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 am writing to request you to make a slight change in my working hours. Recently, I have decided to take a course of study, Finance Management class, for my professional growth.
Since, I am doing all my assigned duties from 9:00am to 5:00 pm, and my course work demands the class at 4:00 pm, It would be appreciated if you allow my departure at 3 pm. I assure you that all my work will be considered at prior at my end and will be done with all the sincerity and responsibility.
Furthermore, my part-time studies will surely help the employer, as the course- work claims to provide the advanced knowledge of finance management . As a result , I can get better in my work department and help other employees in the related field.
.
I look forward to your positive and prompt response.
Yours faithfully,
Richa
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 6.5 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 6.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 6.0 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 6.0 |
| Overall | 6.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 6.5
The response successfully covers all parts of the prompt in a formal letter format. You clearly explain why you want to reduce your working hours by mentioning your desire to take a Finance Management course for professional growth. You also specify the exact hours you would like to work, stating your need to depart at 3:00 pm. Furthermore, you describe how your part-time studies will benefit your employer by explaining that the advanced knowledge gained will help you improve in your department and assist other employees. All bullet points are fully addressed with relevant, coherent ideas, demonstrating a good grasp of the communicative purpose.
Coherence and Cohesion: Band 6.5
The letter is logically organised with a clear beginning, middle, and end, maintaining an appropriate semi-formal/formal tone throughout. Paragraphing is used sufficiently to separate distinct points, such as the introduction of the request, the scheduling details, and the benefits to the employer. Cohesive devices are used adequately to connect ideas, as seen in phrases like 'Since, I am doing' and 'Furthermore'. However, referencing and transitions could be slightly smoother, and paragraph breaks are at times a bit disjointed. Overall, progression is clear and the layout is appropriate for a workplace request letter.
Lexical Resource: Band 6.0
You demonstrate a sufficient range of vocabulary for the task, attempting less common items such as 'professional growth', 'sincerity and responsibility', and 'advanced knowledge of finance management'. However, there are some minor inaccuracies in word choice and collocation, such as writing 'will be considered at prior at my end' rather than 'will be given priority'. There is also a slight punctuation error around commas that affects lexical flow, like 'As a result , I can get better'. Despite these occasional errors, the vocabulary is adequate to convey your message clearly without impeding communication.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 6.0
The letter includes a mix of simple and complex sentence forms, such as conditional and subordinate clauses ('Since I am doing all my assigned duties...'). There are some grammatical errors and awkward phrasing, notably comma splices and punctuation issues, as seen in 'demands the class at 4:00 pm, It would be appreciated' and unnecessary commas before prepositions ('Finance Management class, for my professional growth'). However, these errors do not impede communication, and the majority of sentences are understandable and communicate your intended meaning effectively.
See this exact question answered at other band scores. The same prompt compared across bands.
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