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.
You have sold your car and now travel by public transport.
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 Joe,
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 Joe,
You asked why I sold my car, so I thought I'd write and explain. I know it surprised you, since I used to say I couldn't live without it!
There were a few reasons. It was getting old and the repairs were becoming more and more expensive. Parking in the city centre also cost a fortune, and the petrol and insurance meant I was paying nearly 200 pounds a month for something I used only at weekends. When I added it all up, I realised I could spend that money far better.
These days I take the bus or the underground to work, which actually takes about the same time. I read on the way. When I need to carry something heavy or go somewhere out of town, I use a car-sharing app or ask a friend.
Do I miss it? Sometimes, mostly on rainy mornings, but not as much as I expected. I don't regret it at all.
Best wishes,
Jason
| Phrase | Meaning |
|---|---|
| I'd better explain what happened. | start telling a story |
| To cut a long story short, | give a quick summary |
| The thing is, | introduce an explanation |
| I hope you understand. | ask for sympathy |
| Sorry for the long email! | apologise for length |
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