Band 8.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 8.0 · Cambridge IELTS 19 · 2026-08-15

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 Tony Stark,

I am writing to request a reduction in my working hours so that I can pursue my further part-time studies in business management. This course will help me improve my professional skills and also contribute more effectively to the company.

I would be grateful if I could work Monday to Thursday from 9:00am to 4:00pm. This schedule would give me enough time to attend my classes on Fridays and Saturdays and prepare my assignments. In addition, I will ensure that my reduced working hours do not affect my performance or overall workflow of the team.

This course will also be beneficial for the company because it will help me develop better management, communication and problem-solving skills. Moreover, modules such as Excel and Finance will improve my ability to handle business related tasks more efficiently, which will contribute to the company's overall growth and productivity.

I would be grateful if you could consider my request. I am confident that this arrangement would be beneficial for both my studies and work responsibilities.

Yours faithfully,

Spiderman

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 reason for the request (pursuing part-time studies), specify the desired working hours (Monday to Thursday, 9:00am to 4:00pm), and provide a logical explanation of how the employer will benefit from your new skills. The tone is appropriate for a formal business letter, and the purpose is clear from the outset. The ideas are well-developed and relevant, showing a good understanding of the task requirements.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 8.0

The letter is well-organized with a clear logical progression. Each paragraph has a distinct focus, and the transition between the request, the schedule, and the benefits is smooth. You use a variety of cohesive devices effectively, such as 'In addition', 'Moreover', and 'This course will also be'. The paragraphing is appropriate, and the letter follows a standard formal structure. The flow of information is natural and easy to follow throughout the response.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.5

You demonstrate a good range of vocabulary suitable for a formal professional context. Phrases like 'pursue my further part-time studies', 'contribute more effectively', and 'overall growth and productivity' are used accurately. There is a good level of precision in your word choice, and you avoid repetition. While the vocabulary is functional and accurate, it could be slightly more sophisticated to reach the highest band, but it is certainly sufficient for a high-level score.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 8.0

The grammar is highly accurate with a good mix of simple and complex sentence structures. You use modal verbs correctly ('would be grateful', 'could work') and maintain consistent tense usage. Punctuation is used correctly throughout the letter. There are no significant grammatical errors that impede communication, and the majority of your sentences are error-free. The control over complex structures is consistent, reflecting a high level of proficiency.

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

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