Band 8.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 8.0 · Cambridge IELTS 19 · 2026-09-06

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 express my interest in transferring to a different department within the company to further develop my career. Having worked in my current position for the past two years, I believe that this would be an excellent opportunity to expand my skills and contribute to the organization in a new capacity.

During my time in my present role, I have gained valuable experience in teamwork, communication, problem-solving, and managing daily responsibilities efficiently. I have also developed a strong understanding of the company's policies, culture, and expectations.

I believe the company would benefit from transferring me to another department because I could bring my existing knowledge and experience while learning new skills. My familiarity with the organization would also allow me to adapt quickly and work effectively with minimal training.

I do not wish to leave the company because I genuinely value its supportive work environment and the opportunities it provides for professional growth. I would like to continue building my long-term career here while taking on new challenges.

Thank you for considering my request. I would appreciate the opportunity to discuss this matter with you further.

Yours sincerely,

Kaushal Patel

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 8.0

The response fully addresses all three bullet points required by the prompt. You clearly state what you have learned, explain the benefits of your transfer to the company, and provide a convincing reason for wanting to stay. The tone is professional and appropriate for a formal letter to a manager. The ideas are well-developed and logically presented, ensuring the reader understands your purpose immediately. The letter follows the standard conventions of a formal request, and the position is consistent throughout the text.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 8.0

The letter is well-organized with a clear logical progression. Each paragraph focuses on a specific requirement of the prompt, which helps the reader follow your argument easily. You use cohesive devices such as 'During my time', 'I have also', and 'because' effectively to link your ideas. The paragraphing is appropriate, and the transition between the introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion is smooth. The overall structure is coherent and professional, meeting the requirements for a high band score.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.5

You demonstrate a good range of vocabulary appropriate for a professional context. Phrases like 'further develop my career', 'contribute to the organization in a new capacity', and 'genuinely value' are used accurately. While the vocabulary is functional and precise, it could be slightly more varied to reach the highest band. The word choices are natural and there are no errors in spelling or collocation that impede communication. The language is consistently formal and fits the task requirements well.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 8.5

The grammar is highly accurate throughout the letter. You use a variety of sentence structures, including complex sentences such as 'Having worked in my current position for the past two years, I believe that this would be an excellent opportunity...'. There are no noticeable grammatical errors, and punctuation is used correctly. The control over verb tenses is consistent, particularly when discussing past experience and future intentions. The writing is error-free, which demonstrates 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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