Band 8.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 8.0 · 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 8.0)

Dear Sir or Madam,

I am writing to request a reduction in my working hours because I would like to continue my higher education on a part-time basis.

First, I would like to explain my situation. I started working here as a junior manager two years ago. Since then, I have gained considerable experience in my field and have progressed to my current position. However, further promotion requires not only professional experience but also higher education, such as an MBA. For this reason, I would like to continue working for the company as a part-time employee rather than as a full-time employee.

I am considering continuing my higher education in the morning, which would allow me to work during the afternoon. In this way, I would be able to continue both my employment and my studies. I would greatly appreciate it if you could allow me to work reduced hours in the morning. This would greatly help me because it would increase my chances of promotion.

Furthermore, the advanced skills I gain through my education would allow me to apply new knowledge and skills in my job. In addition, this would contribute to the company's growth and profitability.

I would be grateful if you could consider my request as soon as possible. I look forward to your prompt response regarding my request.

Yours sincerely,

Anjali

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 8.0

The letter successfully addresses all three bullet points of the prompt. You clearly explain the motivation for reducing hours (pursuing an MBA), specify the desired schedule (working afternoons), and articulate the benefits to the employer (applying new skills to improve company growth). The tone is professional and appropriate for a formal request to a supervisor. The ideas are well-developed and the purpose of the letter is clear from the outset. You have maintained a consistent and formal register throughout, which is essential for this task type.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 8.0

The letter is logically organized with a clear progression of ideas. Each paragraph focuses on a specific aspect of the request, and the transition between paragraphs is smooth. You make effective use of cohesive devices such as 'For this reason', 'In this way', and 'Furthermore' to link your thoughts. The paragraphing is appropriate, and the overall structure follows a standard formal letter format. The flow of information is natural, making the letter easy to follow and professional in its presentation.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.0

You demonstrate a good range of vocabulary appropriate for a formal business context. Phrases like 'higher education', 'considerable experience', and 'prompt response' are used accurately. While the vocabulary is functional and clear, it is generally standard. To reach a higher band, you could incorporate more sophisticated collocations or nuanced business terminology. However, there are no errors in word choice or spelling that impede communication, and the language used is consistently appropriate for the task.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 8.0

Your grammar is accurate and reliable. You use a variety of sentence structures, including complex sentences such as 'I am writing to request a reduction in my working hours because I would like to continue my higher education on a part-time basis.' The majority of your sentences are error-free, and your control over punctuation and verb tenses is strong. There are no significant grammatical slips, and the clarity of your writing is maintained throughout the letter. The control of complex structures is consistent and effective.

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

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