Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.5 · Cambridge IELTS 19 · 2026-08-14

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 7.5)

Dear Ashok,

I am writing to inform you that I got admission as a part-time student in occupational health and safety specialist diploma program offered by Alberta University. The course duration is six months, starting from the first week of September.

I am mainly writing this letter to request you to modify my working hours from full-time to part-time during the course period. The classes will be three days in a week and I can work four instead five days.

To be precise, I'll be available to work only on Monday and Tuesday during weekdays and all the weekends. In addition, I can work whenever there are no classes, and on all the statutory holidays as per company's business requirements.

This course will contribute largely in my current role as a compliance lead, which consist of both practical and theoretical aspect of associate health and safety in the province. I am sure that this course will help me to ensure that we all work in a safe and secure environment. Therefore, I request you to kindly approve my request for modified shifts until the course ends.

Thank you for your prompt attention to this matter and I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Best Regards

Gokul

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 8.0

You have successfully addressed all three bullet points in the prompt. You clearly explained the reason for your request (the diploma program), specified the desired working hours (Monday/Tuesday and weekends), and articulated the benefits to your employer (improving compliance and safety). The tone is professional and appropriate for a formal letter to a supervisor. The ideas are well-developed and the purpose of the letter is clear from the beginning. You have maintained a consistent focus on the task requirements throughout the response, ensuring the reader understands both your needs and the value you bring to the company.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 8.0

The letter is logically organized with a clear introduction, body paragraphs, and a professional closing. Each paragraph focuses on a specific aspect of the request, which helps the reader follow your argument easily. You use cohesive devices such as 'To be precise,' 'In addition,' and 'Therefore' to link your ideas effectively. The progression of information is smooth, moving from the reason for the request to the specific schedule and finally to the benefits for the employer. The paragraphing is appropriate for a formal letter, and the overall structure is coherent and easy to navigate.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.0

You demonstrate a good range of vocabulary appropriate for a professional context, such as 'occupational health and safety,' 'statutory holidays,' and 'compliance lead.' There is a clear attempt to use topic-specific terminology, which enhances the professional tone. While most word choices are accurate, there are minor instances where phrasing could be more natural, such as 'associate health and safety' (likely meaning 'occupational' or 'workplace'). Overall, the vocabulary is sufficient to convey your meaning with precision and flexibility, and you avoid repetitive language throughout the letter.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.5

You use a mix of simple and complex sentence structures effectively. Most of your sentences are error-free, and the grammar is generally accurate. There are a few minor slips, such as 'three days in a week' (should be 'three days a week') and 'four instead five days' (missing 'of'). However, these errors are infrequent and do not impede communication. Your control over punctuation and sentence construction is strong, and you demonstrate the ability to use complex structures to explain your reasoning clearly. The majority of the text is grammatically sound.

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

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