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.
A friend is recovering in hospital after an operation.
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 Tim,
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 Tim,
I was so sorry to hear about your operation, but I'm very relieved that it went well. How are you feeling? I hope the pain isn't too bad and that the nurses are looking after you properly.
I'd love to come and see you, if you feel up to visiting. I looked at the hospital website, and visiting hours are from 2 to 4 pm and from 6 to 8 pm. Would Thursday at about 6.30 pm suit you? If you'd rather have a quiet day or you're tired, just say so, and I can come at the weekend instead. I'll leave work early so that I can stay for a while.
Is there anything I can bring you? I thought of some magazines, a few of your favourite biscuits and perhaps your phone charger, as I'm sure the hospital one is too short. If you're allowed visitors' food, I could also make your mum's recipe for chicken soup. Just text me a list of anything you need, even something silly. I'd be happy to get it.
Get well soon, and try to rest!
Best wishes,
Chris
| 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 |
| See you then! | friendly 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.