Band 8.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 8.0 · Cambridge IELTS 19 · 2026-08-23

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 Sir/Madam,

I am writing to express my interest in transferring to the accounting department, as I believe this would be an important step in my career development. I have been working in my current position for the past two years and have greatly valued the experience I have gained during this time.

In my present role, I have developed several useful skills, including managing records, preparing reports, communicating with colleagues and working effectively under pressure. These skills, together with my educational background in accounting, would help me perform effectively in the new department.

I believe that transferring me to the accounting department would also benefit the company. As I already have relevant accounting knowledge and experience, I would require less training than an external candidate. Furthermore, I am familiar with the company's procedures and working environment, which would allow me to adapt quickly and contribute to the department from the beginning.

Although I am interested in developing my career, I do not wish to leave the company because I have had a very positive experience here. I particularly appreciate the supportive working environment and the opportunities I have been given to improve my professional skills. I would therefore be delighted to continue contributing to the company's success in a different department.

I look forward to hearing from you.

Yours faithfully,

Andrew

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 8.0

The letter fully addresses all three bullet points in the prompt. You clearly state the skills learned in your current role, provide a logical argument for how the company would benefit from your transfer, and express your commitment to the company. The tone is professional and appropriate for a formal letter to a manager. The ideas are well-developed and the purpose of the letter is clear from the outset. You have successfully maintained a consistent and professional tone throughout the response, ensuring all requirements of the task are met with clarity and relevance.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 8.0

The letter is logically organized with a clear progression of ideas. Each paragraph focuses on a specific aspect of the prompt, which helps the reader follow your argument easily. You use a variety of cohesive devices such as 'furthermore', 'although', and 'therefore' to link your sentences and paragraphs effectively. The paragraphing is appropriate, and the transition between your current experience and your future goals is smooth. The overall structure is coherent, and the use of referencing is accurate throughout the text.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.0

You demonstrate a good range of vocabulary appropriate for a professional context. Phrases like 'career development', 'perform effectively', and 'contribute to the company's success' are used accurately. While the vocabulary is functional and clear, it is generally standard. To reach a higher band, you could incorporate more precise or sophisticated collocations. However, the language used is natural, and there are no errors in word choice or spelling that impede communication. The lexical range is sufficient to convey your message with precision and professional tone.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 8.0

Your writing displays a good command of grammatical structures. You use a mix of simple and complex sentences effectively, such as the conditional structure in the third paragraph ('If I... I would...'). The punctuation is accurate, and there are no significant grammatical errors. The sentences are well-constructed and flow naturally. The control over verb tenses is consistent, particularly when discussing your past experience and future intentions. The majority of your sentences are error-free, reflecting a high level of grammatical accuracy.

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

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