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.
You would like to join a local photography club and need to write to its secretary.
Write a letter to Ms Gordon, the club secretary. In your letter
Write at least 150 words.
You do NOT need to write any addresses.
Begin your letter as follows:
Dear Ms Gordon,
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 Ms Gordon,
I am writing to ask whether I could join the Riverside Photography Club, as I recently saw your exhibition at the public library and was very impressed.
I have been interested in photography for about five years, mainly landscape and street photography. I would like to join because I have learned all I can on my own, and I think that I would improve far more by sharing ideas with other photographers and receiving feedback on my work.
In terms of experience, I own a digital SLR camera and several lenses, and I use editing software regularly. Last year, one of my photographs of the old harbour was published in the local newspaper, and I have shown some of my work in a small online gallery.
Could you tell me when and where the club meets, and how much the membership fee is? I would also like to know whether new members must bring any equipment.
Thank you for your help.
Yours sincerely,
Oscar Lindgren
| Phrase | Meaning |
|---|---|
| I'm writing to ask about the possibility of | polite opening for a request to join something |
| I have some experience of | mention background briefly |
| 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 |
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.