Band 8.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 8.0 · Cambridge IELTS 19 · 2026-09-27

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 Meet,

I am writing to inform you that, from next month, I would like to reduce my working hours because I will be starting my winter semester.

During the summer break, I was able to work approximately 40 hours a week. However, my upcoming semester includes six subjects, and I believe that working the same number of hours would make it difficult for me to manage both my studies and my job effectively. Therefore, I would like to reduce my working hours to a maximum of 24 hours per week.

My preferred availability would be from Monday to Saturday, between 3:00 p.m. and 11:00 p.m. I would be happy to work within these hours according to the store's requirements. However, I would also like to request leave for the month of February, as my final examinations are expected to take place towards the end of that month.

I believe that continuing to work while studying part-time would also benefit the company. My studies will improve my academic knowledge and develop skills related to my career field, which could help me become more efficient and take on greater responsibilities at work in the future.

I would greatly appreciate your understanding and consideration of my request. I look forward to hearing from you.

Kind regards,

Sam

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 8.0

The response fully addresses all parts of the letter prompt. You successfully explained why you want to reduce your working hours due to starting your winter semester and managing six subjects. You clearly stated your preferred hours, requesting a maximum of 24 hours per week from Monday to Saturday, between 3:00 p.m. and 11:00 p.m., while also including a necessary leave request for February exams. Furthermore, you described how your part-time studies would benefit your employer by improving your academic knowledge and career skills, allowing you to become more efficient and take on greater responsibilities. The tone is appropriate for a formal business letter to a boss, and all bullet points are well-developed and supported.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 8.0

The letter exhibits clear logical organisation and progression throughout. Information is naturally sequenced starting with the purpose of the letter, followed by reasons, scheduling details, employer benefits, and a polite closing. Paragraphing is used sufficiently and appropriately, with each paragraph focusing on a distinct aspect of the request. Cohesive devices such as 'However', 'Therefore', and 'Furthermore' are managed well and used naturally to connect ideas without being overly mechanical. Referencing throughout the text is clear and easy to follow, making the letter cohesive and readable.

Lexical Resource: Band 7.5

You demonstrate a sufficient and flexible range of vocabulary suitable for a formal work-related request. Phrases like 'approximate 40 hours a week', 'manage both my studies and my job effectively', and 'store's requirements' are used accurately. You also attempt some less common lexical items with good awareness of style and collocation, such as 'upcoming semester', 'preferred availability', and 'greater responsibilities'. Word choice is generally precise, and there are no spelling or word-choice errors that impede communication.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 8.0

The response features a good mix of simple and complex sentence structures, including conditional or multi-clause sentences such as 'However, my upcoming semester includes six subjects, and I believe that working the same number of hours would make it difficult for me to manage...' The majority of sentences are error-free, demonstrating strong control over grammar and punctuation. Tense usage is consistent and accurate across present, past, and modal structures. There are only very occasional minor slips, which do not interfere with understanding.

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