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 just returned from a trip abroad and want to share the experience.
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 Yusuf,
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 Yusuf,
I'm back from Georgia and I couldn't wait to tell you about it! I went with my sister and two of her friends for ten days, and it was easily one of the best trips I've ever taken.
We started in Tbilisi, which is a fantastic mix of old and new, with narrow streets, hot sulphur baths and amazing food. Then we hired a car and drove up into the mountains to a village called Kazbegi.
The best moment came on our third day in the mountains, when we hiked up to a church on a hill above the clouds. We reached the top just as the sun was rising, and the whole valley was glowing pink. Nobody spoke for a few minutes; we just stood there.
I kept thinking how much you would have loved it. Why don't we plan a trip together next year? I'd really love to go back with someone who enjoys hiking as much as you do.
Love,
Lisa
| Phrase | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Guess what? | introduce surprising news |
| I thought I'd let you know | share news casually |
| By the way, | add a new point |
| Keep me posted! | ask for updates |
| Drop me a line soon. | ask for a quick reply |
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