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 spent two weeks as a volunteer for a local charity.
Write a letter to the charity's director. In your letter
Write at least 150 words.
You do NOT need to write any addresses.
Begin your letter as follows:
Dear Sir or Madam,
GoPrep wrote this practice question in the style of the exam. It is not an official IELTS question.
A letter that begins Dear Sir or Madam ends Yours faithfully, 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 Sir or Madam,
I am writing to thank you for giving me the opportunity to spend two weeks as a volunteer with Hope Kitchen. It was one of the most rewarding experiences of my life, and I am very grateful to you and your team for making me feel so welcome.
I learned a great deal during my time with you. I discovered how much organisation is needed to prepare more than two hundred meals every day, and I learned how to work in a busy team under pressure. Above all, talking to the people we served taught me how difficult life can be for some members of our community, and how much a friendly word can mean.
I would very much like to continue helping, if that is possible. I am free on Saturday mornings, and during the summer holidays I could give you several full days each week. Please let me know whether you have any roles available, and what I would need to do to join your regular team of volunteers.
Thank you once again for everything.
Yours faithfully,
Nina Kovalenko
| Phrase | Meaning |
|---|---|
| I am writing to thank you for | formal opening for a thank-you letter |
| I would like to express my sincere gratitude for | say thank you in a strong, formal way |
| Your support made a real difference. | say that someone's help mattered |
| I greatly appreciate the time and effort you put into | show you value someone's work |
| Once again, thank you for | repeat thanks in the closing |
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.