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 take guitar lessons from a teacher you found at a local music school.
Write a letter to Mr Delgado, the teacher. In your letter
Write at least 150 words.
You do NOT need to write any addresses.
Begin your letter as follows:
Dear Mr Delgado,
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 Delgado,
I found your details on the notice board of the City Music School, and I am writing to ask whether you would be willing to give me private guitar lessons.
I am twenty-four and have played the guitar on and off for about three years, but I have never had proper lessons. I can play basic chords and a few simple songs, but I find it hard to change chords quickly, and I cannot read music at all.
I work during the day, so I would prefer lessons in the evening. I am free on Tuesdays and Thursdays after 6.30 pm, and on Sunday mornings. One lesson a week would suit me.
Could you also tell me how much you charge per lesson, and whether you offer a reduction if I book a block of ten? I would also like to know if I should bring my own guitar to the first lesson.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Yours sincerely,
David Ruiz
| Phrase | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Would it suit you if we | suggest a plan politely |
| I was hoping we could arrange | propose organising something |
| Would next Tuesday be convenient? | ask whether a date works |
| Shall we say 10 o'clock? | suggest a specific time |
| Let me know what works best for you. | give the reader a choice |
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