Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.5 · Cambridge IELTS 19 · 2026-09-28

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 Sir/Madam,

I am writing to request a reduction in my working hours because I have decided to start a part-time course. I believe this course will help me improve my knowledge and develop new skills related to my job.

At present, I work full-time from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. However, I would like to work from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., Monday to Friday. This schedule would give me enough time to attend my classes and complete my studies.

I believe that my part-time studies would also benefit the company. The course will help me gain new knowledge and improve my professional skills. As a result, I will be able to use these skills in my work and perform my duties more effectively. I will also be able to bring new ideas to the workplace.

I hope you will consider my request and allow me to reduce my working hours. I would be very grateful for your understanding and support.

Yours sincerely,

Zohaib Hassan

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 6.5

The candidate successfully covers all bullet points required by the task prompt. The letter begins with a clear request to reduce working hours and explains the underlying motivation, which is to start a part-time course (e.g., 'I am writing to request a reduction in my working hours because I have decided to start a part-time course'). Furthermore, the specific schedule is clearly articulated ('from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., Monday to Friday'). Finally, the response outlines how the employer will benefit, noting that the candidate will 'gain new knowledge and improve professional skills' and 'bring new ideas to the workplace.' The purpose of the letter is transparent and fully achieved, with a well-maintained, polite tone suitable for a General Training correspondence task. Band score: 7.0.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 6.5

The letter displays a clear logical organisation and progression throughout. Each paragraph serves a distinct purpose corresponding to the bullet points in the prompt. The text opens with the main purpose, moves into the specific hours requested, details the employer benefits, and concludes with a polite closing statement. Cohesive devices such as 'However,' 'At present,' and 'As a result' are used effectively to guide the reader through the letter. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate each distinct idea. Although the cohesion is straightforward rather than sophisticated, it is entirely effective for the purposes of this letter. Band score: 7.0.

Lexical Resource: Band 6.0

The student uses an adequate range of vocabulary appropriate for a formal business or workplace request. Phrases such as 'professional skills,' 'perform my duties more effectively,' and 'consider my request' demonstrate an appropriate register. While the vocabulary is generally standard and straightforward rather than highly sophisticated, it communicates the message precisely without noticeable errors. The candidate attempts some less common expressions, such as 'bring new ideas to the workplace,' which fit the context naturally. Spelling and word choice are accurate throughout the response. Band score: 6.5.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 6.5

The letter exhibits a good control of grammar and punctuation, featuring a solid mix of simple and complex sentence structures. The candidate successfully uses subordinate clauses and conditional concepts, as seen in sentences like 'As a result, I will be able to use these skills in my work and perform my duties more effectively.' There are frequent error-free sentences, and punctuation is handled correctly throughout. Minor slips are absent, and the grammar never impedes communication or the polite tone of the request. Band score: 7.0.

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