Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.5 · 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 7.5)

Dear Sir,

I am writing this letter to request some changes in working hours. I have recently joined a part-time course in the university. Since I have to focus on my studies and complete assignments, I would like to request a reduction in my office hours.

My classes are scheduled from 9 am to 1 pm. Hence I would like to give away my morning shifts. Additionally, I would like to work in the evening shifts which starts at 5 pm. This not only will give me enough time to study but will also give me much needed rest after long lectures.

Would you be kind enough to consider my request? The course I opted in the university will allow me to contribute in our latest robotics project. I will be able to solve complex machine intelligence problems and produce a working prototype . Hence, there is no need for you to hire a resource for this position. This will help our company to save the salary for an extra employee.

Hoping to hear back soon.

Yours faithfully,

Achin Pal

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 (part-time studies), specified the desired working hours (evening shifts starting at 5 pm), and provided a persuasive argument regarding how your studies in robotics would benefit the employer. The tone is appropriate for a formal letter to a supervisor. The ideas are well-developed and relevant, ensuring the reader understands both your needs and the value you continue to bring to the company. The letter is well-structured and fulfills the requirements of the task effectively.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5

The letter is logically organized with a clear introduction, body paragraphs, and a formal closing. Each paragraph focuses on a specific aspect of the request, which aids readability. You have used cohesive devices such as 'Additionally', 'Hence', and 'This not only will' to connect your ideas. While the flow is generally smooth, the transition between the second and third paragraphs could be slightly more refined to improve the overall cohesion. However, the paragraphing is appropriate, and the progression of ideas is easy to follow throughout the response.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.0

You have used a sufficient range of vocabulary to convey your message clearly and professionally. Phrases like 'complex machine intelligence problems' and 'produce a working prototype' demonstrate a good grasp of topic-specific language. There are minor issues with collocation, such as 'opted in the university' (should be 'opted for at the university') and 'give away my morning shifts' (which sounds slightly informal; 'relinquish' or 'request to be excused from' would be more precise). Despite these small inaccuracies, the vocabulary is adequate for the task and does not impede communication.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.0

You demonstrate a good command of grammatical structures, using a mix of simple and complex sentences. Most of your sentences are error-free, and the meaning is always clear. There are a few minor slips, such as 'This not only will give me' (should be 'This will not only give me') and 'save the salary for an extra employee' (which is slightly unnatural; 'save on the cost of hiring an additional employee' would be better). Punctuation is generally accurate, and the overall control of grammar is strong enough to support clear communication.

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

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