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 long train journey and would like something good to read.
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 Nina,
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 Nina,
How are you doing? I'm writing because I need some advice from my favourite bookworm!
I'm going on a long train journey next Friday, from London to Edinburgh, which takes about five hours. I always get bored on trains, and my phone battery never lasts, so I've decided to take a proper book this time. The only problem is that I've got nothing good to read.
You know my taste. I usually enjoy detective stories and novels with an interesting plot, like the ones by Agatha Christie, but I also like historical fiction, as long as it isn't too slow. I really don't like anything too long or heavy, because I get tired after a few chapters. If it makes me laugh, even better!
So, could you recommend a book you think I'd enjoy? You've read so much, and I trust your opinion more than any website.
I'd also like to pick it up before the weekend, if you can lend me a copy. Would it be all right if I came round on Wednesday evening, or are you busy that day?
Thank you so much!
Love,
Tom
| Phrase | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Could you do me a favour? | ask a friend for help |
| I was wondering if you could | friendly, polite request |
| 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 |
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