Band 8.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 8.5 · IELTS General Essentials · 2026-08-24

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 Course Coordinator,

I am writing to inform you that, unfortunately, I am unable to continue attending the evening course I recently enrolled in. I would therefore like to request permission to defer my studies until the next term.

When I registered for the course, I expected to have sufficient time to attend the evening classes. However, my workload has increased considerably over the past few weeks, and I am now required to work additional hours in the evenings. As a result, I have been unable to attend classes regularly and am concerned that continuing under these circumstances would negatively affect my performance.

I would be grateful if my enrolment could be transferred to the next available term so that I can continue the course when my schedule becomes less demanding. I am still very interested in completing the programme and would not like to withdraw permanently. I would also appreciate your advice on whether I need to complete any formal procedures or pay an additional fee to defer my enrolment.

Thank you for your understanding and assistance. I look forward to hearing from you and would appreciate any advice you can provide regarding the next steps.

Yours faithfully,

Cornelius

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 8.5

The response fully addresses all three bullet points in the prompt. You clearly explain the situation regarding your increased workload, state your desire to defer your studies to the next term, and ask relevant questions about the administrative procedures and fees. The tone is consistently appropriate for a formal letter to a course coordinator. The ideas are well-developed and the purpose of the letter is clear from the outset. You have maintained a professional and polite register throughout, which is essential for this task type.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 8.5

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 request, and the conclusion provides a polite closing. You use cohesive devices effectively, such as 'However', 'As a result', and 'In addition' (implied through structure), which help the reader follow your argument without difficulty. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate the different stages of your request, making the letter easy to navigate.

Lexical Resource — Band 8.5

You demonstrate a wide and natural range of vocabulary that is highly appropriate for a formal context. Phrases such as 'inform you', 'defer my studies', 'sufficient time', and 'formally procedures' are used accurately. The collocation is natural throughout, and there are no errors in word choice. You successfully convey your meaning with precision, showing a sophisticated control of language that is well-suited to the task requirements.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 8.5

The grammar is excellent, with a variety of complex sentence structures used accurately. You demonstrate control over conditional structures and passive voice, such as 'I would be grateful if my enrolment could be transferred'. Punctuation is used correctly throughout, and there are no grammatical errors. The majority of sentences are error-free, and the overall control of syntax is highly sophisticated, meeting the criteria for the highest band.

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

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