Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.5 · Cambridge IELTS 19 · 2026-09-23

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 Manager,

I am writing this letter to request reduction in my working hours effective next month as I have opted to study. My Employee ID is 7454.

I have taken admission for for Master's in Business Administration course this semester at Dalhousie University. My classes would begin from 1st October from 8 AM to 2 PM. Hence, I would not be able to work morning shifts. I would be able to manage time for work in the evening shifts from 4 PM to 8 PM.

As much as I would like to contribute my working works for productive work, at this time I would prefer to complete this course which would help me with management skills. With better management skills, I would be an asset that would help to take over any shifts in the future. In absense of shift leaders, I would be able to manage the store independently.

I hope you would consider my request to accomodate me with part time shift from 1st October until the completion of my course.

Thank you.

Yours faithfully,

Sam Mac

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 7.0

You successfully covered all parts of the task instruction. You clearly explained why you want to reduce your hours by stating you have taken admission for a Master's in Business Administration at Dalhousie University. You also specified the exact hours you would like to work, mentioning evening shifts from 4 PM to 8 PM starting October 1st. Furthermore, you described how your studies would benefit your employer by explaining that the management skills you acquire will make you a better asset to the store, allowing you to manage independently and cover shifts when needed. Your tone is appropriately formal for a workplace request. The purpose of the letter is immediately clear and fully developed throughout, meeting the requirements of a Band 7.0 performance.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 7.0

Your letter is clearly organised with a logical progression of ideas from the initial request to the supporting details and final conclusion. You use appropriate paragraphing to separate your introduction, your scheduling requirements, the employer benefits, and your closing remarks. Cohesive devices such as 'Hence', 'As much as', and 'In absense of' help connect your thoughts, though some transitions feel slightly mechanical. Referencing throughout the letter is clear and easy to follow. Overall, the structure meets the standard for a solid Band 7.0.

Lexical Resource: Band 6.0

You demonstrate an adequate range of vocabulary suitable for a workplace request, including terms like 'effective next month', 'independently', and 'accommodate'. However, there are some noticeable word choice and collocation inaccuracies. For instance, writing 'request reduction' instead of 'a request to reduce', and 'taken admission for for Master's' which contains a typo and preposition error. Additionally, 'contribute my working works' is unnatural. These minor lexical slips and the attempt to use less common vocabulary place your performance comfortably at a Band 6.0.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 6.0

You make effective use of a mix of simple and complex sentence forms, such as 'I am writing this letter to request...' and 'With better management skills, I would be an asset that would help to take over any shifts in the future.' However, there are several grammatical errors and typos present in the text, including 'taken admission for for', 'working works', and the spelling mistake 'absense'. While these errors do not impede communication, they occur with enough frequency to prevent you from reaching a higher band. Your control of grammar and punctuation is consistent with a Band 6.0 level.

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