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 are planning a hiking trip in the mountains with a few friends.
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 Marat,
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 Marat,
I hope you're doing well! I've got a plan, and I'd love you to be part of it. A few of us are going on a hiking trip in the mountains, and we're hoping you'll join us.
We're planning to go from Friday 20 June to Sunday 22 June, in the national park near Lake Silver. We'll hike about fifteen kilometres a day on marked trails, with some great views, and camp in a valley at night. There are five of us so far, and it's not too hard, so you don't need to be a mountaineer.
You'll need good boots, a warm jacket, a waterproof coat, a sleeping bag and a head torch. Don't forget sun cream and a water bottle. We have two tents and a stove, so you won't need those.
I know it's short notice, but we need to book the camping spaces by Friday, so please let me know as soon as you can. I really hope you can make it. It will be so much more fun with you there!
Best wishes,
Daulet
| Phrase | Meaning |
|---|---|
| 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 |
| Feel free to bring a friend. | say a guest is welcome |
| Can't wait to see you! | warm closing |
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