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 pen friend used to write to you every week but has not replied for two months.
Write a letter to your pen friend. In your letter
Write at least 150 words.
You do NOT need to write any addresses.
Begin your letter as follows:
Dear Tom,
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 Tom,
It's been two months since I last heard from you, and I've been wondering how you are. I hope you aren't ill or in any kind of trouble.
I have to admit that I feel a bit sad about the silence. Every day when I check the post, I hope to see your handwriting on an envelope, and every time I'm disappointed. After so long, I'm starting to worry that I may have said something to upset you, or that you've lost interest in writing.
Your letters have meant so much to me over the past three years. I loved hearing about your family, your city and your adventures, and they often cheered me up on bad days. They also helped my English enormously, and I've kept every single one in a box under my bed.
Please tell me what has happened! Are you very busy at work, or have you moved house? If you simply forgot, that's fine, but please write back soon, even if it's just a few lines. I'd really like us to stay in touch.
I'm looking forward to your reply.
Best wishes,
Mehmet
| Phrase | Meaning |
|---|---|
| I was really annoyed when | say you were upset |
| I can't believe that | express surprise or anger |
| It's just not fair. | say something is unjust |
| Can you do something about it? | ask a friend to help |
| Anyway, I just needed to get this off my chest. | say you wanted to share a worry |
Answer random Part 1, 2 and 3 questions on an exam timer.
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