Use the greeting, sign-off and paragraph plan below for this formal 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 interested in taking an evening course in photography at a local college.
Write a letter to the college administrator. In your letter
Write at least 150 words.
You do NOT need to write any addresses.
Begin your letter as follows:
Dear Sir or Madam,
GoPrep wrote this practice question in the style of the exam. It is not an official IELTS question.
A letter that begins Dear Sir or Madam ends Yours faithfully, followed by your full 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 Sir or Madam,
I recently saw an advertisement for your evening course in photography and I am writing to ask for some further information.
I have enjoyed photography for several years, but I have taught myself everything I know and I have never learned to use my camera in manual mode. A structured course with an experienced teacher would help me improve, and I would enjoy meeting people who share my hobby.
Firstly, could you please tell me when the course begins and how many weeks it lasts? I work until 5.30 pm, so I would also like to know what time classes start each evening. I would also be grateful if you could let me know the total fee and whether it can be paid in instalments.
Finally, is any equipment provided? I own a basic camera, but I have no tripod or lighting, and I do not want to buy expensive items before I know what is required.
I look forward to your reply.
Yours faithfully,
Nodira Yusupova
| Phrase | Meaning |
|---|---|
| I am writing to enquire about | formally ask for information on a topic |
| I would be most grateful if you could | very polite way of asking for something |
| I would appreciate it if you could send me | polite request for something to be sent |
| Please find attached | introduces a document sent with the letter |
| Thank you for your time and consideration. | polite closing line |
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, with the source.