Band 8.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 8.0 · 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 8.0)

Dear sir

I have been pursuing an evening language course in your Trinity College for 3 months; but, now I feel incapable of continuing it due to my hectic schedule, and I would like to continue it in the next term in summer, and for this, I am seeking your permission.

Let me explain the reason for discontinuing the course. Recently, I have been appointed as a teacher in a school. Though my job is not rounding the clock as I get free at three in the afternoon; however, I have assignments for pupils to check and other administration work. It is my new job so I cannot be irresponsible. Due to the above-mentioned reasons, I find it a hard nut to crack to have spare time for continuing this course now.

To be honest, I would like to continue the rest of the course in the month of autumn as I would be on autumn vacations and at that time I would be able to understand my work responsibilities well. In addition, if it would be difficult to attend in person; then, I would join this course online.

I would like to have your advice to help me out of this situation. I would be highly indebted to you if you could allow me to attend this course in the next intake as it is pertinent for me being a teacher in a school if it is not possible; then, do let me know that when I would be able to get a refund and how much?

Looking forward to hearing from you at your earliest convenience.

Yours faithfully,

Sharma

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 8.5

You have successfully addressed all three bullet points in the prompt. You clearly explained your situation regarding your new teaching position and the resulting time constraints. You also proposed a clear solution (deferring to the next term) and requested advice regarding your options, including the possibility of online attendance or a refund. The tone is appropriate for a formal letter to an educational institution. The ideas are well-developed and the purpose of the letter is clear from the outset. You have maintained a consistent, professional tone throughout the response, which is essential for this task type.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 8.0

The letter is logically organized with a clear introduction, body paragraphs, and a formal closing. Each paragraph focuses on a specific aspect of your request, which aids readability. You use a range of cohesive devices such as 'In addition', 'Due to the above-mentioned reasons', and 'To be honest'. While some transitions are slightly mechanical, the flow of ideas is logical and easy to follow. Paragraphing is used effectively to separate the explanation of your situation from your proposed solutions and your request for advice.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.5

You demonstrate a good range of vocabulary appropriate for a formal context, such as 'pursuing', 'hectic schedule', 'pertinent', and 'earliest convenience'. There are some minor issues with collocation and word choice, such as 'rounding the clock' (should be 'around the clock') and 'hard nut to crack' (which is an idiom that is slightly too informal for this specific context). However, these do not impede communication. You successfully use topic-specific vocabulary related to your work and the course enrollment process, which shows a sufficient range for the task.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.5

You use a mix of simple and complex sentence structures effectively. There are some punctuation errors, particularly the misuse of semicolons (e.g., '3 months; but, now' and 'in person; then,') and some minor grammatical slips, such as 'in your Trinity College' (should be 'at') and 'in the month of autumn' (which is slightly unnatural). Despite these occasional errors, the majority of your sentences are error-free, and your meaning is always clear. The control of complex structures is generally good, and the errors do not interfere with the reader's understanding.

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