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 applying to return to university after a year away from your studies.
Write a letter to the admissions tutor. 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 writing to apply to return to the Business Studies degree, which I left at the end of my first year, and I would like to explain the gap in my studies.
I withdrew from the course in June last year because my father became seriously ill and my family needed me at home. As the eldest child, I took responsibility for the family shop, and I could not continue to study full-time at the same time.
During the past year, I have managed the shop with my mother, which has taught me a great deal about budgeting, stock control and dealing with customers. I also passed an online accounting course. My father has recovered well, and my brother can now help in the business.
I would like to return to university because I am eager to complete my degree and to apply what I have learned in practice. I have missed the lectures and the company of my classmates, and I am confident that I can now give the course my full attention.
Yours faithfully,
Alisher Tursunov
| Phrase | Meaning |
|---|---|
| I am writing to explain the circumstances surrounding | formal opening for an explanation |
| The reason for this was | introduce a cause |
| As a result of | show a consequence |
| I hope this explains the situation. | polite way to finish an explanation |
| Please let me know if you require any further clarification. | offer to explain more |
Answer random Part 1, 2 and 3 questions on an exam timer.
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