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Learning to drive

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.

WRITING TASK 1

InformalAdvice

You should spend about 20 minutes on this task.

You would like to learn to drive but don't know where to start.

Write a letter to a friend who drives. In your letter

  • explain why you want to learn
  • describe what worries you
  • ask for advice on lessons

Write at least 150 words.

You do NOT need to write any addresses.

Begin your letter as follows:

Dear Aliya,

GoPrep wrote this practice question in the style of the exam. It is not an official IELTS question.

Plan your letter

Start with
Dear Aliya,
End with
Love,

A letter to a friend ends warmly, for example Best wishes or Love, followed by your first name.

  1. 1OpeningSay who you are, if needed, and why you are writing.
  2. 2Paragraph 1Explain why you want to learn
  3. 3Paragraph 2Describe what worries you
  4. 4Paragraph 3Ask for advice on lessons
  5. 5ClosingSay what you would like to happen next, then sign off.

Write it on the clock

Spend the first few minutes planning, then write.

20:00

0 words of 150 minimum

Your answer stays on this page only. Copy it before you leave.

Band-8 model letter

Write your own answer first, then compare: how it answers the exact question, what each paragraph does, and which phrases you could borrow.

Show model letter (171 words)

Dear Aliya,

I hope you're well! I'm writing to ask for some advice, because you're the only person I know who learned to drive as an adult.

I've decided that it's finally time to learn. The main reason is that my new job is in a business park that's difficult to reach by bus, and I'm tired of waiting in the cold for transport that is often late.

To be honest, though, I'm quite nervous. I'm not very confident in traffic, and the idea of driving on busy roads frightens me. I'm also worried about failing the test and wasting money. I've heard that many people have to take it more than once.

How did you start? Can you recommend your instructor? Did you go to a driving school, or did you have lessons with a friend or relative? I'd also like to know how many lessons you needed, and what you did to prepare for the theory test.

I'd be very grateful for any tips you could share.

Love,
Maya

Key phrases

PhraseMeaning
What do you think I should do?ask a friend for advice
If I were you, I'dgive friendly advice
Why notsimple suggestion
You'd betterstrong, friendly advice
Hope that helps!friendly closing

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