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 starting a small business and need to open a bank account for it.
Write a letter to a bank adviser. 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 to start a small business and I am writing to ask for your help in opening a business bank account.
My business will be a mobile coffee van, selling coffee, snacks and sandwiches at markets and festivals around the city. I have already bought a suitable vehicle and obtained the necessary food licence, and I hope to start trading in April.
I am looking for an account that has low monthly charges, since the business is small and I cannot afford high fees at the beginning. I would also like a card reader for customer payments and online banking, so that I can manage my accounts easily from my phone.
I have not opened a business account before, so I would be very grateful if you could tell me what I should do first. Which documents will I need to bring, and should I make an appointment?
Thank you for your help. I look forward to your reply.
Yours faithfully,
Bakhtiyor Rashidov
| Phrase | Meaning |
|---|---|
| I am writing to ask for your advice on | formally request guidance |
| I would be very grateful for any guidance you could offer. | polite request for help |
| In your professional opinion, | ask for an expert's view |
| I would recommend that | give a polite suggestion |
| Thank you in advance for your assistance. | thank someone before they help |
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.