Recent IELTS GT Writing Task 1 - Change the dates

You previously requested some time off work for your holidays, but you now need to change the dates.

Write a letter to your manager. In your letter:

• explain the reason for the change
• suggest alternative dates
• apologize for the inconvenience

📌 Note: This question appeared in the IELTS Writing exam on 27th September, 2025 in Canada.  

New IELTS Writing Task 2 Questions – Click to View All

Band 9 Sample Answer:

Dear Mr. Thompson,

I am writing to request a change to the holiday leave that I had previously arranged.

Originally, I had asked for time off from the 5th to the 15th of November, but due to a family commitment, I will no longer be able to travel on those dates. My cousin’s wedding, which was initially planned for early November, has unexpectedly been postponed until the last week of the month, and it is essential for me to attend.

With this in mind, I would like to suggest rescheduling my holiday from the 25th of November to the 5th of December instead. I have already checked our team calendar, and these dates do not appear to clash with any major deadlines or scheduled meetings. Of course, I am happy to ensure that all of my current projects are up to date before I leave.

I sincerely apologise for any inconvenience that this change may cause to the department’s schedule. Thank you very much for your understanding and flexibility, and I look forward to your confirmation of the new dates.

Yours sincerely,

James Carter

WhatsApp Us for 1-on-1 IELTS Training!

Band 9 Insights Based on IELTS Writing Band Descriptors:

Task Achievement (Band 9)

• Fully addresses all bullet points:
  • Reason for change (family wedding postponed).
  • Alternative dates (25th Nov – 5th Dec).
  • Apology for inconvenience.
• Clear purpose: Stated in the opening line → “I am writing to request a change to the holiday leave that I had previously arranged.”
• Formal and appropriate tone: Professional, polite, respectful.
• Well-developed ideas: Each point expanded logically (not just mentioned, but explained).

Coherence & Cohesion (Band 9)

• Clear structure: Introduction → Reason → Suggestion → Apology & closing.
• Logical progression: Each paragraph builds naturally; no repetition.
• Effective cohesive devices:
  • “Originally… but due to…” (contrast)
  • “With this in mind…” (logical connector)
  • “Of course, I am happy to ensure…” (softener + forward-looking link)
• Referencing: Uses “these dates,” “this change,” “the department’s schedule” to avoid repetition and keep flow.

3. Lexical Resource (Band 9)

• Wide range of formal vocabulary, natural and precise:
  • “rescheduling,” “commitment,” “clash with deadlines,” “flexibility,” “confirmation”.
• Collocations: “family commitment,” “team calendar,” “holiday leave,” “inconvenience caused.”
• Appropriate register: No informal words (e.g., doesn’t say “sorry for the trouble” but instead “I sincerely apologise for any inconvenience”).

4. Grammatical Range & Accuracy (Band 9)

• Variety of sentence types:
  • Complex → “Originally, I had asked… but due to a family commitment, I will no longer be able to travel.”
  • Compound → “I have already checked our team calendar, and these dates do not appear to clash with any major deadlines.”
  • Simple → “I am writing to request a change.”
• Error-free: No grammar mistakes, punctuation correct.
• Range of tenses: Past (“I had asked”), present (“I am writing”), future (“I will ensure”).

Final Verdict: Band 9

This letter deserves Band 9 because it:

• Fully answers the task in a well-structured, formal style.
• Flows naturally with precise linking.
• Demonstrates a sophisticated vocabulary range.
• Uses varied, accurate grammar with no errors.
  
  

Share this article with other IELTS aspirants!