Band 5.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.0 · Cambridge IELTS 19 · 2026-08-31

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 5.0)

Dear Laura,

I am writing to express my dissatisfaction to move to the new department. As I am working in the IT sector in your company from the past two years which truly develop my IT skills. I have learned numerous new skills which I don't know about that before. I worked with different technologies such as Python, Java and MySql.

As you also gain benefits from my skills because I complete all the requirements before deadline and the clients are also satisfied from my work. You can see from my last project on which I worked. Clients gave you incentives as well. I am not only works well for your reputation but also your company gain profit.

I don't want to move to another department because I haven't adequate knowledge of that knowledge. Not only knowledge but also I have not interest.

I hope you understand my problem.

Thank you

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 4.0

The response fails to address the core requirement of the prompt. The instructions ask you to write to your manager to request a move to a different department for career development. However, your opening sentence states you are writing to express 'dissatisfaction to move to the new department,' and your final paragraph explicitly states you do not want to move. This contradicts the prompt's premise. While you mention your current skills and the benefits to the company, the central purpose of the letter is confused and contradictory, leading to a failure to fulfill the task requirements effectively.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.0

The letter is divided into short paragraphs, which is appropriate for the format. However, the logical progression is hindered by the contradictory content. The use of cohesive devices is limited and sometimes inaccurate, such as the awkward transition 'As you also gain benefits' and the repetitive structure in the final paragraph ('Not only knowledge but also I have not interest'). The flow of ideas is disjointed, making it difficult for the reader to follow your intent. More varied linking words and a clearer structure would improve the overall coherence.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.0

The vocabulary is basic and repetitive, often relying on simple phrasing. There are several instances of incorrect word choice, such as 'dissatisfaction to move' instead of 'desire to move' or 'interest in moving.' Phrases like 'I don't know about that before' and 'I have not interest' are grammatically and lexically weak. While you successfully name technical skills like Python and Java, the overall range is limited. To improve, you should focus on using more precise professional terminology and avoiding repetitive sentence structures.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0

There are frequent grammatical errors that occasionally impede communication. Examples include 'As I am working... from the past two years which truly develop' (tense error), 'I am not only works well' (subject-verb agreement), and 'I haven't adequate knowledge of that knowledge' (awkward phrasing). The sentence structures are mostly simple, and attempts at more complex sentences often result in errors. You need to focus on subject-verb agreement, correct verb tenses, and ensuring that your sentences are grammatically complete and logically structured.

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

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