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 are going to have building work done in your flat for the next three weeks.
Write a letter to your neighbour, Mr Ellis. In your letter
Write at least 150 words.
You do NOT need to write any addresses.
Begin your letter as follows:
Dear Mr Ellis,
GoPrep wrote this practice question in the style of the exam. It is not an official IELTS question.
A letter to someone you know but not closely can end Kind regards or Best wishes as well as Yours sincerely, followed by your 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 Ellis,
I hope you are well. I am writing to let you know that I am having some building work done in my flat, which will start soon.
I am having the kitchen completely renovated. This means that the old cupboards will be removed, the floor will be replaced and some of the walls will be replastered.
The work will begin on Monday 3 June and should be finished by Friday 21 June, which is three weeks. The builders will work on weekdays only, from 8.30 am until about 5 pm, and not at weekends.
I realise that there may be some noise and dust, especially at the start, when the old units are taken out, and I am very sorry in advance for any disturbance this might cause. I will try to keep the noisiest jobs for the middle of the day, when most people are out, and I will clean the stairs and hallway at the end of each week.
If there are any problems, please do not hesitate to call me on 07700 900123.
Kind regards,
Greg Lawson
| Phrase | Meaning |
|---|---|
| I thought you should know that | share news politely |
| I'm writing to update you on | give a progress report |
| As far as I'm aware, | show you are not completely sure |
| If you have any questions, please get in touch. | invite follow-up |
| I'll keep you posted. | promise to update later |
Answer random Part 1, 2 and 3 questions on an exam timer.
Average your four skill bands, rounded the way IELTS rounds them.
Compare an IELTS band with TOEFL, Duolingo and PTE scores and CEFR levels.
Look up the IELTS score a university asks for, with the source.