Band 5.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.0 · 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 5.0)

DEAR RESPECTED MANAGER

I WOULD LIKE TO BRING YOUR ATTENTION TOWARDS MY WORKING HOURS AS YOU KNOW I HAVE BEEN WORKING WITH YOUR COMPANY SINCE LAST 3 YEARS AS A PRODUTION WORKER . HOWEVER , FROM NEXT MONTH I WANT TO JOIN TRAINING SCHOOL FOR GETTING MY NEW LISENCE TO ENHANCE MY SKILLS . SO FOR THAT I HAVE TO START MY PART TIME STUDY .

AS NOW I WORK FULL TIME (40 HOURS ) PER WEEK FROM MONDAY TO FRIDAY BUT FROM UPCOMING I WANT TO WORK PART TIME ONLY 20 HOURS A WEEK ON PARTICULAR DAYS (THURSDAY AND FRIDAY ).

I STRONGLY BELIEVE THAT MY THIS PART STUDY WILL DEFINITALY BENIFICIAL IN MY CURRENT WORK TO POLISH MY SKILLS AND WILL MAKE ME MORE PRODUCTIVE AT WORK .

I HOPE YOU WILL UNDERSTAND MY SITUATION AND GIVE ME A CHANCE TO WORK PART TIME IN YOUR COMPANY .

THANK YOU

ARSHDEEP KAUR

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5

The response addresses the task by explaining the desire to reduce working hours for part-time studies and specifies the desired work schedule. However, it lacks a more detailed explanation of how the part-time studies will benefit the employer. This omission restricts the effectiveness of the argument presented, affecting the overall persuasiveness. There are also some language errors and awkward phrasing that detract from clarity. Overall, while most elements are present, the details required for higher scores are insufficient.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.0

The coherence and cohesion of the letter are somewhat hindered by the lack of clear structure and some grammatical errors. Although it flows logically, the response could benefit from clearer paragraphing, such as separating the reasons for reducing hours and details of how studies will benefit the employer and the worker. Phrases such as "from upcoming" and "this part study" could be more clearly articulated. Overall, connection between ideas is present but could be improved for better readability.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.0

The vocabulary used is adequate for conveying the main ideas, but some phrases are repetitive or inaccurate. Terms like "definitaly benefical" and "want to join training school for getting my new lisence" show errors and awkwardness that affect the impression of lexical resource. More varied and precise vocabulary could enhance the writing. Additionally, phrases could be replaced with better synonyms to demonstrate a broader lexical range.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0

Grammatical accuracy is a notable issue in this response. Errors include subject-verb agreement (e.g., 'my this part study will definitaly benefical'), tense inconsistencies, and awkward phrasings that sometimes obscure meaning. While the intent is clear, the frequency of grammatical mistakes impacts the overall effectiveness of communication. Improved sentence structures and grammatical accuracy would significantly enhance the clarity of the letter.

Overall feedback

Your letter addresses the key points required in the task by explaining your motivation to study part-time and outlining your desired working hours. However, you'll improve significantly by providing more specific examples of how your training will benefit the company. Focus on enhancing the clarity of your writing with more structured paragraphs and accurate language to improve your score. Pay particular attention to grammatical errors and strive for more varied vocabulary. Practicing with model letters can help you refine your approach and express your ideas more clearly.

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

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