Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 6.5 · IELTS General Essentials · 2026-09-12
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 6.5)
Hello Dean,
I hope you are doing well. The reason I am writing this letter is to inform you, that I would like to drop 1 course this semester.
Earlier I took four courses for this semester because I was hoping to finish my program earlier. Later on I realized, with my work, I am not able to manage all workload.
In this semester, I am enrolled in Business 101, Economics 100, Accounting 101, and Literature 100. I made my mind to drop the Literature this semester and took it on next one.
Additionally with these classes I have 3 days of job that made my schedule pack. I do not want to compromise my grades because of extra work.
Even though, I would like to request a refund for this course. I understand dropping course last minute could affect the refund process. However I am willing to accept the credits for that course.
Eager to hear back from you soon.
Thank you.
Best Regards.
Nishat.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 7.0 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 6.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 6.0 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 6.0 |
| Overall | 6.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.0
The response successfully covers all the bullet points outlined in the task instructions. You clearly explain the situation by mentioning that you are taking four courses and need to drop one due to your heavy work schedule. You also state what you would like to do about your studies, which is to drop Literature 100 this semester and take it next term, while also inquiring about a refund or credit options. The tone is appropriate for a formal or semi-formal request to a staff member or administrator. All requirements are fully addressed with adequate development, resulting in a solid performance for this criterion.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5
The letter is organised logically with a clear progression of ideas. You begin with a standard greeting and statement of purpose, move on to explain your current course load and work commitments, and finish with your request regarding refunds and credits, closing with an appropriate sign-off. Paragraphing is used reasonably well to separate distinct points, such as your course list and your work schedule. However, some transitions feel slightly abrupt, and the cohesive devices used are basic rather than flexible. Overall, the arrangement is coherent and easy to follow.
Lexical Resource — Band 6.0
You use an adequate range of vocabulary suitable for a general correspondence task, successfully communicating your meaning regarding university courses, workloads, and schedules. Phrases like "drop 1 course," "manage all workload," and "compromise my grades" are clear and appropriate. However, there are some minor lexical and collocational inaccuracies, such as "took it on next one" instead of "take it next term," and "schedule pack" instead of "schedule packed." While less common vocabulary is attempted, these slight awkwardness prevent the score from reaching a higher band.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.0
The writing demonstrates a mix of simple and complex sentence forms. You successfully employ subordinate clauses, such as in "The reason I am writing this letter is to inform you, that I would like to drop 1 course this semester" (though note the unnecessary comma before 'that'). There are some grammatical errors and awkward phrasings, including "I made my mind to drop the Literature this semester and took it on next one" and "Additionally with these classes I have 3 days of job." Despite these occasional errors and slips in punctuation and prepositions, they do not impede overall communication.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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