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IELTS GENERAL TRAINING – WRITING TASK 1
30 BAND 9 MODEL LETTERS (FORMAL, SEMI-FORMAL, INFORMAL)
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Each sample includes the exam-style question followed by a
Band 9 model answer (150–200 words, correct letter format,
appropriate tone, and high-level vocabulary/cohesion).
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SECTION 1: FORMAL LETTERS (1–10)
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LETTER 1 — Complaint to a Landlord (Heating Issue)
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QUESTION:
You are renting an apartment, and the heating system has not
been working properly for the past two weeks. Write a letter
to your landlord. In your letter:
– describe the problem in detail
– explain how it is affecting you
– say what action you would like the landlord to take
Write at least 150 words.
You do NOT need to write your own address.
Begin your letter as follows: Dear …,
MODEL ANSWER:
Dear Mr. Bennett,
I am writing to bring to your attention a persistent problem
with the heating system in my rented apartment at 14 Willow
Court, which has been malfunctioning for the past fortnight.
Despite adjusting the thermostat repeatedly, the radiators in
both the living room and bedroom remain consistently cold,
particularly during the evenings. Given that winter
temperatures have already dropped considerably, this has made
the flat almost uninhabitable after dark.
This issue has had a tangible impact on my daily life. I have
struggled to sleep comfortably, and I am concerned about the
potential for damp to develop given the drop in indoor
temperature. Furthermore, as someone who works from home, the
lack of adequate heating has made it exceedingly difficult to
concentrate on my professional responsibilities.
I would be grateful if you could arrange for a qualified
technician to inspect and repair the system at the earliest
possible opportunity, ideally within the next few days. Please
let me know a convenient time for access to be arranged.
I look forward to your prompt response.
Yours sincerely,
Aarav Mehta
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LETTER 2 — Complaint to an Online Retailer (Faulty Product)
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QUESTION:
You recently purchased an electronic item online, but it
arrived damaged. Write a letter to the company. In your
letter:
– give details of your order
– explain what is wrong with the item
– say what you would like the company to do
Write at least 150 words.
Begin your letter as follows: Dear Sir or Madam,
MODEL ANSWER:
Dear Sir or Madam,
I am writing to express my dissatisfaction regarding a laptop
I ordered from your website on 3 July 2026, order reference
number OB-88214.
Upon unpacking the item, I discovered that the screen was
cracked in the upper right corner and the charging port
appeared to be loose, preventing the device from powering on
reliably. Given that the packaging showed no external signs of
damage during transit, I strongly suspect the fault occurred
prior to dispatch.
As this laptop was intended for urgent work purposes, the
defect has caused considerable inconvenience, and I have been
unable to use it since delivery.
I would appreciate it if you could arrange for a replacement
to be sent as a matter of priority, or alternatively, issue a
full refund should a replacement not be readily available. I
have attached photographs of the damage along with my proof of
purchase for your reference.
I trust this matter will be resolved swiftly and look forward
to hearing from you within the next few days.
Yours faithfully,
Priya Nair
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LETTER 3 — Complaint to an Airline (Lost Luggage)
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QUESTION:
Your luggage was lost during a recent flight. Write a letter
to the airline. In your letter:
– give details of your flight
– describe your luggage
– explain what you would like the airline to do
Write at least 150 words.
Begin your letter as follows: Dear Sir or Madam,
MODEL ANSWER:
Dear Sir or Madam,
I am writing to report that my checked luggage failed to
arrive following flight AC 208 from Toronto to Vancouver on 10
July 2026, which landed at approximately 6:45 p.m.
The item in question is a medium-sized navy blue hard-shell
suitcase with a distinctive red ribbon tied to the handle, tag
number AC0442719. It contains several personal belongings,
including clothing and important documents required for a
business engagement I am attending this week.
I reported the loss at the airport baggage counter immediately
upon arrival, yet I have received no further communication
regarding its whereabouts. This delay has caused me significant
inconvenience, as I have been left without essential items
ahead of my meetings.
I would be grateful if you could investigate this matter
urgently and arrange for the suitcase to be delivered to my
hotel as soon as it is located. Should this not be possible
within 48 hours, I would appreciate guidance on compensation
for the necessary replacement of essential items.
Yours faithfully,
Daniel Okafor
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LETTER 4 — Complaint to City Council (Garbage Collection)
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QUESTION:
Garbage collection in your neighbourhood has become
unreliable. Write a letter to your local council. In your
letter:
– explain the problem
– describe how it is affecting residents
– suggest what should be done
Write at least 150 words.
Begin your letter as follows: Dear Sir or Madam,
MODEL ANSWER:
Dear Sir or Madam,
I am writing on behalf of the residents of Maple Grove Street
to draw your attention to the increasingly unreliable garbage
collection service in our neighbourhood over the past month.
