Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.5 · Cambridge IELTS 19 · 2026-09-01

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 am writing to draw your attention to my working hours. As I am about to start my school from next month, I'm taking Paint-less Dent Removal course for few weeks. For that reason I'd like to change my work hours as I'd have to go to school for my course.

First and foremost, I would like to reduce my work hours from 40 hours per week to 25 hours per week. Specifically, from next month I'd like to work from Wednesday to Friday because of my school.

Moreover, this short course can help me learn about dent removal procedure and we can use that skill to remove dent on our customer's car that comes in for detail. As a result, we can run another side business along with our car detailing business.

Under these circumstances, I would appreciate if you allow me to work less hours and focus on my part-time study. Thank you for your prompt action to this situation. I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Yours faithfully,

Cheril

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 (a course in Paint-less Dent Removal), specify the desired hours (Wednesday to Friday), and provide a logical benefit to the employer (expanding service offerings). The tone is appropriate for a formal letter to a boss. To reach a higher band, you could expand slightly on the specific benefits to the company, perhaps by mentioning how this service could increase revenue or customer satisfaction, which would demonstrate a more thorough development of ideas.

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 aspect of the task. You use cohesive devices such as 'First and foremost', 'Moreover', and 'As a result' to connect your ideas. However, the transition between the introduction and the first body paragraph is slightly abrupt. The use of paragraphing is sufficient, and the progression of ideas is easy to follow throughout the letter.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

You demonstrate an adequate range of vocabulary for the task, such as 'draw your attention', 'procedure', and 'under these circumstances'. There are some minor inaccuracies, such as 'start my school' (should be 'start my course') and 'remove dent' (should be 'remove dents'). While the vocabulary is functional and allows for clear communication, it lacks the sophistication or precision required for higher bands. Using more precise collocations related to business and professional development would improve your score.

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'm taking Paint-less Dent Removal course' (missing article 'a'), 'for few weeks' (missing 'a'), and 'work less hours' (should be 'fewer hours'). Additionally, 'from next month' is used twice in close proximity, which is slightly repetitive. While these errors do not impede communication, they occur frequently enough to prevent a higher score. Focusing on article usage and countable/uncountable noun agreement will help improve your accuracy.

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

Browse more IELTS Writing model answers or get your own writing scored by the same AI examiner.