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 abroad for a month and need someone to look after your home.
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 Aigerim,
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 Aigerim,
I hope you're well! I'm writing to ask for a big favour, because I know I can always rely on you.
I'm going abroad for a month, from 3 July to 3 August. My company is sending me to its office in Seoul. The only problem is that I'll be leaving my flat empty for so long.
Would you be able to come by once or twice a week? The main thing is to water the plants. The big ones in the living room need a good drink every few days, but the small ones on the balcony only need a little bit. It would also be great if you could collect the post, so it doesn't pile up outside the door. I'll leave you a spare key and a note with all the instructions.
To thank you, I'll bring you back a special present from Korea, and I'll take you out for a good dinner when I return.
Let me know if you can do it!
Best wishes,
Madina
| 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 |
| Thanks a million! | very friendly thanks |
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