Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.5 · Cambridge IELTS 19 · 2026-09-04

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 Ms. Kashish,

I am writing to let you know that I would like to reduce my working hours as I am planning to study part time along with work.

I want to work less because i want to focus more on my studies and wish to score good in my exams. I am available to work Wednesdays or Weekends as I have classes on other days of the week. I assure you that once I finish my course, I would be able to work full-time hours.

In addition, my studies will benefit you as I will be learning new technologies that we can even apply to work. I will improve my vocabulary and English speaking skills while this course, which could help me to interact confidently with the customers.

I would appreciate it if you would consider my request and reduce my working hours. I am hoping to hear from you.

Yours faithfully

Aastha

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.0

You have successfully addressed all three bullet points in the prompt. You clearly explained the reason for your request (to focus on studies), specified your availability (Wednesdays or weekends), and provided a logical benefit to the employer (learning new technologies and improving communication skills). The tone is appropriate for a formal letter to a manager. To reach a higher band, you could expand slightly on the specific technologies or skills you intend to learn, which would provide more depth to your argument and demonstrate a more professional approach to the request.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5

The letter is logically organized with a clear introduction, body paragraphs, and a closing. You have used basic cohesive devices such as 'In addition' and 'once I finish' to link your ideas. However, the progression between sentences could be smoother. For example, the transition between your availability and the benefits to the employer is a bit abrupt. Using a wider range of cohesive devices or more sophisticated linking phrases would improve the flow. Paragraphing is used correctly, which helps the reader follow your request easily.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

You have used a sufficient range of vocabulary to convey your message clearly. Phrases like 'reduce my working hours' and 'interact confidently' are accurate and appropriate for the context. However, the vocabulary remains somewhat basic. To improve, try to incorporate more precise collocations or less common lexical items. For instance, instead of saying 'score good', you could use 'achieve high grades' or 'excel academically'. There are no significant spelling errors, and your word choices do not impede communication, which is a positive aspect of your writing.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.5

You demonstrate a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. While most of your sentences are clear, there are some minor grammatical slips, such as 'while this course' (should be 'during this course') and the lowercase 'i' in the second paragraph. You have used some complex structures, such as conditional clauses ('if you would consider'), which is good. To achieve a higher band, ensure consistent use of capitalization and refine your prepositions. The majority of your sentences are error-free, and your meaning is always easy to understand.

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

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