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 visiting a city where an old friend lives, and you need somewhere to stay for a few nights.
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 Sanjay,
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 Sanjay,
How are you? It feels like ages since we last spoke! I've got some good news: I'm coming to your city, and I was hoping I could ask you a favour.
I'll be arriving on Thursday 12 June by train, at about 4 pm, and I'm planning to stay until Sunday 15th. I'm coming for a job interview at a company near the river on Friday morning, and I thought I'd stay a couple of extra days to look around the city and, of course, to see you. I haven't been there since we graduated.
Hotels are very expensive at that time of year, so I wondered whether I could stay with you for three nights. I promise I wouldn't be any trouble: I don't mind sleeping on the sofa or the floor, and I'll be out most of Friday. I'd even cook dinner on Saturday night if you let me use your kitchen.
If it isn't convenient, please don't worry, and just tell me honestly. I can always book a cheap hostel.
I can't wait to hear all your news!
Love,
Ravi
| 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 |
| Let me know as soon as you can. | ask for a quick reply |
| Thanks a million! | very friendly thanks |
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