Band 8.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 8.0 · Cambridge IELTS 19 · 2026-09-29

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 Sir/Madam,

I am writing to request a reduction in my working hours because I would like to begin studying for a part-time qualification in business management. I believe this course will help me develop my professional skills while allowing me to continue contributing to the company.

I would like to work from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., Monday to Friday, instead of my current full-time schedule. This arrangement would give me enough time in the evenings to attend classes, complete assignments and prepare for examinations.

I believe my studies would also benefit the company. The course would improve my knowledge of management, communication and problem-solving, which I could apply to my current responsibilities. I would also be able to bring new ideas and skills to the workplace and potentially take on greater responsibilities in the future.

I hope you will consider my request. I would be happy to discuss the proposed working hours and make any necessary adjustments to ensure that my work continues to meet the company's needs.

Your faithfully,

Bansi.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 8.0

The response covers all parts of the task fully and effectively. The writer clearly explains the reason for wanting to reduce working hours, stating 'I would like to begin studying for a part-time qualification in business management.' Specific details regarding the desired schedule are provided, as the student writes, 'I would like to work from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., Monday to Friday.' Furthermore, the benefits to the employer are well-developed, mentioning improvements in management knowledge, communication, and problem-solving. The tone is entirely appropriate for a formal letter to a boss, maintaining a polite and professional register throughout. All bullet points from the prompt are thoroughly addressed with clear, relevant, and fully extended ideas, satisfying the requirements for a high band score.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 8.0

The letter exhibits clear logical organisation and progression throughout. Information is grouped sensibly into paragraphs, with each paragraph fulfilling a distinct communicative purpose. For instance, the opening paragraph states the purpose of the letter, the second details the requested hours, and the third explains the benefits to the company. Cohesive devices are used naturally and appropriately, such as 'instead of my current full-time schedule' and 'I believe my studies would also benefit the company.' Paragraphing is used effectively to separate different aspects of the request. The progression of ideas is smooth, guiding the reader logically from the initial request to the concluding offer for discussion, resulting in a well-structured and cohesive piece of writing.

Lexical Resource: Band 7.0

The student demonstrates a sufficient and appropriate range of vocabulary for a formal letter. Phrases such as 'professional skills,' 'business management,' and 'current responsibilities' are used naturally and accurately. There is also an attempt at less common lexical items like 'potential take on greater responsibilities' and 'proposed working hours.' Word choice and collocation are generally accurate, and spelling is correct throughout. While the vocabulary is not excessively sophisticated, it is precise enough to convey the message clearly and maintain an appropriate professional register. A few more idiomatic or advanced lexical expressions could push this into the highest bands, but the current range is entirely adequate for effective communication.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 8.0

The writer displays a good variety of sentence structures, successfully combining simple and complex sentences. Examples of complex structures include 'I am writing to request a reduction in my working hours because I would like to begin studying...' and 'The course would improve my knowledge of management, communication and problem-solving, which I could apply to my current responsibilities.' The majority of sentences are error-free, and grammatical control is strong. Punctuation is handled correctly, with appropriate comma usage in lists and clauses. There is one minor mechanical error in the closing sign-off ('Your faithfully,' instead of 'Yours faithfully'), but this isolated slip does not impede communication or detract from the overall high level of grammatical accuracy.

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

Browse more IELTS Writing model answers or get your own writing scored by the same AI examiner.