Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.0 · 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 6.0)

Dear Boss,

I am writing to discuss about the possibility of reducing the working hours in order to complete my part time education.

As you are aware that I am pursuing a licensed course and currently I am at the end of the semester. My main exams is only 3 weeks away and I am required to study at least four to five hours per day. As I am working full time with you, its hard to concentrate on my education which is very competitive.

I would like to request reduced hours for this month from full time to part time hours. So that I have more time to concentrate on my study and do better in the exam.

As per the job description, you were looking for a candidate who is working towards the licensing and it was considered as an asset. ISo have been working really hard to get this certification. Kindly allow me to work part time so it will not affect the work as well.

Thank you so much for your help.

Your faithfully,

Surya Dulawat

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.0

The letter addresses all three bullet points: the reason for the request, the specific hours desired, and the benefit to the employer. However, the development of these points is somewhat thin. While you mention the need to study, the specific hours you would like to work are not clearly defined (you only state 'part time hours' rather than specific days or times). The benefit to the employer is mentioned, but it could be expanded further to explain how the certification will specifically improve your performance or value to the company. To reach a higher band, ensure that all instructions are addressed with specific details rather than general statements.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.0

The letter follows a logical structure with a clear opening and closing. Paragraphing is used to separate the introduction, the explanation, and the request. However, the use of cohesive devices is somewhat mechanical and repetitive. For example, the transition 'So that' at the start of a sentence is grammatically weak and informal. Additionally, the flow between the second and third paragraphs could be smoother. Using a wider variety of linking words such as 'consequently,' 'furthermore,' or 'in light of this' would improve the overall cohesion and help the reader follow your argument more effectively.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

The vocabulary is adequate for the task but lacks variety and precision. You rely on basic phrasing such as 'discuss about' (which is grammatically incorrect) and 'working hard.' There are some attempts at topic-specific vocabulary like 'licensing' and 'certification,' which is positive. However, the tone is slightly inconsistent; 'Dear Boss' is quite informal for a formal request letter. To improve, focus on using more professional collocations and avoiding redundant phrases. Expanding your range of vocabulary will allow you to express your needs with greater clarity and a more appropriate professional tone.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5

There are several grammatical errors that occur throughout the text. For instance, 'discuss about' is incorrect (it should be 'discuss the possibility'), and 'My main exams is' contains a subject-verb agreement error. You also use 'its' instead of 'it's' and have a typo with 'ISo'. While you attempt some complex sentence structures, the frequency of these errors is noticeable. To improve, focus on subject-verb agreement and the correct use of apostrophes. Proofreading for these small but frequent slips will significantly enhance the accuracy of your writing and help you achieve a higher band score.

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

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