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Inviting a friend to a housewarming

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.

WRITING TASK 1

InformalInvitation

You should spend about 20 minutes on this task.

You have just moved into a new flat and want to celebrate with friends.

Write a letter to your friend. In your letter

  • say when the housewarming will be
  • describe your new flat
  • ask her to bring something

Write at least 150 words.

You do NOT need to write any addresses.

Begin your letter as follows:

Dear Irina,

GoPrep wrote this practice question in the style of the exam. It is not an official IELTS question.

Plan your letter

Start with
Dear Irina,
End with
Love,

A letter to a friend ends warmly, for example Best wishes or Love, followed by your first name.

  1. 1OpeningSay who you are, if needed, and why you are writing.
  2. 2Paragraph 1Say when the housewarming will be
  3. 3Paragraph 2Describe your new flat
  4. 4Paragraph 3Ask her to bring something
  5. 5ClosingSay what you would like to happen next, then sign off.

Write it on the clock

Spend the first few minutes planning, then write.

20:00

0 words of 150 minimum

Your answer stays on this page only. Copy it before you leave.

Band-8 model letter

Write your own answer first, then compare: how it answers the exact question, what each paragraph does, and which phrases you could borrow.

Show model letter (165 words)

Dear Irina,

Guess what? I've finally moved into my new flat, and I'm having a housewarming party. I'd love you to come!

It's on Saturday 7 June, starting at about 6 pm, and it'll go on until late. There'll be food, music and lots of people you know, including Anna, Sergei and some of the old uni crowd.

The flat is on the second floor of an old building near the river, and I absolutely love it. It's small but very bright, with big windows in the living room and a little balcony where I'm already growing herbs. I've painted the walls pale green, and although some furniture hasn't arrived yet, it already feels like home.

If you'd like to help, could you bring something to share? A salad, a dessert or a few drinks would be great. I'll provide the main dishes and the music.

You can find me at 9 Willow Street, flat 8. Let me know if you can come!

Love,
Zhanna

Key phrases

PhraseMeaning
I'm having a party and I'd love you to come.friendly invitation
Why don't you come along?casual suggestion
It's going to be great fun.promise a good time
Let me know if you can make it.ask for a reply
Can't wait to see you!warm closing

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