Band 8.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 8.5 · IELTS General Essentials · 2026-09-11

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 regarding the evening course I recently enrolled in. Unfortunately, due to unforeseen changes in my work schedule, I am no longer able to attend the classes regularly.

My workload has increased considerably, and I am now required to work late several evenings a week. Consequently, I am struggling to balance my professional responsibilities with my studies. Rather than attending classes without being able to devote sufficient time to my coursework, I would prefer to postpone my studies until next term.

I am very keen to complete the course and would like to transfer my enrolment to the next available term. I believe this would allow me to participate fully and make the most of the learning opportunity.

Could you please advise me on whether this transfer would be possible and explain the procedure I need to follow? I would also appreciate information about any additional fees or formalities involved.

Thank you for your understanding. I look forward to hearing from you.

Yours faithfully,

Aanchal

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 work schedule, state your intention to postpone the course to the next term, and politely request advice on the transfer procedure. The tone is consistently appropriate for a formal letter, and the purpose of the communication is clear from the outset. The ideas are well-developed and logically presented, meeting all requirements of the prompt effectively.

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 situation to the proposed solution and finally to the request for information. Cohesive devices such as 'Consequently', 'Rather than', and 'In addition' (implied through structure) are used naturally to link sentences and paragraphs. The use of paragraphing is skillful, and the overall structure is coherent and easy to follow throughout the text.

Lexical Resource — Band 8.5

You demonstrate a wide and natural range of vocabulary appropriate for a formal context. Phrases such as 'unforeseen changes', 'professional responsibilities', 'devote sufficient time', and 'formalities involved' show a high level of lexical control. The vocabulary is precise and contributes to the professional tone of the letter. There are no errors in word choice or collocation, and the language used is sophisticated and fits the context perfectly.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 8.5

The response exhibits a wide range of grammatical structures with high accuracy. You successfully use complex sentences, such as 'Rather than attending classes without being able to devote sufficient time to my coursework, I would prefer to postpone my studies until next term.' Punctuation is used correctly throughout, and there are no grammatical errors. The control over sentence structure is excellent, and the writing is error-free, reflecting a high level of proficiency.

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