Use the greeting, sign-off and paragraph plan below for this semi-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 would like to repaint the walls of the flat you are renting.
Write a letter to your landlord, Mr Weber. In your letter
Write at least 150 words.
You do NOT need to write any addresses.
Begin your letter as follows:
Dear Mr Weber,
GoPrep wrote this practice question in the style of the exam. It is not an official IELTS question.
A letter to a named person ends Yours sincerely, 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 Mr Weber,
I hope you are well. I am writing to ask whether I might repaint some of the walls in the flat, which I have rented since last March.
At present, all the rooms are painted in a dark yellow colour that has begun to look rather worn, with several marks around the doors. I would like to repaint the living room and the bedroom in a light, neutral shade, for example white or pale grey. The kitchen and bathroom would stay as they are.
I think the change would make the rooms seem brighter and more spacious, and I would like to feel that the flat is truly my home, since I plan to live here for at least another two years. The improvement would also be to your advantage, since it would leave the flat in better condition for future tenants.
I would, of course, buy the paint and do the work myself, at my own expense. If you would prefer, I would repaint the walls in their original colour before I leave.
Please let me know whether you agree.
Yours sincerely,
Lukas Schneider
| Phrase | Meaning |
|---|---|
| I was wondering if you could | polite, slightly indirect request |
| Would it be all right if I | ask for permission politely |
| It would be a great help if | say what would help you |
| Please let me know if that's a problem. | ask the reader to object if needed |
| Many thanks in advance. | thank someone before they act |
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