Band 9.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 9.0 · Cambridge IELTS 13 · 2026-08-11

IELTS Writing Task 1 question

You work for an international company, and would like to spend six months working in its head office in another country. Write a letter to your manager. In your letter

• explain why you want to work in the company's head office for six months
• say how your work could be done while you are away
• ask for his/her help in arranging it

You do NOT need to write any addresses.

Begin your letter as follows:

Dear ................. ,

Student answer (Band 9.0)

Dear Mr Smith,

I am writing to request the opportunity to spend six months working at our company's head office in London. I believe this experience would be highly beneficial for my professional development and would also allow me to gain a better understanding of the company's international operations.

The main reason I would like to work at the head office is to gain practical experience of working with colleagues from different departments and countries. I would particularly like to learn more about the company's management practices and international projects. I believe that the knowledge and skills I gain during this period could be valuable to our team when I return.

I would ensure that my current responsibilities are not affected by my absence. Most of my regular tasks can be completed remotely using email, video conferencing and the company's online systems. For tasks that require my physical presence, I could prepare detailed instructions and hand them over to a colleague before leaving. I would also remain available online during working hours whenever necessary.

I would be grateful if you could help me arrange this temporary transfer. In particular, I would appreciate it if you could discuss the possibility with the head-office management and advise me about the necessary procedures and documentation. I would be happy to provide any further information required.

Thank you for considering my request. I look forward to hearing from you.

Yours sincerely,

Kiranjit Kaur

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 9.0

The response fully addresses all three bullet points in the prompt. You clearly explain the motivation for the transfer, provide a logical plan for managing your current workload during your absence, and make a polite, specific request for assistance. The tone is consistently professional and appropriate for a formal letter to a manager. The ideas are well-developed and the purpose of the letter is clear from the outset. You have successfully met all the requirements of the task.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 9.0

The letter is logically organized with a clear progression of ideas. Each paragraph focuses on a specific aspect of the request, which makes the letter easy to follow. You use a range of cohesive devices effectively, such as 'In particular', 'For tasks that', and 'I would also', which help to link your sentences and paragraphs smoothly. The structure is professional, and the use of paragraphing is appropriate for a formal business communication.

Lexical Resource — Band 8.0

You demonstrate a good range of vocabulary appropriate for a professional context. Phrases such as 'professional development', 'international operations', 'management practices', and 'temporary transfer' are used accurately and naturally. The language is precise and fits the formal tone required for this task. There are no errors in word choice or collocation, and the vocabulary is sufficiently varied to convey your message clearly and effectively.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 9.0

The grammar is highly accurate throughout the letter. You use a variety of complex sentence structures, such as conditional clauses ('If you could discuss...') and relative clauses ('...that require my physical presence'), with excellent control. Punctuation is used correctly, and there are no grammatical errors that impede communication. The writing is fluent, and the control over tense and modal verbs is consistent with a high level of proficiency.

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

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