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 birthday party at home and want a friend who lives far away to come.
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 Alex,
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 Alex,
How are you? I've been thinking about you a lot, and I've got some exciting news: I'm having a party for my thirtieth birthday, and I really, really want you to come!
It's going to be on Saturday 18 October, starting at 7 pm, at my house in Bristol. My parents are staying with my aunt that night, so we'll have the whole place to ourselves.
I've planned a really fun evening. We're having a barbecue in the garden, if the weather is good, and my brother is going to DJ. I've also asked everyone to dress up in clothes from the nineties, so you'd better start looking for something amusing in your wardrobe! There will be a cake, of course.
I know it's a long way for you to travel, but it would mean so much to me to have you there. I'd be happy to pay for your train ticket, and you could stay in my spare room for the weekend.
Please say you'll come!
Love,
Hannah
| Phrase | Meaning |
|---|---|
| I'm having a party and I'd love you to come. | friendly invitation |
| It's going to be great fun. | promise a good time |
| 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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