Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.5 · Cambridge IELTS 19 · 2026-08-18

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 6.5)

Dear boss,

I hope you are doing well. I am writing to let you know that I am enrolling in a course and I will be studying part time. I am afraid that since I will be studying part time as well as working, I will not be able to work the hours that I am currently working. I may have to reduce my working hours in order to focus on my studies.

My classes are going to be in the morning between 8 AM till 2 PM in the afternoon. I would be available to work after 3 PM till 9 PM at night. Since I have to wake up the next day early in the morning, I can not work till late night.

The course that I have taken is regarding management and hopefully I would have more knowledge about the business management once I complete my course which would eventually benefit you as well to have me in your team.

Thank you for your consideration.

Regards,

Jenir

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.0

The letter successfully addresses all three bullet points required by the prompt. You clearly explain the reason for the request (enrolling in a course), specify the desired working hours (3 PM to 9 PM), and describe the benefits to the employer (gaining knowledge in business management). The tone is appropriate for a formal letter to a supervisor. To reach a higher band, you could provide more specific detail on how the management course will directly translate into improved performance in your current role, rather than just stating it would be beneficial. Overall, the purpose of the letter is clear and the requirements are fully met.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.0

The letter is logically organized with a clear introduction, body paragraphs for each requirement, and a polite closing. Each paragraph focuses on a specific aspect of the task, which aids readability. You use basic cohesive devices such as 'since', 'in order to', and 'hopefully' to link ideas. However, the flow could be improved by using a wider variety of linking words and transition phrases to connect sentences more smoothly. For instance, the transition between the explanation of hours and the benefit to the employer is a bit abrupt. The paragraphing is appropriate for a formal letter.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

The vocabulary is adequate for the task and conveys your meaning clearly. You use relevant terms such as 'enrolling', 'business management', and 'consideration'. However, the range is somewhat limited and relies on fairly simple phrasing. For example, 'I am afraid that' and 'I have taken' are functional but basic. To improve, try to incorporate more precise collocations and professional vocabulary related to workplace requests. For instance, instead of saying 'I would have more knowledge', you could use 'I will acquire advanced skills' or 'I will gain professional insights'.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.5

You demonstrate a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. While the meaning is always clear, there are some minor grammatical errors and awkward phrasings. For example, '8 AM till 2 PM in the afternoon' is redundant, and 'till late night' should be 'until late at night'. Additionally, 'the course that I have taken is regarding management' is slightly unnatural; 'the course I am undertaking focuses on management' would be more precise. Despite these slips, your control of grammar is generally good, and the errors do not impede communication or cause confusion for the reader.

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

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