Band 8.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 8.5 · IELTS General Essentials · 2026-07-30

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 8.5)

Dear Sir or Madam,

I am writing to tell you that I cannot continue my evening course this term because I have become too busy with my work. Recently, my company has given me extra responsibilities, and I have to work late almost every day. Because of this, I am unable to attend my classes regularly.

I enjoy the course very much, and I do not want to stop studying completely. I would like to take the same course next term when my work schedule is less busy. I believe this will help me continue my studies without missing important lessons.

Could you please advise me on what I should do in this situation? Is it possible to transfer my registration to the next term, or do I need to complete a new application? I would appreciate any advice you can give me.

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

Yours faithfully,

John Smith

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 8.5

The response fully addresses all three bullet points of the task. You clearly explain the situation regarding your increased work responsibilities, state your intention to postpone the course to the next term, and ask specific questions regarding the administrative process for doing so. The tone is appropriate for a formal letter, and the purpose is clear from the outset. All requirements of the prompt are met with sufficient detail to communicate your needs effectively to the course provider.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 8.5

The letter is well-organized with a logical progression of ideas. Each paragraph serves a distinct purpose, moving from the explanation of the problem to your proposed solution and finally to your request for advice. Cohesive devices such as 'Because of this', 'I enjoy the course very much', and 'In this situation' are used effectively to link sentences and ideas. The paragraphing is appropriate, and the overall structure is clear and easy to follow throughout the text.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.5

You demonstrate an adequate range of vocabulary that is appropriate for the context of a formal request. Phrases like 'extra responsibilities', 'unable to attend', and 'transfer my registration' are accurate and natural. While the vocabulary is functional and clear, it is generally standard. To reach a higher band, you could incorporate more sophisticated collocations or slightly more precise academic/formal terminology to elevate the tone further, though the current level is perfectly sufficient for this task.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 8.5

The grammar is highly accurate, and the response is virtually free of errors. You use a good mix of simple and complex sentence structures, such as 'I am writing to tell you that...' and 'Is it possible to transfer my registration to the next term, or do I need to complete a new application?'. Punctuation is used correctly, and the flow of the sentences is natural. The control over complex structures is consistent, and there are no errors that impede communication.

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