Band 7.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.0 · Cambridge IELTS 19 · 2026-10-01

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 7.0)

Dear sir,

I am writing to request a reduction in my working hours to study part-time.

I wanted to let you know that I have been admitted to a master's program at Northeastern University. It starts on the 1st November. Doing work and studies at the same time is difficult for me. Therefore, I am available on Fridays as well as on weekends. I would appreciate it if you could reduce my hours. I assure you that I will complete my work on these days.

Up to the present time, coding is in high demand. My part-time studies would benefit my employment, as I will learn more about the language, including Java, C++, and Python. I will get a certificate after completing the course. Consequently, I can apply for a higher position in our office.

I look forward to your feedback. Please let me know if you require any further information.

Yours sincerely,

Almas

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 7.0

The response successfully addresses all parts of the prompt, establishing a clear purpose from the beginning. You explain why you want to reduce your hours by mentioning your admission to a master's program at Northeastern University, and you state which hours you would like to work, specifically Fridays and weekends. Furthermore, you describe how your part-time studies would benefit your employer by explaining that gaining certification and programming skills like Java, C++, and Python will allow you to apply for a higher position and bring more value to the office. The position is clear throughout, and the ideas are extended and supported effectively, showing a solid understanding of the task requirements.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 7.0

Your letter demonstrates a clear logical organisation and progression throughout. Information is grouped sensibly into paragraphs that address distinct parts of the prompt, such as the initial request, the specific hours and assurances, the benefits to the employer, and the closing remarks. You use cohesive devices flexibly, including transition markers like 'Therefore', 'Up to the present time', and 'Consequently', which help connect your ideas smoothly. While paragraphing is handled well overall, ensuring that transitional phrasing feels completely natural would push this aspect even further.

Lexical Resource: Band 6.5

You demonstrate a sufficient range of vocabulary to allow for flexibility and precision, such as 'admitted to a master's program', 'in high demand', and 'application for a higher position'. You attempt some less common lexical items with awareness of style and collocation, meeting the requirements well. However, there are a few minor lexical inaccuracies or awkward phrasings, such as writing 'Doing work and studies at the same time' instead of more natural academic or professional collocations like 'Balancing work and full-time studies'. Eliminating these occasional slips will help you achieve a higher standard.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 7.0

You utilise a variety of complex sentence structures alongside simple forms, resulting in frequent error-free sentences. Examples of your good control include conditional or dependent clauses such as 'I would appreciate it if you could reduce my hours' and 'Please let me know if you require any further information.' Grammatical control and punctuation are generally good, with proper handling of verb tenses and article usage. A few minor awkward structures persist, such as 'coding is in high demand', but these errors are infrequent and do not impede communication at all.

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.