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 going on a trip and would like to borrow a friend's good camera.
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 Laura,
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 Laura,
I hope you're well! I'm writing to ask you a big favour, and please say no if it's too much.
In two weeks, I'm going to Iceland for ten days with my sister. We're going to drive around the island to see the waterfalls, glaciers and, with luck, the northern lights.
It's a trip I've dreamed of for years. That's why I wanted to ask whether I could borrow your camera. My phone takes decent photos, but it will never capture the landscapes or the lights at night the way yours can. I remember the beautiful pictures you took in Norway.
I promise to take extremely good care of it, because I know how much it means to you. I'll keep it in its case, I'll never leave it in the car, and I'll bring it back in perfect condition. I'd also give you a copy of the pictures and take you out for dinner when I get back.
Could I come and pick it up this weekend?
Love,
Anna
| Phrase | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Could you do me a favour? | ask a friend for help |
| It would be brilliant if | say what you would love |
| 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 |
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