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 friend from overseas has never visited your city and you would like to show her around.
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 Sofia,
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 Sofia,
I've been meaning to write for ages! Since you've never seen my city, I'd love you to come and stay with me for a weekend, and I'd be thrilled to show you around.
You'd have your own room, and I'd collect you from the airport. We could start with a stroll through the old town, which is beautiful in the evening. On Saturday we could visit the castle, which has wonderful views over the river, and have lunch at the market, where you can try all the local specialities. On Sunday, we might take the cable car up the mountain, if the weather's good.
How about the weekend of 12 and 13 April? The weather should be getting warmer by then, and I'm not working that weekend. If it doesn't suit you, I could also do 26 and 27 April, or any other time in May.
Do say yes! It would be so good to see you again.
Love,
Aigul
| Phrase | Meaning |
|---|---|
| I'm having a party and I'd love you to come. | friendly invitation |
| Why don't you come along? | casual suggestion |
| Let me know if you can make it. | ask for a reply |
| Feel free to bring a friend. | say a guest is welcome |
| Can't wait to see you! | warm closing |
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