Band 8.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 8.0 · IELTS General Essentials · 2026-09-14

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 Course Coordinator,

I am writing to inform you that I must withdraw from the evening course "Introduction to Digital Marketing" (Course Code: DM101), which I recently enrolled in for the current term.

Unfortunately, due to an unexpected increase in my work responsibilities and a demanding project at my job, I am currently working extended hours on weekdays. As a result, I find myself with very little time in the evenings, making it impossible for me to attend the classes regularly or keep up with the coursework without compromising my performance.

Rather than dropping out entirely, I would love to postpone my studies and take this exact course next term when my work schedule stabilizes. Could you please advise me on the administrative procedure for deferring my enrollment? Specifically, I would like to know if my tuition fee can be transferred to the upcoming term and if there are any forms I need to submit.

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

Yours faithfully,

Hardeep Singh

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 8.0

The candidate has fully and effectively addressed all three bullet points of the task prompt. First, the situation is clearly explained along with the specific reason for not being able to continue the course, mentioning an unexpected increase in work responsibilities and extended weekday hours. Second, the writer explicitly states their intention to postpone studies and take the exact course next term. Third, they successfully ask for advice and guidance regarding the administrative procedure for deferring enrollment and transferring tuition fees. The tone is consistently appropriate for a formal letter to a course coordinator. The purpose is immediately clear, and all ideas are well-developed and supported with logical details. Consequently, this response meets all the requirements for a high band in this criterion.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 8.0

The response demonstrates a clear logical organization and progression from beginning to end. The letter is structured professionally into standard paragraphs, each serving a distinct function: stating the purpose, explaining the background and problem, proposing the solution and asking questions, and providing a polite closing. Cohesive devices such as 'Unfortunately', 'As a result', 'Rather than', and 'Specifically' are used naturally and effectively to guide the reader through the text. Referencing is clear throughout, and paragraphing is managed skilfully, ensuring the text flows smoothly without any jarring transitions or awkward placement of information.

Lexical Resource — Band 8.0

The student demonstrates a wide and flexible vocabulary range suited to a formal academic or professional correspondence context. Phrases such as 'withdraw from', 'compromising my performance', 'deferring my enrollment', and 'administrative procedure' show a strong command of less common lexical items with accurate collocation. Word choice is precise, and spelling is flawless. While the vocabulary is not overly flowery, it is sophisticated enough to achieve communicative goals effortlessly and accurately reflects the natural style required for formal requests.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 8.0

The response displays a wide variety of complex sentence structures used with a high degree of accuracy. The writer successfully employs subordinate clauses, participial phrases, and conditional ideas, such as in the sentence 'making it impossible for me to attend the classes regularly or keep up with the coursework without compromising my performance.' The majority of sentences are error-free, and grammatical control is excellent throughout the entire text. Punctuation is also handled impeccably, contributing to the professional presentation of the letter.

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