Band 8.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 8.0 · Cambridge IELTS 19 · 2026-08-21

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 Mr. Smith,

I am writing to request a reduction in my working hours because I would like to begin studying part-time to improve my professional skills and qualifications.

Currently, I work five days a week from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. I would like to reduce my schedule to four days a week, preferably Monday to Thursday, while continuing to work full days. This arrangement would allow me to attend my classes on Fridays and complete my studies without affecting my work responsibilities.

I believe my part-time studies would also benefit the company. The course will help me develop stronger communication, management and problem-solving skills. I would be able to apply this new knowledge to my daily work and potentially take on additional responsibilities in the future. I will also make sure that my current duties are completed properly before my days off.

I would be grateful if you could consider my request. I am happy to discuss the proposed schedule with you and make any necessary adjustments to ensure that the team is not affected.

Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing from you.

Yours sincerely,

Daksh

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 8.0

The response fully addresses all three bullet points of the prompt. You clearly explain the reason for the request (professional development), specify the desired schedule (Monday to Thursday), and articulate the benefits to the employer (improved skills and future contribution). The tone is appropriate for a formal letter to a manager, and the purpose is clear from the outset. The ideas are well-developed and logically presented, ensuring the reader understands both the request and the justification. You have successfully met all requirements of the task.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 8.0

The letter is logically organized with a clear progression of ideas. Each paragraph serves a distinct purpose, moving from the request to the details of the schedule, then to the benefits, and finally to the closing. Cohesive devices such as 'Currently,' 'This arrangement,' and 'In addition' are used effectively to link sentences and ideas. The paragraphing is appropriate for a formal letter, and the flow of information is smooth and easy to follow throughout the text.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.5

You demonstrate a good range of vocabulary appropriate for a professional context. Phrases like 'professional skills and qualifications,' 'proposed schedule,' and 'necessary adjustments' are used accurately. The language is natural and precise, fitting the formal tone required for this task. There are no significant errors in word choice or collocation, and the vocabulary is sufficient to convey your message clearly and professionally. You have maintained a consistent level of formality throughout the letter.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 8.0

The writing is highly accurate, with a variety of sentence structures used correctly. You successfully employ complex sentences, such as 'I am writing to request a reduction in my working hours because I would like to begin studying part-time,' and 'I would be grateful if you could consider my request.' Punctuation is used correctly, and there are no grammatical errors that impede communication. The majority of your sentences are error-free, demonstrating a strong command of English grammar.

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

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