Band 8.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 8.0 · Cambridge IELTS 19 · 2026-08-26

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 Mr Smith,

I am writing to ask if it would be possible to reduce my working hours for the next twelve months, as I have decided to study for a part-time Diploma in Business Management.

I have been considering this course for some time because I believe it will help me develop leadership and project management skills. Since the classes are held in the evenings during the week, I will need to reduce my working hours in order to attend lectures.

If possible, I would like to work in the mornings from 9-1 during weekdays only, which would provide me adequate time to attend the evening classes on weekdays and complete assignments over the weekend.

I believe my studies will benefit the company as well. I can also help the assistant manager in her day-to-day duties. I am sure this course will help me develop strong management skills, which will enable me to improve my performance and contribute more effectively to the company.

I would be grateful if you could consider my request. I look forward to hearing back from you.

Kind regards,

Rashpal Kaur

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 8.0

The letter successfully addresses all three bullet points of the prompt. You clearly explain the motivation for the request (a Diploma in Business Management), specify the desired working hours (9-1 on weekdays), and articulate the benefits to the employer (leadership skills and improved performance). The tone is professional and appropriate for a formal request to a manager. The ideas are well-developed and the purpose of the letter is clear from the outset. You have maintained a consistent and polite tone throughout, which is essential for this task type.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 8.0

The letter is well-organized with a logical progression of ideas. Each paragraph focuses on a specific aspect of the request, moving from the introduction to the justification, the specific proposal, the benefits, and finally the closing. Cohesive devices such as 'If possible', 'Since', and 'In addition' are used effectively to link ideas. The paragraphing is clear and appropriate for a formal letter, ensuring that the reader can follow your request without any confusion. The flow between sentences is smooth and natural.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.5

You demonstrate a good range of vocabulary appropriate for a professional context. Phrases such as 'develop leadership and project management skills', 'contribute more effectively', and 'grateful if you could consider my request' are well-chosen. The language is precise and fits the formal tone required for a letter to a boss. There are no significant errors in word choice or collocation. While the vocabulary is functional and accurate, incorporating a few more sophisticated or nuanced expressions could elevate the response further.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 8.0

The writing is highly accurate with a good mix of simple and complex sentence structures. You use conditional structures ('If possible, I would like...') and complex sentences ('Since the classes are held..., I will need...') correctly. Punctuation is used accurately throughout, and there are no grammatical errors that impede communication. The majority of your sentences are error-free, showing a high level of control over English grammar. The structure is consistent and professional, reflecting a strong command of the language.

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

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