Band 5.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.0 · Cambridge IELTS 19 · 2026-08-13
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 5.0)
Hello boss,
Hope you doing well,
actually I am going to continue my study thats why I want to reduce my working hours so that I can focus on my study and my workbecause if I am doing lots of work it make difficult time to do my study material because in my course there are lots of written stuff and having exams after every week.
On the other hand, I have classes in the morning to till afternoon so in my view the evening time would be good for me because after my class I can do 5 to 6 hours in a week to make me finacial dependent.
In the last ,everybody knows I am giving good coustomer service so If i can you evenings I can you my work very well which take company in profits. So it's not a problem for the company's growth the part time study give me time to do my part time job as well.
Hope you will understand my situation
Dear Neelam Rani,
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 5.5 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 5.0 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.0 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.0 |
| Overall | 5.0 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5
The letter addresses all three bullet points: the reason for the request, the preferred hours, and the benefits to the employer. However, the development of these points is quite limited and lacks professional tone. The explanation for the study is vague, and the argument regarding how the company benefits from your studies is underdeveloped and slightly confusing. To improve, you should provide more specific details about the course and clearly articulate how the new skills gained will add value to your current role. The tone is also too informal for a letter to a boss, which affects the overall task fulfillment.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.0
The letter is divided into paragraphs, which is a positive step, but the internal structure is weak. There is a lack of logical progression between sentences, and the use of cohesive devices is very limited. Phrases like 'In the last' are used incorrectly to introduce a concluding point. Additionally, the referencing is sometimes unclear, making it difficult for the reader to follow the flow of your argument. To improve, use a wider range of linking words such as 'furthermore', 'consequently', or 'in addition' to connect your ideas more smoothly and professionally.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.0
The vocabulary is quite basic and repetitive, relying on simple words like 'good', 'work', and 'study'. There are several instances of awkward phrasing and incorrect word choices, such as 'finacial dependent' instead of 'financially independent' and 'take company in profits' instead of 'increase company profits'. The spelling of 'coustomer' is also incorrect. To reach a higher band, you need to expand your range of vocabulary to include more precise, professional terms related to employment and academic study, and pay closer attention to word formation and spelling.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0
The letter contains frequent grammatical errors that occasionally impede communication. There are issues with subject-verb agreement, such as 'it make difficult time', and missing articles or prepositions throughout the text. Sentence structures are mostly simple, and there is a lack of complex sentence forms. Punctuation is also inconsistent, particularly with the use of commas and the lack of full stops. To improve, focus on mastering basic sentence construction, ensuring subject-verb agreement, and practicing the use of complex sentences to demonstrate a wider range of grammatical control.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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