Band 7.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.0 · Cambridge IELTS 19 · 2026-10-06

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 Charles,

I hope this letter finds you well.

I am writing to you to request you to reduce my working hours for atleast one year. I want to study part time and complete my solicitor qualifying examination.

I've been working at your law firm, as a legal assistant from two years. I've never asked for any favour before. After working for two years at your firm, I've realised that in order to make progress in my career, I have to upgrade my qualification.

The Solicitor qualifying examination part one is theory based so I will have to attend the university. The University of Law runs the classes for this course three days a week. Therefore, I will only be able to attend the office from 9 am to 3 pm on Mondays, Thursdays, and Saturdays.

I am sure that once I'll complete my solicitor qualifying examination, I'll be able to add far more value to our firm. This course will provide me with a law practising license that will allow me to attend court hearings and our clients will be more comfortable in taking services from me. We'll no longer run short of solicitors during our peak season.

I hope for your co-operation on this matter.

Many thanks,

Asad

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 7.5

The response successfully covers all parts of the prompt, satisfying the requirements for Task Achievement. The writer clearly explains the motivation behind wanting to reduce working hours, specifies the exact schedule they wish to work, and outlines how the part-time studies will benefit the firm. The bullet points from the prompt are all addressed with relevant ideas, which is characteristic of the higher band performance. While some points, such as the specific benefits to the employer, are slightly generalised, they are nonetheless extended and supported well enough to present a clear position. The tone of the letter is appropriate and polite throughout, maintaining a professional standard that successfully communicates the purpose of the communication to the boss.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 7.0

The letter demonstrates a clear logical organisation and progression throughout. Information is grouped into sensible paragraphs, with an opening salutation, a clear statement of purpose, details regarding scheduling, benefits to the firm, and a polite sign-off. Cohesive devices such as 'Therefore' and 'I am sure that once' are used effectively to link ideas and guide the reader smoothly through the text. Paragraphing is used sufficiently and appropriately, as each new topic, from the reason for the request to the proposed hours and eventual benefits, occupies its own distinct paragraph. Referencing is generally clear, contributing to the overall coherence of the message.

Lexical Resource: Band 6.5

The student uses an adequate range of vocabulary for the task, attempting some less common lexical items such as 'solicitor qualifying examination', 'legal assistant', and 'practising license'. While there are occasional errors in word choice and phrasing, such as writing 'from two years' instead of 'for two years' or 'taking services' instead of 'using our services', these do not impede communication. The vocabulary is generally sufficient to allow some flexibility and precision in explaining the professional context, though a broader range of sophisticated collocation and style would be required to push into higher bands.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 6.5

The writing exhibits a mix of simple and complex sentence forms, demonstrating a decent command of grammar and punctuation. Sentences such as 'The University of Law runs the classes for this course three days a week' are clear and structurally sound. There are some minor grammatical errors, such as 'request you to reduce' (an unnecessary repetition of 'to') and 'once I'll complete' (where a present tense is required instead of a future form after 'once'). However, these errors are relatively infrequent and rarely impede communication, allowing the reader to follow the argument effortlessly while showcasing a good mix of structures.

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

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