Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.5 · Cambridge IELTS 19 · 2026-08-28

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 Mr. Johann,

I hope you are doing well. I am writing this letter to explain to you that I need to lessen my daily working hours so that I can study part time.

I would like to study Automotive Mechanic NCII this coming summer. I am a regular employee at your company as an assistant mechanic for more than 3 years. I never been promoted as a mechanic due to my lack of certificate. I am grateful if you consider my request to reduce my working schedule. My class start from 3 PM to 7 PM. I am glad if I could work from 7 AM to 2PM. It will be beneficial not only to me but especially on your part.

After I graduated on this course, I could probably do more mechanical things than before. Due to my trainings and seminar it will be a lot easier for me to repair mechanical problem.

I would appreciate it if you consider my request. Thank you for your kind consideration.

Yours truly,

Vergel Lozano

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.5

The letter addresses all three bullet points of the prompt. You clearly explain the reason for the request (to obtain a certification), specify the desired working hours (7 AM to 2 PM), and outline the benefits to the employer (improved mechanical skills). The tone is appropriate for a formal request to a supervisor. However, the development of the benefits section is somewhat brief. To reach a higher band, you could expand on how your new skills would specifically increase productivity or efficiency in the workshop. Overall, the purpose of the letter is clear and the requirements are fully met.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5

The letter follows a logical structure, moving from the purpose of the request to the specific details and finally the benefits. Paragraphing is used to separate these ideas, which helps the reader follow your argument. You use some cohesive devices such as 'not only... but especially' and 'after I graduated', though the transitions between sentences could be smoother. At times, the connection between ideas feels slightly mechanical. Using a wider variety of linking words (e.g., 'consequently', 'furthermore', 'in addition') would improve the flow and help you achieve a higher score in this criterion.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

You demonstrate an adequate range of vocabulary for this task. You use relevant terminology such as 'regular employee', 'assistant mechanic', and 'certification'. However, there are some inaccuracies in word choice and collocation, such as 'lessen my daily working hours' (instead of 'reduce') and 'do more mechanical things' (which is vague). The phrase 'After I graduated on this course' is also slightly unnatural; 'Upon completing this course' would be more precise. While your vocabulary is sufficient to convey your meaning clearly, it lacks the precision and flexibility required for higher bands.

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 never been promoted' (should be 'I have never been promoted') and 'My class start' (should be 'classes start'). Additionally, 'I am glad if I could work' is not the standard way to phrase a polite request; 'I would appreciate it if I could work' is more appropriate. While these errors are noticeable, they do not impede communication. To improve, focus on subject-verb agreement and the correct use of present perfect tense for past experiences.

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

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