Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.5 · 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 6.5)

Dear Mr. Smith,

I am writing this letter to request a reduction in my working hours because I am considering to study part time. I have looked for some courses online along with in-person classes and I got enrolled in one batch starting from next month.

Moreover, I would like to discuss the schedule that will be suitable for both of us.Although my class timings will be from 2:00 pm to 8:00 pm, I would highly appreciate if you could reduce my hours and schedule me for early morning shifts, because I am finding it difficult to focus on both at the same time.

Furthermore, I am taking a Business Management course and it will be beneficial for the company as it will allow me to work more efficiently and effectively. I will gain more skills and knowledge in management. It will help me to be more productive too.

It would be really helpful if you consider my request.

Kind regards,

Suman Malhi

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.0

The response successfully covers all bullet points outlined in the prompt. You clearly explain why you want to reduce your working hours due to starting a part-time course, specify the exact hours and shift preferences you would like to work, and describe how your business management studies will benefit your employer by increasing productivity and efficiency. All parts of the task are addressed appropriately with relevant ideas, earning a solid band score for this criterion.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.0

The letter maintains a clear logical organisation and progression throughout. Each paragraph serves a distinct purpose, moving smoothly from the initial request to schedule details and finally to the benefits for the company. Cohesive devices such as 'Moreover', 'Although', and 'Furthermore' are used effectively to link ideas together, though referencing and transitions could be slightly more refined. Paragraphing is used sufficiently and appropriately, ensuring the letter is easy to follow.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

You demonstrate an adequate range of vocabulary suitable for a formal business letter, including phrases such as 'reduction in my working hours' and 'efficiently and effectively'. However, there are some minor lexical inaccuracies and awkward collocations, such as 'got enrolled in one batch' instead of 'enrolled in a class' or 'enrolled in a course'. The vocabulary is sufficient for the task and allows communication to occur without any difficulty.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.0

There is a mix of simple and complex sentence forms used throughout the letter, such as conditional and subordinate clauses ('Although my class timings will be...'). However, there is a notable grammatical error in the first paragraph: 'considering to study' should be 'considering studying'. Additionally, punctuation around introductory clauses could be polished. Despite these errors, the majority of sentences are clear and your grammatical mistakes do not impede overall communication.

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

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