Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.5 · Cambridge IELTS 19 · 2026-08-27

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,

I would like to formally request if I can reduce my current working hours as I plan to do study part time. I would like to pursue Masters of Science which would help me in my career.

This is full time course in executive format, which means I might have my online classes in evenings. Hence, I would like to work in morning shift which would help me prepare for my evening class and sufficient time to complete any assignments. However, I would be available remotely in case of any escalation or emergency. I would also assign and delegate work before end of my shift one of my colleague which would help cover up until my return on next day.

This course will teach me how to write client proposals, data alignment, creating dashboard and other modules which would help me be more productive at work. This would help our department to take up additional tasks and effectively enhance and complete current work items. Hence, I would really appreciate if you can approve this request.

Best regards,

PK

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.0

The letter successfully addresses all three bullet points of the prompt. You clearly explain the reason for the request (pursuing a Master's degree), specify the desired working hours (morning shift), and describe the benefits to your employer (enhanced skills in proposal writing and data management). The tone is appropriate for a formal request to a manager. To reach a higher band, ensure that the connection between your studies and the employer's benefit is even more explicit, perhaps by mentioning how these skills will directly impact current projects or team efficiency.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5

The letter is logically organized with a clear introduction, body paragraphs, and a closing. Each paragraph focuses on a specific aspect of the request. You use some cohesive devices such as 'Hence,' 'However,' and 'This would,' which help the flow of ideas. However, the transition between the second and third paragraphs could be smoother. Additionally, some sentences feel slightly disjointed, such as 'This is full time course in executive format,' which lacks an article. Improving the variety of linking words would enhance the overall cohesion.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

You demonstrate an adequate range of vocabulary for the task, using terms like 'formally request,' 'escalation,' 'delegate,' and 'productive.' There are some minor errors in word choice and collocation, such as 'do study' (should be 'study' or 'do some study') and 'on next day' (should be 'the next day'). While the vocabulary is sufficient to convey your meaning clearly, it lacks the sophistication and precision required for higher bands. Incorporating more precise professional collocations would strengthen this area.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.0

You use a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. There are several grammatical errors, particularly with articles ('This is full time course') and prepositions ('on next day'). Some sentences are slightly awkward, such as 'I would also assign and delegate work before end of my shift one of my colleague.' While these errors do not impede communication, they occur frequently enough to prevent a higher score. Focusing on subject-verb agreement and the correct use of articles will significantly improve your accuracy.

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

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