08

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 9.0)

Dear Manager,

I am writing to request a reduction in my working hours because I have decided to pursue part-time studies in industrial automation. I believe this course will help me improve my technical knowledge while allowing me to continue contributing to the company.

Ideally, I would like to work from Monday to Friday, from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., instead of my current full-time schedule. I would be happy to discuss a different schedule if these hours are not convenient for the company.

I believe my studies would benefit the company in several ways. The course will help me develop stronger skills in automation, PLC programming, robotics, and troubleshooting. I will be able to apply this new knowledge to my daily responsibilities and potentially identify more efficient ways of operating and maintaining equipment. In addition, I would be able to take on more technical tasks and contribute to improving productivity and reducing equipment downtime.

I understand that reducing my hours may require some adjustments, and I am willing to cooperate to make the transition as smooth as possible.

Thank you for considering my request. I look forward to discussing this matter with you.

Yours sincerely,

[Your Name]

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 9.0

The response fully addresses all three bullet points of the task. You clearly explain the reason for the request (industrial automation studies), specify the desired working hours (Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.), and provide a detailed explanation of how these studies will benefit the employer, specifically mentioning PLC programming and equipment maintenance. The tone is professional and appropriate for a formal letter to a manager. The ideas are well-developed and the purpose of the letter is clear from the outset, meeting all requirements of the prompt effectively.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 9.0

The letter is logically organized with a clear progression of ideas. Each paragraph serves a distinct purpose, moving from the request to the specific details and finally the benefits. Cohesive devices such as 'In addition', 'I understand that', and 'because' are used naturally to link sentences and ideas. The paragraphing is appropriate, and the letter follows a standard formal structure, making it very easy to follow. There is no evidence of mechanical or repetitive use of linking words.

Lexical Resource — Band 8.5

You demonstrate a strong command of vocabulary, using precise and relevant terminology such as 'industrial automation', 'PLC programming', 'troubleshooting', and 'equipment downtime'. The language is natural and fits the professional context perfectly. There are no spelling errors, and the word choices are sophisticated and accurate. The range of vocabulary is sufficient to convey complex ideas clearly and effectively without any noticeable strain or repetition.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 9.0

The writing is highly accurate with a wide range of sentence structures. You successfully use complex sentences, such as 'I am writing to request a reduction in my working hours because I have decided to pursue part-time studies...', and maintain control over verb tenses and modal verbs throughout. Punctuation is used correctly, and there are no grammatical errors that impede communication. The majority of sentences are error-free, reflecting a high level of grammatical control.

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

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