Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.5 · Cambridge IELTS 19 · 2026-08-09

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. Mark,

I am writing to request for reduction in my working hours. This is to enable me focus more on my part time study.

Basically, I got admission to upgrade my career by studying in weekend program. But I have been having difficulty combining my study with work due to the long shift I work.

Based on this, I would love my hourly duty minimized so that I can concentrate better in my studies in order to perform well.

Additionally, I would want my duty to be 8hours evening shift, with this I can attend classes in the morning, resume work in the evening and do self study at night.

Furthermore, after my study I would implement all I have learnt from school in discharge of my duties to the company. I would be the computer engineeiar the company has been looking for.

I would be glad if my request is given due consideration. I look forward to hearing from you.

Yours faithfully,

Chinyere Ugwualu

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.5

The letter addresses all three bullet points required by the prompt. You clearly explain the need for reduced hours, specify the desired shift, and outline the benefits to your employer. The tone is appropriate for a formal request to a supervisor. However, the development of ideas is somewhat basic. For instance, while you mention that you will implement what you have learned, providing a more specific example of how your new skills would directly improve company operations would have strengthened the response. Overall, the purpose of the letter is clear and the requirements are met.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5

The letter is logically organized, with each paragraph focusing on a specific requirement of the task. You use basic cohesive devices such as 'Additionally' and 'Furthermore' to transition between ideas. However, the flow is occasionally hindered by short, somewhat choppy sentences. The paragraphing is appropriate for a formal letter, and the progression of ideas is easy to follow. To improve, try to vary your sentence structure and use a wider range of linking words to connect your thoughts more fluidly rather than relying on simple sentence-by-sentence progression.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

You demonstrate an adequate range of vocabulary for the task, using terms like 'implement', 'discharge of my duties', and 'due consideration'. There are some minor errors in word choice and spelling, such as 'computer engineeiar' (engineer) and 'hourly duty minimized' (which sounds slightly unnatural; 'working hours reduced' would be better). While the vocabulary is sufficient to convey your meaning clearly, it lacks the precision and sophistication required for higher band scores. Focus on using more natural collocations and ensuring accurate spelling of professional terminology.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.0

You use a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, such as 'I am writing to request...' and 'I would be glad if my request is given due consideration.' There are several grammatical errors, including 'enable me focus' (should be 'enable me to focus'), 'studying in weekend program' (should be 'a weekend program'), and 'with this I can' (a comma splice; should be 'and with this, I can'). While these errors do not impede communication, they occur frequently enough to prevent a higher score. Focus on subject-verb agreement and the correct use of infinitives.

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

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