Use the greeting, sign-off and paragraph plan below for this informal letter, write it on a 20-minute timer, then compare it with a band-8 model letter.
You should spend about 20 minutes on this task.
You borrowed a book from a friend and have lost it.
Write a letter to your friend. In your letter
Write at least 150 words.
You do NOT need to write any addresses.
Begin your letter as follows:
Dear Jack,
GoPrep wrote this practice question in the style of the exam. It is not an official IELTS question.
A letter to a friend ends warmly, for example Best wishes or Love, followed by your first name.
Spend the first few minutes planning, then write.
0 words of 150 minimum
Your answer stays on this page only. Copy it before you leave.
Write your own answer first, then compare: how it answers the exact question, what each paragraph does, and which phrases you could borrow.
Dear Jack,
I have some bad news, and I'm really sorry to tell you. I've lost the book you lent me, "The Midnight Library", and I feel terrible about it.
I know how much you loved that copy. I took it with me on the train to work last Tuesday because I wanted to finish the last chapters, and I put it down on the seat beside me while I answered a call. In the rush to get off at my stop, I forgot to pick it up. I called the lost property office straight away, but nobody has handed it in.
I'd like to put it right. I'm going to buy you a new copy this weekend, and if I can find the same edition with the green cover, I'll get that one. I hope that helps.
Please forgive me. Can I take you for a coffee so I can give it to you in person?
Best wishes,
Mike
| Phrase | Meaning |
|---|---|
| I'm so sorry about | simple, warm apology |
| I feel awful about | say you feel very guilty |
| I didn't mean to | say it was not intentional |
| Can I make it up to you? | offer to fix things |
| Please don't be cross with me. | ask a friend not to be angry |
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