Band 8.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 8.0 · 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 8.0)

Dear Manager,

I am writing to request a reduction in my working hours because I would like to study part-time. I am planning to take a course that will improve my professional skills and knowledge. I believe this course will be useful for my future career.

I would like to work from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., Monday to Friday. These hours would allow me to attend my classes and complete my studies while continuing to work. I will make sure that all my responsibilities are completed properly during my working hours.

My part-time studies would also benefit the company. The course will help me develop new skills and gain useful knowledge related to my work. As a result, I will be able to work more efficiently and contribute more effectively to the team. I may also be able to share my new knowledge with my colleagues.

I hope you will consider my request. I would be happy to discuss a suitable schedule that works well for both the company and me.

Best wishes,

Zeel

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 8.0

The response fully addresses all three bullet points required by the prompt. You clearly explain the reason for the request (professional development), specify the desired working hours (9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.), and provide a logical argument for how the employer will benefit from your studies. 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 relevant, meeting all requirements of the task effectively.

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 prompt, which helps the reader follow your argument easily. You use appropriate paragraphing and basic cohesive devices such as 'As a result' and 'In addition' (implied through structure) to link your points. The flow is natural, and the letter maintains a professional tone throughout. The structure is simple but effective for a formal request letter.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.0

You demonstrate an adequate range of vocabulary for this task. The language is accurate and fits the formal context well. Phrases like 'professional skills', 'contribute more effectively', and 'suitable schedule' are used correctly. While the vocabulary is functional and clear, it lacks a wider range of less common or more sophisticated collocations that would push the score into the higher bands. However, there are no errors in word choice, and the communication is precise and professional.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 8.0

Your grammar is highly accurate, with the majority of sentences being error-free. You use a mix of simple and complex sentence structures effectively, such as 'I am writing to request...' and 'The course will help me develop new skills and gain useful knowledge...'. Punctuation is used correctly throughout. While the range of structures is somewhat limited to standard patterns, the control is consistent, and there are no grammatical errors that impede communication or cause confusion.

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

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