Band 9.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 9.0 · IELTS General Essentials · 2026-07-28

IELTS Writing Task 1 question

You have enrolled in an evening course but you have found that you are too busy to continue and would like to take the course next term instead.

• explain the situation and why you cannot continue the course

• say what you would like to do about your studies

• ask for advice about what you can do about the situation

Student answer (Band 9.0)

Dear Course Counsellor,

I hope you are doing well. I am writing to request permission to defer my evening InDesign course (Course #12539), which is scheduled to begin next Monday, until the next term in September 2026.

Unfortunately, after enrolling in the course, I was assigned to a new project at work that also begins next week. Due to a tight project deadline, I will be required to work late into the evening, making it impossible for me to attend the classes regularly.

I remain very interested in completing the course and would like to begin it next term instead. Our project is expected to be completed within two months, so I should then have sufficient time to devote my full attention to my studies.

Given these circumstances, I would appreciate your advice on the best way to proceed. Could you please let me know whether it is possible to defer my enrolment to the next term or whether there are any alternative options available?

Thank you for your time and understanding. I look forward to your response.

Yours sincerely,

Milan Bodar

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 9.0

The response fully addresses all three bullet points in the prompt. You clearly explain the situation regarding your work project and why it prevents you from attending the course. You state your intention to defer to the next term and appropriately ask for advice on the procedure. The tone is consistently formal and appropriate for a letter to a course counsellor. The purpose of the letter is clear from the beginning, and all requirements are met with well-developed ideas. There are no omissions, and the response is entirely relevant to the task instructions.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 9.0

The letter is logically organized with a clear progression of ideas. Each paragraph serves a distinct purpose: the introduction states the purpose, the body paragraphs explain the situation and the proposed solution, and the final paragraph seeks advice. Cohesive devices such as 'Unfortunately', 'Due to', and 'Given these circumstances' are used naturally to link ideas. Paragraphing is used effectively to separate the different stages of your request, making the letter easy to follow. The flow of information is smooth throughout the text.

Lexical Resource — Band 9.0

You demonstrate a wide and natural range of vocabulary appropriate for a formal request. Phrases such as 'request permission to defer', 'sufficient time to devote my full attention', and 'alternative options available' show a high level of lexical control. The word choices are precise and contribute to the professional tone of the letter. There are no errors in spelling or word formation, and the vocabulary is used with flexibility to convey your meaning accurately and effectively.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 9.0

The writing exhibits a wide range of grammatical structures with high accuracy. You successfully use complex sentences, such as the conditional structure in the final paragraph ('Could you please let me know whether it is possible to... or whether there are...') and participial phrases ('making it impossible for me to...'). Punctuation is used correctly throughout, and there are no grammatical errors. The majority of sentences are error-free, and the control over tense and aspect is excellent, reflecting a sophisticated command of English grammar.

Browse more IELTS Writing model answers or get your own writing scored by the same AI examiner.