Band 8.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 8.0 · Cambridge IELTS 13 · 2026-08-19

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 8.0)

Dear Mr. Smith,

I am writing to request an opportunity to work at our company’s head office in Canada for a period of six months.

The main reason I would like to work at the head office is to gain international experience and develop a better understanding of the company’s overall operations. Working closely with senior colleagues would allow me to improve my professional and communication skills. I also believe that the knowledge I gain there would help me contribute more effectively to our local office when I return.

During my absence, my regular responsibilities could be shared among my team members. Before leaving, I would prepare detailed instructions about my current projects and train a colleague to handle any urgent tasks. I would also remain available by email or video call whenever necessary.

I would greatly appreciate your help in arranging this six-month placement. Could you please discuss my request with the head office and advise me about the necessary procedures and documentation?

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

Yours sincerely,

Harman Singh

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 8.0

The response fully addresses all three bullet points of the prompt. You clearly explain the motivation for the six-month placement, provide a logical plan for managing your current workload, and make a polite, professional request for assistance. The tone is consistently appropriate for a formal business letter. The ideas are well-developed and relevant, showing a clear understanding of the task requirements. There are no omissions, and the purpose of the letter is immediately apparent to the reader.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 8.0

The letter is well-organized with a logical progression of ideas. Each paragraph focuses on a specific aspect of the prompt, which makes the text easy to follow. You use cohesive devices effectively, such as 'The main reason', 'During my absence', and 'Before leaving', to link sentences and paragraphs smoothly. The use of paragraphing is appropriate for a formal letter, and the overall structure is coherent and professional. There is no evidence of mechanical or repetitive use of linking words.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.5

You demonstrate a good range of vocabulary appropriate for a professional context. Phrases such as 'overall operations', 'professional and communication skills', and 'necessary procedures and documentation' are used accurately. The language is natural and fits the formal tone required for a letter to a manager. While the vocabulary is functional and precise, it could be elevated further by incorporating slightly more sophisticated collocations or idiomatic business expressions to reach the highest band, but the current level is more than sufficient for clear and effective communication.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 8.5

The writing is highly accurate with a variety of complex structures. You successfully use conditional structures ('would allow me', 'would help me') and complex sentences to convey your ideas. Punctuation is used correctly throughout, and there are no grammatical errors that impede communication. The majority of your sentences are error-free, demonstrating a strong command of English grammar. The control over tense and modal verbs is particularly impressive, reflecting a high level of proficiency.

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

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