You are studying overseas. You need to return to your country before the end of the semester for a family event. Write a letter to your supervisor. In your letter: - request some time off - explain why you need to leave early - reassure him/her that your studies will not suffer
Sample Response
Dear Ms Corey, I am studying for my degreepursuing my graduation in computer science at thisyour college and I am in my fifth semester. I am writing to request some time off from classestime off classes, so as to attendensure my presence in a family event in my home country next month. However, IBut I can assure you that I will get back to my classes on time and catch up on any missed workcover my studies. I need to leave early becauseYou would be glad to know that my sister is getting married on 5th September and as her only older siblingas the only elder sibling, a major share of responsibilities rests on my shoulders to organise and overseeprecede and conduct the programme smoothlyin a well-appreciated manner. My presence in the rituals is highly expected. Therefore, I would request you to grant me leaveallow me the leave for a week starting onfrom 1st September. I can assure you that I will resume my classes on 7th September. It is almost certain that after attending the celebrationsbeholding the functions and post-marriage formalities, I will fly backfly my way back within a week's time. Finally, I pledge to you that, this short period of time, by no means, will hinder my preparation for the semester final. I am quite committed to thiskeen about this and hereby reassure you that my studies will not suffer. Yours sincerely, Vineeth Vera
Why this response received Band 6.5
The letter communicates its purpose clearly, gives a specific reason and leave period, and maintains a suitably respectful tone. Its main limitation is that the reassurance about studies is repetitive and lacks a concrete plan, while several over-elaborate phrases sound unnatural. The highest-priority improvement is to organise the request, explanation, and study arrangements into clear paragraphs and state exactly how missed work will be completed.
IELTS Writing Criteria Scores
Task Achievement
The purpose and all three bullet points are addressed clearly in an appropriately formal tone, although the study reassurance is only generally developed.
Specify how you will obtain missed materials or complete coursework so the final bullet point is fully convincing.
Coherence and Cohesion
The information follows a broadly logical sequence, but the single-block presentation and repeated assurances weaken cohesion and progression.
Use separate paragraphs for the request, wedding details, and study arrangements, removing repeated statements of reassurance.
Lexical Resource
A fairly wide vocabulary conveys the message, though several collocations such as pursuing my graduation and beholding the functions are unnatural.
Prefer precise, natural phrases such as completing my degree, attending the ceremonies, and return by plane.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy
The letter uses varied complex structures with generally good control, despite occasional awkward clause construction and punctuation.
Simplify long sentences and review comma placement so complex ideas remain grammatically controlled and easy to follow.
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IELTS General Training Writing Task 1
You are studying overseas. You need to return to your country before the end of the semester for a family event. Write a letter to your supervisor. In your letter:
- request some time off
- explain why you need to leave early
- reassure him/her that your studies will not suffer
Your response
Write the task yourself, then compare your choices with the annotated response.