Use the greeting, sign-off and paragraph plan below for this semi-formal 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.
Your neighbourhood has started a community garden and is looking for new members.
Write a letter to Mr Obi, the project coordinator. In your letter
Write at least 150 words.
You do NOT need to write any addresses.
Begin your letter as follows:
Dear Mr Obi,
GoPrep wrote this practice question in the style of the exam. It is not an official IELTS question.
A letter to a named person ends Yours sincerely, followed by your full 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 Mr Obi,
I am writing to say that I would very much like to join the community garden project, which I heard about from a notice in the local library.
I have recently moved to the area, and I think this would be an excellent way to meet my neighbours and to do something useful for the community. I do not have a garden of my own.
I do have some experience of gardening. My grandparents had a smallholding, where I spent most of my summers as a child, planting seeds, watering vegetables and helping with the harvest. More recently, I have grown herbs and tomatoes on my balcony.
I could offer around five hours a week. I am free on Saturday mornings and on Wednesday evenings, and I could give more time during school holidays.
If there is a form to complete or a membership fee, please let me know. I look forward to hearing from you.
Yours sincerely,
Chinedu Okeke
| Phrase | Meaning |
|---|---|
| I'm writing to ask about the possibility of | polite opening for a request to join something |
| I'd be keen to take part in | show enthusiasm |
| I'd be happy to provide references. | offer proof of your suitability |
| I'm available to start from | give a start date |
| I look forward to hearing from you. | standard polite closing |
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