Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 19 · 2026-08-19

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 5.5)

Dear Sir/ Madam,

I am working in your company. I want to inform you that I have to decrease my working hours due to my study.

As, I am working in food industry for many years now beacuse of less knowledge , I did not saw any Improvement. so I just enrolled in evening classes of food safety course that is a part time course.

However, as I said that I enrolled in evening classes, so I will be unable to work at weekends. I can work on weekdays. due to workload and stress I prefer to worker on weekdays expect Mondays and weekend.

In addition to that, if I would like to talk about benefit of this course, so this course not only helps to enhance my knowledge but also reduce complains related to food safety at our restaurant. As well as I can teach other employees.

dear sincerly

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5

The letter covers all three bullet points: the reason for the request (study), the preferred hours (weekdays), and the benefits to the employer (food safety knowledge). However, the development of these points is quite limited. The explanation of the schedule is confusing, as you mention being unable to work weekends but then state you prefer to work weekdays 'except Mondays and weekend', which contradicts your earlier statement. To improve, ensure your ideas are clearly explained and consistent throughout the letter. The tone is generally appropriate for a formal request, though the closing 'dear sincerly' is incorrect.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5

The letter is organised into paragraphs, which helps the reader follow the structure. However, the use of cohesive devices is often mechanical or inaccurate. For example, 'As, I am working...' and 'In addition to that, if I would like to talk about...' are somewhat clunky. The progression of ideas is occasionally hindered by the confusing explanation of your availability. To improve, focus on using transition words more naturally and ensure that each paragraph has a clear, singular focus that flows logically into the next.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.0

The vocabulary is basic and repetitive, which limits your ability to express your ideas with precision. You rely on simple phrases like 'working in your company' and 'reduce my working hours'. There are also issues with word choice, such as 'did not saw any Improvement' (should be 'have not seen') and 'complains' (should be 'complaints'). To reach a higher band, try to incorporate more specific professional terminology related to your industry and avoid repeating the same words in close proximity.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0

There are frequent grammatical errors throughout the text that occasionally impede clarity. Examples include 'I am working in your company' (should be 'I work'), 'beacuse of less knowledge' (should be 'due to a lack of knowledge'), and 'I prefer to worker' (should be 'I prefer to work'). Punctuation is also inconsistent, particularly with the use of commas and the closing salutation. You rely mostly on simple sentence structures; to improve, try to incorporate more complex sentences with accurate subordinating conjunctions and ensure subject-verb agreement is consistent.

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

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