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Writing General Training Task 1 Band 9.0 Example

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216 words General TrainingTask 1Letter

Task 1 Letter

Illustrative target band for this original model answer.

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Ideas to explore

Explain a specific, credible reason for missing the deadline, such as underestimating the research and organisation required.
Show what work is already complete and what remains, so the lecturer can see that the requested extra time has a clear purpose.
Acknowledge the course policy and ask about any required process, while keeping the tone respectful and accountable.

Suggested structure

Open with a greeting and identify yourself and your course.
State the missed deadline and apologise briefly.
Explain why the project is unfinished and describe your progress.
Request a specific extension and give a clear submission plan.
Ask about any procedure, thank the lecturer, and close formally.

Useful vocabulary & examples

grant an extension: allow extra time to complete or submit work
I would be grateful if you could grant me an extension of one week.
underestimate the time required: misjudge how long a task will take
I underestimated the time required to research the topic and organise the evidence.
subject to the course policy: dependent on the rules that apply to the course
I understand that late work may be subject to the course policy.
follow a procedure: complete the steps required by an organisation
Please let me know if there is a form or procedure I should follow.

Task Prompt

You are taking a course at a local college. The deadline for your project was last week but you haven’t finished it. Write a letter to your lecturer. In your letter • introduce yourself • explain why you haven’t handed in the project yet • request more time to do it.

User Essay Analysis

Review the public answer with report-style highlights.

Band 9.0

Dear [Lecturer’s Name], I hope you are doing well. My name is [Your Full Name], and I am a student in your [Course Name] class. I am writing to inform you that, unfortunately, I was unable to submit my project by the deadline last week. I deeply regret not meeting the deadline, and I would be grateful if you could grant me an additional week to finish it. I underestimated the amount of time required to research the topic and organise the evidence, and I have not yet been able to review my analysis carefully. I wanted to make sure that the final project is complete, clearly structured, and properly referenced rather than submit work that does not reflect my best effort.

I have now completed the main research and am working through the final sections. If you are able to approve an extension, I will submit the finished project within one week of your confirmation. I understand that late work may be subject to the course policy, and I will accept any applicable conditions.

I apologise for not contacting you before the deadline. Please let me know whether this extension would be possible, or if there is a form or procedure I should follow. Thank you for considering my request.

Yours sincerely, [Your Full Name]

Targeted Improvement Tips

If you know the date you can submit, state it directly so the lecturer can assess a specific extension request.

Keep the explanation focused on the project work, then connect it to a clear plan for finishing and checking the remaining sections.

Consider separating the explanation and the extension request into distinct paragraphs to make the purpose of each section immediately clear.

AI Feedback

Overall Band

9.0

Excellent

Words

216

Type

Letter

Criteria Breakdown

Task Achievement

8.0 Band

The letter covers the three requested points: it introduces the writer as “a student in your [Course Name] class,” explains the delay through “the amount of time required to research the topic,” and requests “an additional week.” It also acknowledges the missed deadline and asks about the relevant procedure. To make the request even more actionable, specify a calendar submission date if one is known, rather than only saying “within one week of your confirmation.”

Coherence & Cohesion

8.0 Band

The information follows a clear sequence: introduction and apology, explanation and extension request, then follow-up and closing. The transition into “I have now completed the main research” usefully shows progress and supports the request. Paragraphing helps the reader scan the message, though the opening paragraph carries several functions at once. Consider separating the explanation from the request to give each point slightly more emphasis.

Lexical Resource

8.0 Band

The vocabulary is suitably formal and specific for a lecturer, particularly “organise the evidence,” “review my analysis,” and “properly referenced.” These phrases explain the work involved without sounding dramatic or overly casual. “I am writing to inform you” is clear but somewhat formulaic, and “finish it” is less precise than “complete the project.” As a refinement, vary the formal phrasing and name the project directly in the request.

Grammatical Range & Accuracy

8.0 Band

The answer uses accurate complex sentences, for example, “If you are able to approve an extension, I will submit the finished project within one week of your confirmation.” Its conditional structure and modal verbs appropriately express a polite request. The sentence beginning “I underestimated” also links the reason and its consequence clearly. For further polish, review long sentences for places where a full stop could make the explanation easier to read; no major grammatical errors stand out.

Topic Band Distribution

Band 9.03 examples

Band 8.03 examples

Band 7.03 examples

Band 6.03 examples

Band 5.03 examples

Band 4.03 examples

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Writing General Training Task 1 Band 9.0 Example

Plan your answer

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