Band 9.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 9.0 · Cambridge IELTS 19 · 2026-08-25

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 9.0)

Dear Mr. Singh

I am writing to formally request a transfer from the Food and Beverage Department to the Front Office Department. After working in my current position for the past two years, I believe that moving to a different department would provide me with valuable opportunities for career growth and professional development.

During my two years in the Food and Beverage Department, I have developed strong customer service and communication skills. I have learned how to interact professionally with guests, handle complaints calmly, work effectively as part of a team, and perform efficiently in a busy environment. I have also gained a good understanding of the importance of guest satisfaction and maintaining high service standards.

I believe the company would benefit from transferring me to the Front Office Department because I could apply the experience and customer-service skills I have developed in Food and Beverage. My knowledge of the hotel's operations and my experience dealing directly with guests would help me adapt quickly to the new role. At the same time, I would be able to develop additional skills in guest relations, reservations, and front-office operations, which would make me a more versatile employee.

I would like to emphasize that I do not wish to leave the company. I have enjoyed working here and greatly appreciate the support, training, and experience I have received during the past two years. I am proud to be part of the organization and would prefer to continue building my career within the company rather than seeking opportunities elsewhere.

I would be grateful if you could consider my request and give me an opportunity to discuss a possible transfer to the Front Office Department.

Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing from you.

Yours sincerely,

Abc

AI examiner evaluation

CriterionBand
Task Achievement / Task Response9.0
Coherence and Cohesion9.0
Lexical Resource8.5
Grammatical Range and Accuracy9.0
Overall9.0

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 9.0

The response fully addresses all parts of the prompt. You clearly state what you have learned in your current role, such as 'customer service and communication skills'. You provide a logical argument for how the company would benefit from your transfer, specifically mentioning your ability to 'adapt quickly' due to your existing knowledge of hotel operations. Furthermore, you express your commitment to the company effectively. The tone is professional and appropriate for a formal letter to a manager. All bullet points are well-developed and supported with relevant details, demonstrating a clear understanding of the task requirements.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 9.0

The letter is logically organized with a clear introduction, body paragraphs addressing each bullet point, and a professional closing. Each paragraph has a clear central topic, and the progression of ideas is smooth. You use a variety of cohesive devices effectively, such as 'During my two years', 'At the same time', and 'I would like to emphasize'. The use of paragraphing is skillful, ensuring that the reader can easily follow your request and the supporting arguments. There is no evidence of mechanical or faulty cohesion.

Lexical Resource — Band 8.5

You demonstrate a wide and natural range of vocabulary appropriate for a professional context. Phrases like 'formally request a transfer', 'professional development', 'maintain high service standards', and 'versatile employee' are used accurately and with precision. The language is sophisticated and fits the formal tone of the letter perfectly. There are no noticeable errors in word choice or collocation, and the vocabulary is used with a high degree of flexibility to convey your intentions clearly and professionally.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 9.0

The writing exhibits a wide range of grammatical structures with high accuracy. You use complex sentences effectively, such as 'I would be grateful if you could consider my request and give me an opportunity to discuss a possible transfer to the Front Office Department.' Punctuation is used correctly throughout, and there are no errors that impede communication. The majority of your sentences are error-free, and the control over verb tenses and clause structures is excellent, reflecting a high level of grammatical competence.

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

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