Band 7.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.0 · Cambridge IELTS 19 · 2026-09-07

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 7.0)

Dear John,

I am writing this to formally request a reduction in my working hours as I am planning to study part time.

I have recently enrolled in a part time course to enhance my skillset. The course timings are conflicting with my work schedule. As the course timings are fixed, I am planning to adjust the working hours.

I would like to work in the mornings and dedicate my evenings to pursue the course. It would be appreciated if you allow me to work six hours a day and devote the remaining time to my course. I am even comfortable working in the weekends. The course duration is for around three months; however, I am fully attentive to complete my work on time and learn the new course simultaneously.

Moreover, I believe the course will reinforce my knowledge and ability in the subject; it helps me in effective and accurate completion of the tasks. It not only helps me strengthen my skill but also contribute significantly to the project.

In view of these circumstances, I am positive that you would approve my request.

Thanks for your time and consideration.

Yours Sincerely,

Karthik.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.0

The letter successfully addresses all three bullet points required by the prompt. You clearly explain the reason for the request (enrolling in a course), specify the desired working hours (mornings), and describe the benefits to your employer (enhanced skills and project contribution). The tone is appropriate for a formal request to a manager. The ideas are relevant and well-developed, ensuring the reader understands your situation and the value you bring. To reach a higher band, you could provide slightly more specific details about the course or the exact nature of the project contribution to make the argument even more persuasive.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.0

The letter is logically organized with a clear introduction, body paragraphs, and a closing. Each paragraph focuses on a distinct aspect of the request, which helps the reader follow your argument easily. You use some cohesive devices such as 'Moreover' and 'In view of these circumstances' to link ideas. However, some transitions feel slightly mechanical or repetitive. To improve, try to vary your linking words and ensure that the flow between sentences is more natural. For instance, the transition between your work schedule and the benefits of the course could be smoother to create a more cohesive narrative.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.5

You demonstrate a sufficient range of vocabulary to convey your message clearly. Phrases like 'formally request', 'enhance my skillset', and 'contribute significantly' are well-chosen and appropriate for a professional context. There are some minor issues with collocation, such as 'attentive to complete' (which should be 'committed to completing') and 'in the weekends' (which should be 'on the weekends'). While these errors do not impede communication, they prevent the use of vocabulary from appearing fully natural. Expanding your range of collocations and idiomatic professional expressions would help elevate your score in this criterion.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.5

You use a mix of simple and complex sentence structures effectively. Most of your sentences are clear and grammatically sound. However, there are a few errors, such as 'The course duration is for around three months' (the 'for' is redundant) and 'it helps me in effective and accurate completion' (which would be better as 'it will help me complete tasks more effectively'). Additionally, there is a tense inconsistency in the fourth paragraph where you switch between 'will reinforce' and 'helps me'. Despite these slips, your meaning is always clear, and the errors do not cause difficulty for the reader.

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

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