Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.5 · Cambridge IELTS 19 · 2026-08-23

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 6.5)

Dear Sir/Madam,

I am writing to request reducing my work hours because I plan to study part time. I have been saving up for two years and using my salary to fund my tuition fee. It is my goal to go back to my studies.

My shift is scheduled every weekday and my schedule for school is in the weekends. If I take the time off every Friday, I can have time to prepare for my classes on the weekends. I have spoken and to another colleague that he can work every Friday to be my replacement. He is already trained to do the operations every Friday. I will set a meeting if this arrangement is suffice for you and the team.

I will still perform my duties and responsibilities despite my work hours decreased. Furthermore, if I can finish my studies I can apply for a higher position in your company. I can be an important asset with my new credentials.

Yours faithfully,

Employee

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.0

The letter addresses all three bullet points of the prompt. You clearly explain the reason for the request, specify the desired hours (Fridays off), and describe the benefits to the employer. The tone is appropriate for a formal request to a manager. To reach a higher band, you could further develop the benefits section by explaining exactly how your studies will help the company, rather than just stating you will be an 'important asset'. Overall, the response is well-focused and meets the requirements of the task.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.0

The letter is logically organized into three distinct paragraphs, each focusing on a specific requirement of the prompt. The progression of ideas is clear, moving from the request to the logistics and finally the benefits. You use some cohesive devices such as 'Furthermore' and 'If I take', though the flow could be improved with more varied transition words. The referencing is generally clear, and the paragraphing is used effectively to separate the different points of your argument.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

You demonstrate an adequate range of vocabulary for the task, such as 'tuition fee', 'credentials', and 'responsibilities'. However, there are some minor inaccuracies in word choice, such as 'if this arrangement is suffice' (should be 'sufficient') and 'work hours decreased' (should be 'work hours are decreased'). While these errors do not impede communication, they limit the score. To improve, try to use more precise collocations and ensure that word forms are used correctly in context.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.0

You use a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. There are several grammatical errors, such as 'I have spoken and to another colleague' (unnecessary 'and'), 'my schedule for school is in the weekends' (should be 'on the weekends'), and 'if this arrangement is suffice' (should be 'is sufficient'). While these errors are noticeable, they do not prevent the reader from understanding your message. To achieve a higher band, focus on subject-verb agreement and ensuring that complex sentences are constructed without minor slips.

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

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