Band 7.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.0 · Cambridge IELTS 19 · 2026-08-24

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 7.0)

Dear Sir,

I hope this letter will find you in the best of your health. I am writing to request a reduction in my working hours so that I can pursue my diploma in business management, which will begin next month.

I have decided to continue my study for the betterment of my business and management skills. Moreover, I would like to improve my leadership, communication and project management skills.This course will help me to improve my current responsibilities more effectively while preparing me to take increase responsibilities within the company in the future.

If possible, I would like to reduce my working hours and reschedule from 40 hours to 30 hours per week. It would be grateful if I could work from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 a.m., Monday to Friday, as my classes are held in the evenings. I am also willing to work additional hours during busy days period whenever required.

The knowledge and practical skills I gain from this courses will directly benefit the company. For instance, I will learn modern management techniques, effective problem- solving strategies, and effective business practices that I can apply in my daily work.I am confident this will improve my language and leadership skills. Moreover, it will improve my productivity and enable me to contribute more to the team’s success.

I would greatly appreciate your consideration of my request and would be happy to discuss this arrangement at your convenience.

Yours sincerely,

XYZ.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.5

The letter successfully addresses all three bullet points of the prompt. You clearly explain the reason for the request (pursuing a diploma), specify the desired hours, and outline the benefits to your employer. The tone is appropriate for a formal business letter. The ideas are well-developed and relevant, providing a clear justification for your request. The response is fully focused on the task requirements, and the purpose of the letter is clear from the outset, demonstrating a strong grasp of the task's communicative intent.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5

The letter is logically organized with a clear introduction, body paragraphs, and a formal closing. Paragraphing is used effectively to separate the different requirements of the prompt. You use a range of cohesive devices such as 'Moreover', 'For instance', and 'In addition' to link ideas. However, there is a minor error in the time request (8:00 a.m. to 2:00 a.m. is 18 hours, which contradicts the request for 30 hours per week), which slightly affects the logical flow of the specific information provided. Overall, the progression of ideas is clear and easy to follow.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.5

You demonstrate a sufficient range of vocabulary to convey your message with precision. Phrases like 'pursue my diploma', 'betterment of my business skills', and 'modern management techniques' are well-chosen and appropriate for the context. There are a few minor slips, such as 'take increase responsibilities' (should be 'increased') and 'this courses' (should be 'this course'), but these do not impede communication. The vocabulary is generally natural and fits the formal tone required for a letter to a supervisor.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.5

You use a mix of simple and complex sentence structures effectively. Most sentences are clear and grammatically sound. There are some minor errors, such as 'It would be grateful' (should be 'I would be grateful') and the aforementioned 'take increase responsibilities'. Additionally, the time range '8:00 a.m. to 2:00 a.m.' is likely a typo that creates a logical confusion. Despite these occasional slips, the majority of your sentences are error-free, and your control over complex structures is generally good, supporting clear communication throughout the letter.

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

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