Day 73 IELTS General Training Task 1: Formal Letter to Your Manager (Band 9 Guide & Sample Answer)

June 02, 2026

Day 73 IELTS General Training Task 1 | Formal Letter to Your Manager | Band 9 Guide

Day 73: Master the IELTS General Training Task 1 – Formal Letter to Your Manager (Full Band 9 Guide)

Q: How many words should IELTS Task 1 contain?

You must write at least 150 words.

Master the art of writing a formal letter to your manager for IELTS General Training Task 1. This complete Band 9 guide includes letter structure, examiner insights, advanced vocabulary, a full sample answer, FAQs, and a practical writing assignment.

IELTS Writing Task 1 Formal Letter Guide

📚 Related IELTS Resources

Introduction

Welcome to Day 73 of the Primum IELTS Mastery Series. One of the most common IELTS General Training Writing Task 1 questions asks candidates to write a formal letter to a manager, supervisor, employer, or department head.

Many candidates lose marks because they use an inappropriate tone, fail to address all bullet points, or write vague explanations. In this lesson, you will learn a proven framework that can help you consistently achieve Band 7, Band 8, or even Band 9.

If you missed previous lessons, explore our IELTS resources:

The Four IELTS Assessment Criteria

1. Task Achievement

You must address every bullet point completely. Missing even one requirement can significantly reduce your score.

Answer all bullet points.
Provide relevant details.
Maintain a formal tone.
Write at least 150 words.

2. Coherence and Cohesion

Your ideas should flow logically from one paragraph to the next.

Use clear paragraphing.
Organize information logically.
Use linking phrases naturally.

3. Lexical Resource

Use professional vocabulary and formal expressions.

Unforeseen circumstances
Professional commitment
Mutually beneficial arrangement
Operational efficiency
Temporary adjustment

4. Grammatical Range and Accuracy

Demonstrate a variety of sentence structures while minimizing errors.

Conditional clauses
Passive structures
Complex sentences
Polite modal verbs

The 6-Step Blueprint for Formal Letters

Component	Purpose
Salutation	Open formally
Purpose Statement	Explain why you are writing
Paragraph 1	Address Bullet Point 1
Paragraph 2	Address Bullet Point 2
Paragraph 3	Address Bullet Point 3
Sign-off	Close professionally

Task Analysis

IELTS General Training Writing Task 1

You have been working for your current company for over a year, but you need to adjust your working hours to accommodate further professional studies. Write a letter to your manager. In your letter:

Explain your situation.

Describe the changes you want.

Explain how your work will be covered.

Band 9 Sample Answer

Dear Mr. Henderson,

I am writing to formally request an adjustment to my current working hours. Having completed more than fourteen months of continuous service with the company, I remain fully committed to my role and responsibilities.

Recently, I was accepted into a professional postgraduate certification programme in Business Analytics. Since several lectures are scheduled during weekday afternoons, it has become necessary for me to seek a revised work schedule that will enable me to continue both my studies and professional duties effectively.

I would like to propose finishing work at 1:00 PM on Tuesdays and Thursdays. To compensate for this adjustment, I am prepared to extend my working hours on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. This arrangement would ensure that I continue fulfilling my contractual obligations while maintaining productivity.

To avoid any disruption to departmental operations, I have already discussed temporary task coverage with a colleague who has agreed to supervise routine afternoon responsibilities. Additionally, I will remain available by email for urgent matters and will ensure that all priority assignments are completed in advance.

Thank you for considering my request. I would appreciate the opportunity to discuss this proposal further at your convenience.

Yours sincerely,

Shahida Noreen

Why This Letter Achieves Band 9

Excellent Task Achievement

All three bullet points are answered fully and clearly.

Strong Coherence

The response follows a logical structure with smooth transitions.

Advanced Vocabulary

The writer uses phrases such as:

Continuous service
Contractual obligations
Professional postgraduate certification
Departmental operations
Priority assignments

Accurate Grammar

The response demonstrates complex grammatical structures with excellent control.

Vocabulary Matrix

Basic Phrase	Band 7+ Alternative
I want to change my hours.	I would like to request an adjustment to my schedule.
Because of studies.	To accommodate academic commitments.
Someone else will do my work.	I have developed a mitigation strategy.
Talk later.	Discuss this matter further.
I've worked here a long time.	Following months of continuous service.

Common IELTS Mistakes

Using Contractions

Avoid:

I'm
Don't
Can't
We've

Use full forms instead.

Informal Language

Avoid slang or casual expressions.

Weak Conclusions

Always end with a professional closing.

Day 73 Practice Assignment

You wish to attend a three-day professional training seminar. Write a letter to your manager.

Explain what the seminar is about.

Request approval to attend.

Explain how your work will be managed while you are away.

Useful External Resources

Frequently Asked Questions

How many words should IELTS Task 1 contain?

At least 150 words. Aiming for 170–220 words is usually ideal.

Can I use contractions?

No. Formal letters should avoid contractions.

How many paragraphs are recommended?

Introduction, three body paragraphs, and a closing paragraph.

What is the best sign-off?

Use "Yours sincerely" when the recipient's name is known.

How is IELTS Writing Task 1 assessed?

Task Achievement, Coherence and Cohesion, Lexical Resource, and Grammatical Range and Accuracy.

Next Lesson: Day 74 of the Primum IELTS Mastery Series.