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 moving into a new flat next weekend and need some help.
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 Kamil,
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 Kamil,
How are you doing? I've got some exciting news, and I'm hoping you might be able to help me.
I'm finally moving into my own flat next Saturday, 14 June. It's on the third floor of a building on Park Street, and I've hired a small van from 10 am. The problem is that I have a lot of heavy stuff, including a bed frame, a washing machine and my bookshelves, and the building has no lift.
Would you be able to give me a hand? What I need most is someone to help me carry the big items up the stairs, and then to help me put the furniture together. If you're free, I'd be grateful for even a couple of hours.
To say thank you, I'll buy lunch and cook dinner for everyone who helps me. I'm also planning a housewarming party afterwards, and you'd be my guest of honour.
Please let me know if you can make it.
Best wishes,
Nikita
| Phrase | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Could you do me a favour? | ask a friend for help |
| I was wondering if you could | friendly, polite request |
| Would you mind | polite informal request with -ing |
| Let me know as soon as you can. | ask for a quick reply |
| Thanks a million! | very friendly thanks |
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.