Band 8.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 8.0 · Cambridge IELTS 19 · 2026-08-22

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 Sir or Madam,

I am writing to request a reduction in my working hours so that I can study part time. I have recently enrolled in a business management course at a local college, which I believe will help me develop valuable skills for my career.

I would like to work from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., Monday to Friday, instead of my current full-time schedule. This arrangement would allow me to attend classes in the evening while continuing to fulfil my responsibilities at work. I would ensure that all my important tasks are completed during my working hours and that my reduced schedule does not affect my performance.

I believe my studies would also benefit the company. The course will improve my management, communication and problem-solving skills, which I could apply to my current role. In the future, this additional knowledge could allow me to take on greater responsibilities and contribute more effectively to company projects.

I would be grateful if you could consider my request. I would be happy to discuss the arrangement and make any necessary adjustments.

Yours faithfully,

Kush

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 8.0

The response fully addresses all three bullet points in the prompt. You clearly explain the reason for the request (enrolling in a business management course), specify the desired working hours (9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.), and provide a logical explanation of how the employer will benefit from your studies. The tone is professional and appropriate for a formal letter to a supervisor. The ideas are well-developed and the purpose of the letter is clear from the outset. 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 focuses on a specific aspect of the request, which makes the letter easy to follow. You use appropriate cohesive devices such as 'instead of', 'this arrangement', and 'in the future' to link your thoughts effectively. The paragraphing is logical, and the transition between the request, the schedule, and the benefits to the company is smooth. The overall structure is coherent and professional.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.5

You demonstrate a good range of vocabulary appropriate for a formal business context. Phrases such as 'fulfil my responsibilities', 'valuable skills', and 'contribute more effectively' show a solid command of language. The word choice is precise and natural throughout the letter. While the vocabulary is accurate and fits the task well, incorporating a few more sophisticated collocations or less common lexical items could elevate the response further toward the highest band.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 8.0

The grammar 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 so that I can study part time' and 'The course will improve my management, communication and problem-solving skills, which I could apply to my current role.' Punctuation is used correctly throughout, and there are no significant grammatical errors that impede communication. The control over tense and modal verbs is excellent.

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

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