Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.0 · Cambridge IELTS 19 · 2026-09-03

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 Sir,

I am writing here, to get the permission for reducing my working hours due to my further studies from 1st of September.

As I plan to do my masters in physiotherapy which will update and improve my knowledge.

Therefore as my studies start from September 1st, from evening 2 pm to 5pm, every week days I would like to ask for reducing hours from 2pm to 4pm. So I could be able to work from morning 8 to 2pm. My studies would be very much beneficial for the company while I was working with residents who are with neuro conditions and other rehabilitation aspect of the conditions. It definitely giving massive advantages to our organization.

I would be so appreciate, if you could consider this matter and accept my request as soon as possible.

Thank you,

Your sincerely,

Kalani LAnka

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5

The letter addresses all three bullet points: the reason for the request, the specific hours required, and the benefits to the employer. However, the response is under the 150-word minimum, which negatively impacts the task achievement score. While the ideas are relevant, they are somewhat underdeveloped; for instance, the explanation of how the studies benefit the employer is a bit repetitive and lacks specific detail regarding how the company's services would improve. To improve, ensure you expand on your points sufficiently to meet the length requirement and provide more professional depth to your arguments.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.0

The letter follows a logical structure, moving from the purpose of the letter to the specific request and finally the benefits. However, the paragraphing is inconsistent, with some sentences appearing as isolated lines. The use of cohesive devices is somewhat mechanical (e.g., 'Therefore', 'So'). To improve, use a wider variety of linking words to connect ideas more fluidly and ensure that each paragraph has a clear, unified focus. The transition between the request for hours and the explanation of benefits could be smoother.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

The vocabulary is generally adequate for the task but lacks sophistication. Phrases like 'get the permission' and 'massive advantages' are functional but basic. There are also some awkward collocations, such as 'rehabilitation aspect of the conditions'. To reach a higher band, focus on using more precise, professional terminology related to your field and the workplace context. For example, instead of 'get the permission', use 'request a formal adjustment to my working hours'.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5

The letter contains a mix of simple and complex sentences, but there are several grammatical errors that affect the flow. Examples include 'I would be so appreciate' (should be 'I would greatly appreciate'), 'every week days' (should be 'every weekday'), and 'It definitely giving' (should be 'It will definitely give'). Additionally, there are punctuation and capitalization issues, such as 'LAnka'. To improve, focus on subject-verb agreement and correct verb tense usage, particularly when discussing future plans and hypothetical benefits.

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

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