Band 7.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.0 · 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 7.0)

Dear Manager,

I am writing this letter to request a reduction in my working hours because I want to focus on my studies with the job. I believe education will help to increase my knowledge and is also helpful for my work.

At a time, I am available for full-time, but I would like to work 25 hours as a part-time worker, and my time will be from 8 am till 2 pm. I would prefer Monday to Friday because this time would help me to arrange my assignments and classes in the afternoon.

Apart from this, this education will benefit the companies' progress and well-being. The course will improve my communication skills, problem-solving skills, and organizing skills, which I could apply to my current position. In addition, I would be available to develop new ideas and knowledge for my workplace.

I would be grateful if you could consider my request. I am happy to discuss the proposed schedule and make any necessary adjustments to ensure that my reduced hours do not negatively affect the team.

Your sincerly,

Sweta Maisuriya.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.0

You have successfully addressed all three bullet points in the prompt. You clearly explained the reason for your request (to study), specified the desired hours (25 hours, 8 am to 2 pm), and articulated the benefits to your employer (improved communication and problem-solving skills). The tone is appropriate for a formal letter to a manager. To reach a higher band, you could provide slightly more detail regarding the specific course of study to make your argument more persuasive and fully developed.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5

The letter is logically organized with a clear introduction, body paragraphs, and a closing. You use cohesive devices such as 'Apart from this', 'In addition', and 'because' to link your ideas. The paragraphing is appropriate, with each paragraph focusing on a distinct aspect of the request. The progression of ideas is smooth, and the letter is easy to follow throughout. To improve, ensure that your transitions between sentences feel slightly more natural rather than relying on standard linking phrases.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.5

You demonstrate an adequate range of vocabulary for the task. Phrases like 'reduction in my working hours', 'proposed schedule', and 'negatively affect the team' are used correctly. However, there are some minor inaccuracies, such as 'At a time, I am available for full-time' (which is slightly unnatural) and 'benefit the companies' progress' (where 'company's' would be more precise). Incorporating more precise collocations would help elevate your score.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.5

You use a mix of simple and complex sentence structures effectively. Most of your sentences are clear and grammatically sound. There are a few minor errors, such as 'Your sincerly' (spelling error) and 'with the job' (which should be 'alongside my job'). While these errors do not impede communication, they prevent the writing from being considered completely error-free. Focusing on proofreading for small spelling and prepositional errors will help you achieve a higher band.

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

Browse more IELTS Writing model answers or get your own writing scored by the same AI examiner.