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 haven't seen an old friend for a long time and want to meet for a meal.
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 Lena,
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 Lena,
I can't believe how long it's been since we last saw each other! I keep meaning to call, but life gets in the way. How are you? I'd love to see you.
How about going out for a meal next week? I know a lovely little Italian restaurant called Luigi's on Mill Street, which opened a few months ago. The pasta is fantastic, and it's quiet enough to talk.
Would Thursday evening suit you, at about 7.30 pm? If you're busy then, Wednesday or Friday would be fine for me as well. I'll book a table as soon as you let me know which day is best.
I'm dying to catch up on everything. Last time we spoke, you were thinking about changing jobs, so I want to know how that went. I also want to hear about your sister's wedding plans, and of course I have lots of news to share.
Let me know if that works.
Love,
Zara
| Phrase | Meaning |
|---|---|
| How about meeting up on | suggest a plan |
| Are you free on | ask about availability |
| I'll pick you up at | offer to collect someone |
| Let's meet outside the | suggest a place |
| That works for me. | agree to a plan |
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.