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 forgot your best friend's birthday last week.
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 Elena,
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 Elena,
I'm so sorry! I know that I've been a terrible friend, and I've been feeling awful ever since I realised that I forgot your birthday last week. I couldn't believe it when I saw the date on my calendar.
I'd like to explain how it happened, although I know it's not a good excuse. I've been working extremely long hours on a big project, and I've hardly been home before ten each night. The days all blended together, and I completely lost track of the date. I should have written it in my diary, and I'll do that from now on.
I feel particularly bad because you've always remembered mine, and you even sent flowers to the office last year.
I'd love to make it up to you. How about I take you out for a birthday dinner at that Thai restaurant you love, my treat? We could go this Saturday evening, if you're free. I'll bring your present too, of course.
Forgive me?
Love,
Sasha
| Phrase | Meaning |
|---|---|
| I'm so sorry about | simple, warm apology |
| It was all my fault. | take the blame |
| 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 |
Answer random Part 1, 2 and 3 questions on an exam timer.
Average your four skill bands, rounded the way IELTS rounds them.
Compare an IELTS band with TOEFL, Duolingo and PTE scores and CEFR levels.
Look up the IELTS score a university asks for, with the source.