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,

I have been working at your company as a full time employer for the past 3 years as a junior manager. I have always been a hard worker and team supporter. Recently I got a chance to continue my studies further, which will help immensely in my career gowth in the future.

I will be joining my classes sometime next month and with all the study load it is unfortunate that I will not be able to work full time. I am still very committed to working with you, and therefore I would like to request more flexible job hours. I assure you that my quality of work will not be compromised.

I would highly appreciate if you schedule my shift between 4:00pm to 10:00pm, Monday to Saturday. This will give me ample time to study, without affecting my work.

Getting this degree will not only help me in my growth but it will also benefit your company, as I will keep working with you as a senior manager. I know how the company operates and I believe I will keep adding value to you work.

Looking forward to hearing from you soon.

Kind regards,

Novaira Waseem

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 6.5

The candidate has successfully covered all parts of the task prompt. In the opening paragraph, the reason for reducing working hours is clearly explained, stating a desire to continue studies further. The specific working hours requested are precisely stated in the third paragraph as 4:00pm to 10:00pm, Monday to Saturday. Additionally, the benefits to the employer are described in the fourth paragraph, highlighting that the candidate will remain with the company as a senior manager and continue adding value due to their familiarity with operations. The tone is appropriate for a formal letter to a boss. Ideas are relevant and fully developed, meeting the requirements for a Band 7.0 performance.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 6.5

The letter exhibits a clear logical progression throughout, moving smoothly from the introduction and reasons for the request, to the specific hours, the benefits for the employer, and a polite sign-off. Paragraphing is used appropriately, with each paragraph focusing on a distinct aspect of the prompt. Cohesive devices such as 'and therefore', 'This will give me', and 'not only... but it will also' are employed effectively to link ideas. Referencing is clear, ensuring the reader can easily follow the candidate's arguments and requests, placing this response comfortably within the Band 7.0 range.

Lexical Resource: Band 6.0

The student uses a sufficient range of vocabulary appropriate for a general correspondence task. Phrases like 'hard worker and team supporter', 'quality of work will not be compromised', and 'adding value' demonstrate an adequate control of vocabulary and some awareness of workplace collocations. There are minor spelling and word choice inaccuracies, such as 'career gowth' (growth) and 'full time employer' (employee), but these do not impede communication. The lexical range is adequate to allow flexibility and precision, matching the Band 6.5 descriptors.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 6.5

The response features a mix of simple and complex sentence forms, with good control over overall sentence structure. Examples of complex structures include 'Recently I got a chance to continue my studies further, which will help immensely...' and 'I would highly appreciate if you schedule my shift...'. There are a few minor grammatical lapses, such as missing articles ('I would highly appreciate if' instead of 'I would greatly appreciate it if') and a minor punctuation slip. However, the majority of sentences are clear and error-free, and communication is never impeded. This performance aligns well with Band 7.0 criteria.

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

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