Band 8.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 8.0 · Cambridge IELTS 19 · 2026-08-16

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 Manager,

I am writing to let you know that I would like to reduce my working hours in the fall because I am going to continue my studies. I will be joining the University of Regina to complete my undergraduate degree, and I believe that completing my remaining education will be beneficial for my future.

My classes will start on 1 September. Therefore, I will need to reduce my working hours and dedicate some time to my studies. The classes will be held on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday mornings. However, I will be available to work during the afternoons on those days, as well as on the other days of the week. I can provide you with my complete availability based on my class schedule.

I believe that my part-time studies will also benefit our company. As we work in an IT firm, it is important for us to stay up to date with technology. During my course, I will learn valuable skills such as troubleshooting, data analysis, and cybersecurity, which could contribute to our company's growth.

I hope you will understand my situation and approve my request to reduce my working hours.

Kind regards,

Moksh

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 8.0

The letter successfully addresses all three bullet points in the prompt. You clearly explain the reason for the request (continuing undergraduate studies), specify the desired working hours (afternoons on Mon/Wed/Fri and full availability on other days), and provide a logical explanation of how your studies will benefit the employer (gaining IT skills like cybersecurity and data analysis). The tone is appropriate for a formal request to a manager, and the purpose of the letter is clear from the outset. All requirements are fully met with well-developed ideas.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 8.0

The letter is well-organized with a logical progression of ideas. Each paragraph has a clear focus, moving from the request to the schedule and finally to the benefits for the company. Cohesive devices such as 'Therefore', 'However', and 'As we work in' are used effectively to link sentences and ideas. The paragraphing is appropriate, and the letter flows smoothly from start to finish, making it very easy to follow.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.0

You demonstrate a good range of vocabulary appropriate for a professional context. Phrases like 'dedicate some time', 'stay up to date', and 'contribute to our company's growth' are used accurately. While the vocabulary is functional and clear, it could be further enhanced by incorporating more sophisticated collocations or less common professional terminology to reach the highest band levels. However, the current range is sufficient to convey your message with precision and naturalness.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 8.0

Your grammar is strong, with a good mix of simple and complex sentence structures. You use modal verbs correctly ('would like', 'will be', 'could contribute') and maintain consistent tense usage. The punctuation is accurate throughout, and there are no significant errors that impede communication. The majority of your sentences are error-free, showing a high level of control over English syntax.

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

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