Sample IELTS GT Task 1 letter: taking time off a college course
Band 6.5 and Band 8 model answers for this IELTS question — see what raises the band, then get your own graded by AI.
Band 6.5
Prompt: You are studying a course at a college and need to take some time off. Write a letter to your course tutor. In your letter: • explain why you are writing • describe how much time you need to take off • say how you plan to catch up on the work you miss (Begin your letter 'Dear ...,'. Semi-formal register.)
Dear Mr Roberts,
I am writing to let you know that I will need to take some time off from my marketing course in the next few weeks, and I wanted to explain the situation.
The reason is that my mother is unwell and needs to have an operation. I am the only person in my family who can look after her, so I have to travel back home to help her. This is something I cannot avoid.
I think I will need to take about two weeks off, probably from 8th June until 22nd June. I am very sorry about this because I know it is a busy part of the course, but I do not have another choice at the moment.
To catch up with the work I miss, I have a few ideas. First, I will ask my classmates to share their notes. Second, I will study the lessons online if they are available on the college website. I am also happy to do any extra homework you give me when I come back.
Thank you very much for understanding. Please let me know if there is anything else I need to do.
Kind regards, Nina Petrov
Band 8.0
Prompt: You are studying a course at a college and need to take some time off. Write a letter to your course tutor. In your letter: • explain why you are writing • describe how much time you need to take off • say how you plan to catch up on the work you miss (Begin your letter 'Dear ...,'. Semi-formal register.)
Dear Mr Roberts,
I am writing to inform you that, due to a family emergency, I will unfortunately have to be absent from my marketing course for a short period, and I wanted to explain the circumstances before I go.
The situation is that my mother has been taken ill and is due to undergo an operation later this month. As I am the only family member able to care for her during her recovery, I have no option but to return home to support her.
Realistically, I expect to need around two weeks away, from 8th June to 22nd June. I am conscious that this coincides with a demanding stage of the course, and I would not request it were it not unavoidable.
To avoid falling behind, I have already arranged for two classmates to share their notes, and I intend to keep up with any materials uploaded to the college portal while I am away. On my return, I would welcome the chance to discuss any assessments I have missed and to complete extra work if needed.
Thank you for your understanding, and please let me know if there is any paperwork I should submit beforehand.
Kind regards, Nina Petrov