Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.0 · 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 6.0)

Dear Mike,

Hope this letter finds you well. I am writing to formally request reducing my work hours as I am planning to take on a part time course in building AI infrastructure.

As this course would be a bit challenging, I would have to be more focused and dedicate a larger chunk of my time in order to complete this certification. Therefore, i request you to move me on a part time schedule which would be working on Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 8am to 3pm.

This certification will help me build a better, stronger and more reliable AI interface for our company. Also, my knowledge will help me lead our IT team in building more efficient AI infrastructure which would have the potential of attracting more clients.

While working part time, i will still be managing my tasks and attending all the scheduled meetings outside of my scheduled working hours and i will make sure my team delivers all the

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.5

The letter addresses all three bullet points of the prompt effectively. You clearly explain the reason for the request (AI infrastructure course), specify the desired working hours (Friday to Sunday), and describe the benefits to the employer (improved AI interface and team leadership). The tone is appropriate for a formal request to a manager. However, the letter ends abruptly mid-sentence, which leaves the final paragraph incomplete. While the core requirements are met, this lack of closure prevents a higher score. To improve, ensure you complete your thoughts and provide a formal sign-off, such as 'Yours sincerely,' followed by your name.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.0

The letter follows a logical structure, with each paragraph dedicated to a specific requirement of the prompt. You use basic cohesive devices like 'Therefore,' 'Also,' and 'While' to link ideas. However, the progression is interrupted by the unfinished final sentence, which negatively impacts the overall flow and coherence of the closing. To reach a higher band, ensure that your paragraphs are fully developed and that you use a wider variety of linking words to connect your sentences more fluidly. The paragraphing is clear, but the abrupt ending makes the organization feel incomplete.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

You demonstrate an adequate range of vocabulary for this task, using terms like 'formally request,' 'infrastructure,' and 'certification' correctly. The language is generally appropriate for a professional context. However, there is some repetition of simple phrasing, and the vocabulary is not particularly sophisticated. To improve, try to incorporate more precise collocations or professional terminology related to your field. For example, instead of 'a bit challenging,' you could use 'demanding' or 'rigorous.' The vocabulary is sufficient to convey your meaning clearly, but it lacks the flexibility and precision required for higher bands.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.0

You use a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, such as 'As this course would be a bit challenging, I would have to be more focused.' There are some minor grammatical errors, such as the lowercase 'i' used twice, and the incomplete final sentence is a significant issue. While your meaning is generally clear, these errors and the lack of a complete sentence structure at the end prevent a higher score. Focus on proofreading for capitalization and ensuring that every sentence has a clear subject, verb, and complete thought to improve your accuracy.

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

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