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 have found a flat and want to describe it to a friend.
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 Chris,
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 Chris,
I've got some great news: I've found a flat at last! After weeks of searching, I signed the contract yesterday, and I'm moving in at the end of the month.
It's on the fourth floor of a quiet building on Garden Street, about fifteen minutes' walk from my office. There are two bedrooms, a good-sized living room and a small kitchen with a balcony, where I'm planning to have breakfast in summer. It's close to the metro station, with a supermarket and a lovely park around the corner.
I chose it for several reasons. The rent is lower than I expected, and the landlord seems very kind. The flat is full of light, and I love the old wooden floors. Most important of all, I liked the street, which feels calm and friendly.
You must come and see it! I'll be unpacking for a couple of weeks, but if you're free on the weekend of the fourteenth, you could stay over. The second bedroom is yours, and I'll cook dinner.
Best wishes,
Ian
| Phrase | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Guess what? | introduce surprising news |
| I thought I'd let you know | share news casually |
| By the way, | add a new point |
| Apparently, | pass on something you heard |
| Drop me a line soon. | ask for a quick reply |
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