Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.0 · Cambridge IELTS 19 · 2026-10-16

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 6.0)

Dear Sir

I hereby would like to put up a request application for reduction in office hours in order to compensate my time towards my studies for the CFA (Chartered Financial Accountant) level-1 paper.

CFA is one of the most complex certifications in the world which requires your healthy amount of time to give as it consists of 12 core subjects related to the field iam currently working but the 8 hours/day working shift has become a hassle for me to bring up more energy and focus to study which will ultimately affect my results in the future.To bring to your knowledge i would like to tell you one signifnicant thing which is the cost of this paper which is a very heflty amount and its a little tough save it up for another try incase i fail the first time.

Iam currently working with a 9-5 shift in your office which i would request you to reduce to 9-3 for around 2 months and then after the paper I will resume back at the normal shift.Moreover, this CFA qualification would not just individually benefit me but it would also benefit the whole company in terms of knowledge enhancement and more profit making techniques to learn which would overall boost company perofrmance.

looking forward to your positive response

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 6.5

You address all three requested points: you explain that you need time to prepare for the CFA, request a 9–3 schedule for about two months, and describe potential benefits to the company. The specific schedule and temporary period make the request clear. The employer benefit is relevant, but “knowledge enhancement and more profit making techniques” remains general; a concrete example of how the qualification could improve your work would develop this point further. The reason for studying is also explained at length, while the benefits to your employer receive less support. The formal purpose is clear, but a more tactful, professional tone and a complete closing would make the letter more effective. You already cover the task well; fuller development of the less-supported points would strengthen it.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 6.0

The ideas follow a sensible overall order: you introduce the request, explain your study demands, specify the hours, and then mention the employer’s benefit. Linking phrases such as “Moreover” help signal the final point. However, most of the letter is presented as one long paragraph, so the separate purposes are not easy to scan. Some connections are also mechanical or unclear, particularly the transition from the cost of the exam to the request for reduced hours. Divide the letter into short paragraphs and use clearer links between the reason, proposed schedule, and workplace benefits. A conventional closing would also give the letter a more complete structure.

Lexical Resource: Band 5.5

You attempt a range of formal and topic-specific vocabulary, including “reduction in office hours,” “CFA qualification,” and “company performance.” These choices make the subject clear, but several expressions are inaccurate or unnatural, such as “put up a request application,” “healthy amount of time,” and “profit making techniques.” Spelling and word-form errors—including “signifnicant,” “heflty,” “perofrmance,” and “Iam”—also reduce the overall control of vocabulary. Aim for concise, natural collocations and check spelling carefully. For example, “submit a request to reduce my working hours” and “a substantial amount of time” would express your meaning more precisely and professionally.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 5.5

You use both simple and more complex sentence forms, including a relative clause in “which requires your healthy amount of time” and a conditional idea about failing the exam. The main message remains understandable, but some sentences are overloaded and contain grammatical or punctuation problems. For instance, “CFA is one of the most complex certifications … which requires” has an unclear reference, and “I would request you to reduce” needs a more natural grammatical pattern, such as “I would like to request that you reduce.” Several sentences run together without full stops, and capitalisation of “I” is inconsistent. Break long sentences into shorter units and check clause structure, articles, and punctuation.

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

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