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 have two job offers and are finding it difficult to decide between them.
Write a letter to your former manager, Mr Reid. In your letter
Write at least 150 words.
You do NOT need to write any addresses.
Begin your letter as follows:
Dear Mr Reid,
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 Reid,
I hope you are well. I am writing to ask for your advice, since you have always given me excellent guidance when we worked together.
I currently have two job offers. The first is as a marketing manager at a large international company. The salary is high and the prospects are good, but I would work long hours and travel often. The second is as head of marketing at a small start-up. The pay is lower and the future is less certain, but I would have much more freedom to make decisions and shape a team.
I am finding it hard to choose because I value both security and the chance to develop. My family would prefer a stable income, but my instinct tells me that the start-up would teach me more, and I do not want to look back with regret.
You know my strengths and weaknesses better than most people. Which job do you think would suit me, and why?
I must decide by the end of next week.
Yours sincerely,
Stephen Hale
| Phrase | Meaning |
|---|---|
| I wondered if you could give me some advice about | polite way to ask for help |
| What would you suggest I do? | ask directly but politely |
| I'd really value your opinion on | say you trust someone's view |
| You might want to consider | gentle suggestion |
| I hope this helps. | common closing for advice |
Answer random Part 1, 2 and 3 questions on an exam timer.
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Look up the IELTS score a university asks for, with the source.