Band 8.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 8.0 · Cambridge IELTS 19 · 2026-09-03

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 an opportunity to transfer to a different department within the company, as I believe this would be an important step in my professional development.

During my two years in my current position, I have gained valuable experience in customer service, communication, teamwork and problem-solving. I have also learned how to handle challenging situations professionally, manage my responsibilities efficiently and work effectively with colleagues from different backgrounds. These skills have helped me become a more confident and reliable employee.

I believe that moving to another department would benefit the company because I could apply the skills and knowledge I have developed in a new area while also learning additional skills. Having experience in different departments would allow me to understand the company more comprehensively and, in the long term, make me a more versatile employee who can contribute to different teams when needed. I would also be able to bring my existing knowledge of the company and its procedures to the new department.

However, I would prefer to develop my career within this company rather than seek opportunities elsewhere. I have enjoyed working here, appreciate the support I have received from my colleagues and managers, and strongly value the company’s working environment. I would therefore be grateful if you could consider my request for an internal transfer and discuss any suitable opportunities with me.

Thank you for considering my request. I look forward to hearing from you.

Yours sincerely,

Shubhkaran singh

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 8.0

The letter fully addresses all three bullet points in the prompt. You clearly outline the skills gained in your current role, such as 'problem-solving' and 'communication'. You provide a logical argument for how the company would benefit from your transfer, specifically mentioning your potential to become a 'versatile employee'. Finally, you explain your loyalty to the company by highlighting your appreciation for the current work environment. The tone is consistently professional and appropriate for a formal request to a manager. The ideas are well-developed and the purpose of the letter is clear from the opening paragraph.

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 makes the structure easy to follow. You use cohesive devices effectively, such as 'During my two years', 'I believe that', and 'However', to link your thoughts. The transition between your current achievements and your future goals is smooth. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate the introduction, the body of the argument, and the conclusion. The flow of information is natural and professional throughout the entire piece.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.5

You demonstrate a good range of vocabulary appropriate for a professional context. Phrases like 'professional development', 'versatile employee', and 'internal transfer' are used accurately. The language is precise and fits the formal tone required for a letter to a manager. While the vocabulary is functional and clear, it could be elevated further by incorporating more sophisticated collocations or nuanced expressions to reach the highest band. However, the current range is more than sufficient to convey your message clearly and effectively without any errors in word choice.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 8.0

Your writing displays a high level of grammatical control. You use a variety of complex sentence structures, such as 'I am writing to request...', 'Having experience in different departments would allow me to...', and 'I would therefore be grateful if you could...'. These structures are used accurately and contribute to the professional tone of the letter. Punctuation is handled correctly throughout, and there are no noticeable errors in subject-verb agreement or tense usage. The majority of your sentences are error-free, reflecting a strong command of English grammar.

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

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