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 have an urgent hospital appointment and cannot work your usual shift on Friday.
Write a letter to your colleague, Mr Ramos. In your letter
Write at least 150 words.
You do NOT need to write any addresses.
Begin your letter as follows:
Dear Mr Ramos,
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 Ramos,
I hope you are well. I am writing to ask whether you could possibly do me a favour.
I have just received an appointment at the hospital for this Friday at 10 am. I have waited several months for it, and the next date is not until January. Unfortunately, it means that I cannot work my usual shift from 8 am to 4 pm that day, since I would not be back in time.
Would you be willing to swap with me? I know you normally work the late shift on Fridays, so this would mean coming in earlier. I have already checked with Mr Evans that he has no objection.
In return, I would be happy to cover one of your shifts. I could work next Saturday or take your late shift on any day the following week, whichever suits you best.
Please let me know as soon as you can. I am sorry to ask at such short notice, and thank you for considering it.
Kind regards,
Chloe Martin
| Phrase | Meaning |
|---|---|
| I was wondering if you could | polite, slightly indirect request |
| Would it be all right if I | ask for permission politely |
| I'd be very grateful if | polite way to ask a favour |
| It would be a great help if | say what would help you |
| Please let me know if that's a problem. | ask the reader to object if needed |
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.