Band 8.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 8.0 · Cambridge IELTS 19 · 2026-08-16

IELTS Writing Task 1 question

 

You started in your present job two years ago. You now feel it is important for your career development to move to a different department in the same company.

Write a letter to your manager. In your letter

• say what you have learned in your present job
• suggest how the company would benefit from moving you to a different department
• explain why you do not wish to leave the company

You do NOT need to write any addresses.

Begin your letter as follows:

Dear ....................................,

Student answer (Band 8.0)

Dear Manager,

I am writing to request a transfer to a different department within the company. I have been working in my current position for the past two years, and during this time I have gained valuable experience in communication, teamwork, time management, and handling responsibilities efficiently. I have also developed a good understanding of the company’s procedures and standards.

I believe moving to another department would benefit the company because I could apply my existing skills in a new area while learning additional responsibilities. My experience with the company would allow me to adapt quickly and contribute effectively, reducing the need for extensive training. It would also give the company an opportunity to retain an experienced employee while developing my skills further.

Although I am interested in career growth, I do not wish to leave the company because I value the supportive working environment and the opportunities I have received here. I have enjoyed working with my colleagues and would like to continue contributing to the company’s success in a new role.

I would be grateful if you could consider my request and discuss the available opportunities with me.

Yours sincerely,

Khushi Patel

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 8.0

The letter fully addresses all three bullet points required by the prompt. You clearly outline the skills gained in your current role, such as 'time management' and 'handling responsibilities'. You provide a logical argument for how the company would benefit from your transfer, specifically mentioning your ability to 'adapt quickly' and 'reduce the need for extensive training'. Furthermore, you effectively explain your loyalty to the company by highlighting the 'supportive working environment'. The tone is professional, appropriate for a formal letter to a manager, and the purpose of the communication is clear from the outset.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 8.0

The letter is well-structured with a clear introduction, body paragraphs addressing each prompt requirement, and a polite closing. Ideas are logically sequenced, moving smoothly from your current achievements to the benefits of a transfer and finally to your reasons for staying. Cohesive devices such as 'during this time', 'furthermore', and 'although' are used effectively to link sentences and paragraphs. The paragraphing is logical, with each paragraph focusing on a distinct aspect of the request, which makes the letter easy to follow.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.0

You demonstrate a good range of vocabulary appropriate for a professional context. Phrases like 'valuable experience', 'procedures and standards', and 'contribute effectively' are used accurately. While the vocabulary is functional and clear, it remains somewhat standard. To reach a higher band, you could incorporate more precise collocations or slightly more sophisticated professional terminology. However, the language used is natural and there are no errors in word choice that impede communication or cause confusion.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 8.0

The writing is highly accurate with a good mix of simple and complex sentence structures. You use complex sentences effectively, such as 'Although I am interested in career growth, I do not wish to leave the company because I value the supportive working environment'. Punctuation is used correctly throughout, and there are no grammatical errors that distract the reader. The control over verb tenses is consistent, particularly when discussing past experience and future intentions.

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

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