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 are struggling with one subject and have an important exam in a month.
Write a letter to your teacher, Mr Dixon. In your letter
Write at least 150 words.
You do NOT need to write any addresses.
Begin your letter as follows:
Dear Mr Dixon,
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 Dixon,
I am writing to ask whether you could give me some extra help with chemistry before my final exam, which will take place on 14 June.
I am finding two areas especially difficult. The first is organic chemistry, in particular the names of compounds and the reaction mechanisms, and the second is calculations with moles. I have read the textbook several times and done the practice questions, but I still make the same mistakes and I do not always understand where I have gone wrong.
This matters a great deal to me, because I need a good grade in this exam to be accepted onto the pharmacy course at university, which has been my ambition for years. I do not want to waste the chance, and I am willing to work as hard as is needed.
I could meet you at any time that suits you. I am free on Tuesday and Thursday after school, and at lunchtime on any day. A short session of thirty minutes each week would be extremely helpful.
Thank you very much for your time.
Yours sincerely,
Amina Bello
| Phrase | Meaning |
|---|---|
| I was wondering if you could | polite, slightly indirect request |
| Would it be all right if I | ask for permission politely |
| I'd be very grateful if | polite way to ask a favour |
| It would be a great help if | say what would help you |
| Many thanks in advance. | thank someone before they act |
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