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 applying for a new job and need a reference from your previous manager.
Write a letter to Mr Fraser, your former manager. In your letter
Write at least 150 words.
You do NOT need to write any addresses.
Begin your letter as follows:
Dear Mr Fraser,
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 Fraser,
I hope you are well. I am writing to ask whether you would be willing to write a reference for me.
As you may remember, I worked in your sales team for three years, until last summer. I reported to you directly, and we worked together on the launch of the new customer database, which you kindly described as a great success.
I am now applying for the position of sales coordinator at Brightway Logistics, a larger company where I hope to develop my career. They have asked for a reference from my previous manager, and I immediately thought of you.
I would be very grateful if you could mention my reliability, my teamwork and my experience of managing client accounts, and perhaps comment on how I handled the database project. The reference is needed by 15 May.
Thank you very much in advance. I would be happy to send you my updated CV.
Yours sincerely,
Sergei Volkov
| 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 |
| Could you please let me know whether | polite indirect question |
| 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.