Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.5 · Cambridge IELTS 19 · 2026-08-29

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 Manager,

I hope this message finds you well. I am writing to request a reduction in my working hours, so I can continue my part-time studies.

I recently enrolled in part-time course, titled 'Business Management' lasts for six months. I require extra time to concentrate on my studies and complete this course successfully. Therefore, I would like to request for reducing my working hours for a certain period.

Currently, I am working from Monday to Saturday, 8am to 4pm. However, I would appreciate it if you could change my schedule by 8am to 3pm and allow me to off on weekends.

I believe my part-time studies also benefit the company. This course enabling me to contribute more effective ideas and strategies to improve the marketing process of the company. I can also improve my communication and problem-solving skills through this programme, which makes me able to fulfill my duties at work more appropriately.

Thank you for your understanding and support. I hope you would consider my request favorably.

Yours sincerely,

Harmeet

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.0

The letter successfully addresses all three bullet points required by the prompt. You clearly explain the need for reduced hours, specify the desired schedule, and provide a logical argument for how your studies will benefit your employer. The tone is appropriate for a formal letter to a manager. To reach a higher band, ensure that your explanation of the benefits is slightly more detailed; for example, you could mention a specific project or skill that would directly impact your current role. Overall, the purpose of the letter is clear and the response is well-focused.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.0

The letter is logically organized with a clear introduction, body paragraphs, and a formal closing. Each paragraph focuses on a specific requirement of the task, which helps the reader follow your argument easily. You use some cohesive devices such as 'Therefore', 'Currently', and 'However' to link your ideas. To improve, try to vary your transition words further and ensure that the flow between sentences is smoother. For instance, the transition between your current schedule and your requested schedule could be more fluid. Overall, the structure is coherent and easy to follow.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

You demonstrate an adequate range of vocabulary for the task, using terms like 'enrolled', 'strategies', and 'favorably'. However, there are some minor inaccuracies in word choice and collocation, such as 'allow me to off on weekends' (should be 'allow me to have weekends off') and 'contribute more effective ideas' (should be 'contribute more effective strategies' or 'contribute more effectively'). While these errors do not impede communication, using more precise collocations would elevate your score. Expanding your range of topic-specific vocabulary related to professional development would also be beneficial.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.0

You use a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, which is appropriate for this task. There are some grammatical errors, such as 'part-time course, titled 'Business Management' lasts for six months' (missing 'which' or 'that') and 'request for reducing' (should be 'request to reduce'). Additionally, 'This course enabling me' should be 'This course will enable me'. While these errors are noticeable, they do not prevent the reader from understanding your message. To improve, focus on subject-verb agreement and the correct use of infinitives after certain verbs.

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

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