Use the greeting, sign-off and paragraph plan below for this 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 are planning a wedding reception and want to book a hall for the day.
Write a letter to the manager of a community hall. In your letter
Write at least 150 words.
You do NOT need to write any addresses.
Begin your letter as follows:
Dear Sir or Madam,
GoPrep wrote this practice question in the style of the exam. It is not an official IELTS question.
A letter that begins Dear Sir or Madam ends Yours faithfully, 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 Sir or Madam,
I am planning my wedding reception and would like to book your community hall for Saturday 21 September next year.
I am expecting around eighty guests. The reception would begin at 6 pm and finish at midnight, but we would need access to the hall from about 2 pm to decorate and set up the tables. Please let me know whether this is possible.
Could you also tell me what facilities and prices are available? In particular, I would like to know whether you provide tables, chairs and a sound system, whether there is a kitchen where a caterer can prepare food, and whether we may bring our own music. Please also tell me the cost for the full day and any extra charges, for example for cleaning.
I understand that a deposit is normally required. I would be happy to pay it by bank transfer within a week of receiving your confirmation, if that suits you.
I look forward to your reply.
Yours faithfully,
Kseniya Ivanova
| Phrase | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Would it be possible to reschedule | polite way to ask to change a time |
| I propose that we meet on | suggest a time |
| Please confirm whether this date is convenient. | ask if a date suits the reader |
| I will make the necessary arrangements. | promise to organise things |
| I look forward to your confirmation. | polite closing asking for a reply |
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.