Band 8.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 8.0 · Cambridge IELTS 19 · 2026-09-16

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 Sir/Madam,

I am writing to request a reduction in my working hours so that I can study part time alongside my job.

The main reason for this request is that I have recently enrolled in an accounting course. I believe this course will improve my professional knowledge and skills; however, my current full-time schedule makes it difficult for me to attend classes and complete my assignments.

Ideally, I would like to work from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., Monday to Friday. This schedule would allow me to attend classes in the afternoon and dedicate enough time to my studies. I am also willing to discuss alternative hours if necessary.

I believe my studies would benefit the company as well. The knowledge I gain in accounting and financial management could help me perform my duties more efficiently and contribute more effectively to the team.

I would be grateful if you could consider my request. I look forward to discussing this matter with you.

Yours sincerely,

Vishal Bawa

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 8.0

The response fully covers all three bullet points required by the task prompt. The writer clearly explains the motivation behind the request by mentioning the enrollment in an accounting course and the difficulties of a full-time schedule. The desired working hours are specified precisely as 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., Monday to Friday, and an openness to alternatives is noted. Additionally, the benefits to the employer are articulated logically, suggesting that improved financial skills will lead to more efficient and effective performance at work. The tone is appropriate for a formal letter to a boss, and the purpose is sustained throughout. This performance satisfies the criteria for a high band.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 8.0

The letter is logically organized with a clear overall progression. Each paragraph serves a distinct communicative purpose corresponding to the bullet points in the prompt. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate the introduction, the reasons, the proposed hours, the benefits, and the polite closing. Cohesive devices such as 'The main reason for', 'Ideally', and 'This schedule' are managed well to guide the reader smoothly through the text. Referencing and substitution are clear, ensuring that the relationships between ideas are easy to follow without any mechanical or obtrusive transitions.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.0

The student demonstrates an adequate and appropriate lexical range for a general workplace correspondence. Words and phrases such as 'reduction in my working hours', 'professional knowledge', 'alternative hours', and 'efficiently and contribute more effectively' show a good command of vocabulary suitable for a formal request. While the vocabulary is not overly complex or ambitious, it is precise, accurate, and fulfills the requirements of the task naturally without any noticeable errors in word choice or collocation.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 8.0

The response features a good mix of simple and complex sentence structures, such as 'I am writing to request a reduction in my working hours so that I can study part time alongside my job' and 'The knowledge I gain in accounting and financial management could help me perform my duties more efficiently.' Grammar and punctuation are handled with a high degree of control, resulting in error-free sentences throughout the majority of the text. There are no grammatical slips or awkward phrasings that impede communication.

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

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