IELTS General Writing Task 1: Resignation Letter (Band 9 Sample)
This General Training Task 1 asks you to write a formal letter resigning from your job. A band-9 letter covers all three bullet points, keeps a polite and professional tone, and leaves on good terms. Below is a model letter of roughly 190 words, followed by why it scores 9 on all four criteria.
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01 · The task
You have decided to leave your current job. Write a letter to your manager. In your letter: state that you are resigning and when your last day will be, explain your reasons for leaving, and thank them for the opportunities you have had.
02 · Band 9 sample answer
190 words · Band 9Dear Mr Roberts,
I am writing to formally notify you of my decision to resign from my position as senior analyst. In line with my contract, I will be giving one month's notice, so my final day will be the 30th of June.
This has not been an easy decision to make. After five rewarding years with the company, I have been offered a role elsewhere that will allow me to move into project management, an area I have long wanted to develop. It is an opportunity I feel I cannot turn down at this stage of my career, though I will be leaving with genuinely mixed feelings.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank you sincerely for your support and guidance over the years. I have learned a great deal under your management, and I am grateful for the many chances I was given to grow.
I will, of course, do everything I can to ensure a smooth handover before I leave. Please let me know how I can best help during this transition.
Yours sincerely, Sarah Nguyen
03 · Why this scores Band 9
All three bullet points are fully covered — the resignation and last day (30 June, after one month's notice), the reasons (a new project-management role), and sincere thanks for the opportunities. The letter comfortably exceeds 150 words and develops each point, while offering a helpful handover.
The letter follows a logical structure — notice of resignation, reasons, thanks, and offer of help — with one idea per paragraph. Cohesion is smooth — "In line with my contract", "After five rewarding years", "I would like to take this opportunity to..." — and the opening and closing are correctly paired for a named recipient.
The vocabulary is precise and professional — "formally notify you", "giving one month's notice", "an opportunity I cannot turn down", "mixed feelings", "a smooth handover" — striking exactly the polite, appreciative tone a resignation requires without becoming casual.
A range of structures is used accurately: a relative clause ("a role... that will allow me to move into project management"), a concessive ("though I will be leaving with mixed feelings"), and a future form for the handover ("I will do everything I can"). The register stays formal, and the letter is error-free.
04 · Useful collocations for this task
Tap a phrase to see what it means and how to use it. Natural collocations like these lift your Lexical Resource score.
05 · Frequently asked questions
Should a resignation letter be formal?
Yes, but polite and appreciative. Since you know your manager's name, open "Dear Mr/Ms [Surname]," and close "Yours sincerely,". Avoid contractions and any tone of complaint — the aim is to leave on good terms.
Do I need to give a specific leaving date?
Yes — stating your last day is part of the task ("my final day will be the 30th of June"). Tie it to your notice period so it reads professionally, and mention the notice you are giving.
How honest should my reasons be?
Give a clear, positive reason (a new opportunity, a career change) rather than airing grievances. Even if you are leaving because you are unhappy, a diplomatic explanation protects the relationship and suits the polite register.
How long should the letter be?
At least 150 words; a band-9 letter is usually 170–200. This model is 190 words, enough to cover all three bullets and offer a handover without padding.
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