Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 19 · 2026-09-13

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 5.5)

Dear Sir,

I hope this letter finds you well. I am reaching out to request if you can change my department from the software to the marketing.

I am doing job in this company since last two years. I am very dedicated and hard worker. I have learnt a lot in this department under your kind supervision. That has a significant impact on my career. Now I am very enthusiastic to work in the marketing department. For this purpose I have earned the degree of MBA at a reputable college, in the evening classes.

In addition, I am very expert in social and communication skills. I believe if you enroll me in the marketing department it will be a good contribution to your marketing team.

Moreover, I have other options also in different companies but I would like to work in this company, because all the colleagues are very helpful and caring.

I hope to hear from you soon.

Yours Sincerely,

Sobia.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5

The response successfully covers all bullet points outlined in the task instructions. The student clearly states what has been learned in the present job ('I have learnt a lot in this department... that has a significant impact on my career'), suggests how the company would benefit from the transfer ('it will be a good contribution to your marketing team'), and explains why they do not wish to leave the company (colleagues are 'very helpful and caring' and they have an attachment to the firm despite outside options). The tone is appropriate for a letter to a manager. Although the ideas are straightforward and could be extended further, all parts are sufficiently addressed to meet the criteria for a Band 6.5 or solid 6.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5

The letter maintains a clear overall arrangement and follows a logical progression from the initial request to the supporting reasons and closing. Paragraphing is used to separate distinct points, such as learning experiences, qualifications, company benefits, and reasons for staying. However, cohesive devices are at times basic or slightly mechanical (e.g., 'In addition', 'Moreover', 'For this purpose'). Referencing is generally clear, but some transitions feel abrupt. Overall, the structure is coherent and easy to follow, aligning well with the Band 6 descriptors.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.5

The student uses an adequate range of vocabulary for the task, successfully incorporating terms such as 'dedicated', 'enthusiastic', 'reputable', and 'communication skills'. There are, however, some noticeable word choice and collocation inaccuracies, such as writing 'doing job' instead of 'working' or 'holding a job', and 'earn the degree' instead of 'completed' or 'obtained a degree'. Articles are also occasionally misused (e.g., 'the software to the marketing', 'the MBA'). Despite these errors, the vocabulary is sufficient to convey the message clearly, fitting the Band 6 level.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5

The response features a mix of simple and complex sentence forms, such as conditional and relative structures ('I believe if you enroll me... it will be a good contribution'). There are several grammatical errors throughout the text, including tense usage ('I am doing job... since last two years' instead of 'have been doing'), missing articles, and preposition errors ('at a reputable college'). Punctuation and spacing are also slightly erratic in places. While these errors are noticeable and require some effort from the reader to mentally correct, they do not severely impede overall communication, placing the response firmly at Band 5.5.

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

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