Band 8.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 8.0 · 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 8.0)

Dear Mr. Smith,

I am writing to ask if it would be possible to reduce my working hours for the next twelve months, as I have decided to study for a part-time Diploma in Business Management.

I have been considering this course for some time because I believe it will help me develop my leadership and project management skills. Since the classes are held during the week, I will need to reduce my working hours in order to attend lectures and complete assignments.

If possible, I would like to work from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., Monday to Friday. This schedule would allow me to continue handling my main responsibilities while attending my evening classes. I am also willing to work extra hours during busy periods if required.

I believe my studies will benefit the company in several ways. The course covers topics such as team management, communication, and strategic planning, which are directly related to my current role. I will be able to apply the knowledge I gain to improve my performance and contribute more effectively to our department.

I would be very grateful if you could consider my request. I would be happy to discuss this with you at your convenience.

Yours sincerely,

John Brown

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 8.5

The response fully addresses all three bullet points of the task. You clearly explain the reason for the request (the Diploma in Business Management), specify the desired hours (9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.), and provide a logical argument for how the company will benefit from your studies. The tone is professional and appropriate for a formal letter to a manager. The ideas are well-developed and the purpose of the letter is clear from the outset, meeting all requirements of the prompt effectively.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 8.5

The letter is logically organized with a clear progression of ideas. Each paragraph focuses on a specific aspect of the request, which makes the information easy to follow. You use appropriate cohesive devices such as 'Since', 'If possible', and 'In order to' to link your ideas smoothly. The paragraphing is skillful, and the transition between the request for hours and the explanation of benefits is seamless. The overall structure is coherent and professional.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.5

You demonstrate a wide and natural range of vocabulary appropriate for a formal business context. Phrases such as 'handling my main responsibilities', 'strategic planning', and 'at your convenience' are used accurately and effectively. The language is precise, and there are no instances of awkward phrasing or word-choice errors. The vocabulary is well-suited to the task and conveys your message with sophistication and clarity.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 8.0

The writing exhibits a high level of grammatical accuracy with a variety of complex structures. You successfully use conditional sentences ('If possible, I would like...'), complex noun phrases, and subordinate clauses ('Since the classes are held...'). The majority of sentences are error-free, and the punctuation is used correctly throughout. There is a high degree of control over grammar, and the writing flows naturally without any distracting slips.

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

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