Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.5 · Cambridge IELTS 19 · 2026-09-02

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 Ahmed,

I am writing this letter regarding a reduction in my work-hours so that I can focus on the studies as a part-time.

I have an exam scheduled in the next month and I have been preparing for this for past 4 months now. As the exam is getting closer, I need to revise all my notes that I have made during the preparation. For this reason, I have to extend my study time so that I can ace this exam in my fierst attempt

I have also joined an acedemy for the preparation and the classes are going to be conducted in the evening. I am currently working 10-hours a day from 8am till 6pm. I humbly request you to minimize my working hours to 8 hours from 8 am to 4 pm.

By cutting off only 2 hours, I will still be able to manage most of my work and in addition, I willl also attend my course at the academy. This exam will make me learn about the different aspects of dealing with diffficult situations that we usually encounter in our company on a day-to-day basis.

Yours faithfully,

Chris.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.5

The letter successfully addresses all three bullet points of the prompt. You clearly explain the reason for the request (upcoming exam), specify the desired hours (8 am to 4 pm), and describe the benefit to the employer (learning to handle difficult situations). The tone is appropriate for a formal letter to a manager. The ideas are relevant and well-developed, ensuring the reader understands your situation and the proposed solution. To reach a higher band, ensure that the connection between your studies and the employer's benefit is even more explicit, perhaps by linking the specific skills gained to your current job responsibilities.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5

The letter is logically organized, with each paragraph focusing on a specific requirement of the task. You use basic cohesive devices such as 'For this reason', 'I have also', and 'In addition' to link your ideas. The progression of information is clear, moving from the purpose of the letter to the specific request and finally the benefits. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate distinct ideas. To improve, try to vary your cohesive devices further and ensure that the transition between the request for hours and the benefits is smoother.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

You demonstrate an adequate range of vocabulary for the task, using terms like 'reduction', 'scheduled', 'minimize', and 'encounter'. However, there are some spelling errors, such as 'fierst' (first), 'acedemy' (academy), and 'diffficult' (difficult). These errors do not impede communication but prevent a higher score. To improve, focus on proofreading for common spelling mistakes and try to incorporate more precise collocations, such as 'professional development' or 'mutually beneficial arrangement', to enhance the sophistication of your writing.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.0

You use a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, such as 'I am writing this letter regarding... so that I can...' and 'By cutting off only 2 hours, I will still be able to...'. While the meaning is always clear, there are some grammatical slips, such as 'the studies as a part-time' (should be 'part-time studies') and 'I willl also attend' (typo). Most sentences are error-free, and your control of punctuation is generally good. To reach a higher band, ensure consistent subject-verb agreement and eliminate minor typographical errors.

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

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