Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 19 · 2026-09-17

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 5.5)

Dear Sir/Madam,

I am writing regarding the reduction in my working hours, as I am working as a part-time employee at your company. However, I have been in talks with the manager about reducing my working hours. However, there is a shortage of employees in our company, so I need to work extra hours. Additionally, my university exams will start soon, and I need to attend some of the classes this term; it is necessary to attend the classes for the examination.

I would prefer to work in the evenings that are accessible to me. I can attend my course and have some time to recharge myself.

Moreover, I am studying finance at my university. After my gradutation i will be able to work fully in your company and develop more profitable strategies for the company's progress in the future.

I hope you can understand my problem and try to resolve it as soon as possible for my better future.

Best Regards,

Sumbal

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5

The candidate has attempted to cover all bullet points in the prompt, but the response suffers from some contradictions and a lack of clarity in task fulfilment. Specifically, the student states in the opening sentence that they are working as a part-time employee, yet later mentions that there is a shortage of employees so they need to work extra hours. Furthermore, the explanation for reducing hours mentions university exams and attending classes, but the transition feels slightly muddled. The second bullet point is addressed by stating a preference to 'work in the evenings that are accessible,' which is somewhat vague. The third bullet point regarding the employer's benefit is addressed adequately by mentioning studies in finance and the ability to develop profitable strategies upon graduation. Overall, the ideas are present but under-developed and occasionally confusing.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.0

The letter lacks a clear logical progression and features noticeable cohesion issues. The writer repeats the phrase 'However, I have been in talks...' and 'However, there is a shortage...', which creates mechanical and confusing transitions. Paragraphing is attempted, but the grouping of ideas is disjointed; for example, the second paragraph mixes employment status, staff shortages, and university schedules together awkwardly. The use of cohesive devices is basic and repetitive, and referencing between sentences sometimes becomes unclear, leading to a choppy reading experience. To improve, the student should use clearer linking words such as 'consequently' or 'furthermore' and group related thoughts into distinct, single-purpose paragraphs.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.5

The vocabulary used is adequate for the task, though it is somewhat basic and contains noticeable inaccuracies and spelling errors. For instance, the word 'gradutation' contains a spelling mistake, and the phrase 'recharge myself' is a bit informal for a business letter to a boss. There are attempts to use less common vocabulary, such as 'profitable strategies' and 'reduction in my working hours,' but word choice is occasionally imprecise, such as describing a part-time employee needing to work extra hours due to a staff shortage. While the vocabulary is sufficient to convey the general message, these errors and limitations place it firmly in the band 5.5 territory.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5

The student demonstrates a mix of simple and complex sentence forms, but grammatical accuracy is inconsistent. There are several awkward phrasings and punctuation slips, such as the missing capitalization in 'After my gradutation i will...' and run-on structures like 'Additionally, my university exams will start soon, and I need to attend some of the classes this term; it is necessary to attend the classes for the examination.' The repetition of modal verbs and simple structures limits the range, and errors occasionally cause the reader to pause, though they do not completely impede overall communication. Greater control over complex sentence construction and careful proofreading are needed.

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

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