Collections, which were previously conducted every Tuesday
without fail, have now been delayed on three separate
occasions, sometimes by as much as four days. Consequently,
waste has accumulated on the pavements, attracting pests and
producing an unpleasant odour, particularly during the warmer
weather.
This situation has understandably caused frustration among
residents, many of whom are concerned about the potential
health hazards posed by overflowing bins. Elderly residents in
particular have found it difficult to manage the excess waste
in their properties.
I would therefore urge the council to investigate the cause of
these delays, whether it be a shortage of staff or a logistical
issue with collection routes, and to restore a consistent
weekly schedule as soon as possible. A brief explanation to
residents regarding any changes would also be greatly
appreciated.
I look forward to your response and to a swift resolution of
this matter.
Yours faithfully,
Sarah Whitfield
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LETTER 5 — Request for Deadline Extension (to Manager)
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QUESTION:
You are unable to complete a work report by the agreed
deadline. Write a letter to your manager. In your letter:
– explain why you need more time
– say how much extra time you need
– suggest how you will make up for the delay
Write at least 150 words.
Begin your letter as follows: Dear Mr./Ms. …,
MODEL ANSWER:
Dear Ms. Alvarez,
I am writing to request a short extension for the quarterly
sales report, which is currently due this Friday, 24 July.
Over the past week, I have been managing an unexpectedly heavy
workload following the departure of a colleague, and I have
also had to dedicate considerable time to resolving a data
discrepancy in the regional figures that required verification
with three separate branches. As a result, I am concerned that
the report may not meet the standard of accuracy you rightly
expect if submitted by the original deadline.
I would be grateful if I could be granted an additional three
working days, meaning the report would be submitted by
Wednesday, 29 July, at the latest.
To ensure this delay does not disrupt the broader timeline, I
am prepared to share a preliminary draft with you by Monday,
and I will also stay later this week to expedite the final
stages of data verification.
I apologise for any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate
your understanding.
Yours sincerely,
Wei Zhang
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LETTER 6 — Request for Course Information (to University)
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QUESTION:
You are interested in studying a postgraduate course at a
university abroad. Write a letter to the admissions office. In
your letter:
– introduce yourself and explain your interest
– ask about entry requirements
– ask about scholarships or financial support
Write at least 150 words.
Begin your letter as follows: Dear Sir or Madam,
MODEL ANSWER:
Dear Sir or Madam,
I am writing to enquire about the Master of Public Health
programme commencing in September 2027, as advertised on your
university’s website.
My name is Rohan Kapoor, and I hold a bachelor’s degree in
Biomedical Science from Delhi University, along with two years
of professional experience working with a healthcare NGO. Given
my academic background and career aspirations in global health
policy, I believe this programme aligns closely with my goals.
I would be grateful if you could clarify the specific entry
requirements for international applicants, including the
minimum grade point average and any required English language
proficiency scores such as IELTS.
Additionally, I would like to ask whether the university offers
any scholarships, bursaries, or financial assistance schemes
for overseas students, and if so, what the application
procedure and deadlines are for these.
I would greatly appreciate any further information or
prospectus materials you could send, and I look forward to your
reply at your earliest convenience.
Yours faithfully,
Rohan Kapoor
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LETTER 7 — Job Application Cover Letter
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QUESTION:
You saw an advertisement for a position that interests you.
Write a letter to the company. In your letter:
– say which position you are applying for
– describe your relevant skills and experience
– explain why you would be suitable for the role
Write at least 150 words.
Begin your letter as follows: Dear Sir or Madam,
MODEL ANSWER:
Dear Sir or Madam,
I am writing to apply for the position of Marketing Coordinator
advertised on your company website on 12 July 2026.
I hold a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and have
spent the past three years working in digital marketing roles,
most recently managing social media campaigns for a mid-sized
retail firm that increased online engagement by over 40 percent
within a year. My experience encompasses content strategy,
analytics, and cross-functional collaboration with design and
sales teams.
I am particularly drawn to this role because of your company’s
reputation for innovative, data-driven campaigns, an approach
that closely mirrors my own professional philosophy. I am
confident that my analytical skills, coupled with my creative
approach to brand storytelling, would allow me to contribute
meaningfully to your marketing team from the outset.
I have attached my CV and portfolio for your consideration and
would welcome the opportunity to discuss my application further
at an interview.
Thank you for considering my application.
Yours faithfully,
Fatima Al-Sayed
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LETTER 8 — Request for Reference Letter (from Professor)
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QUESTION:
You need a reference letter for a job application. Write a
letter to a former professor. In your letter:
– remind them who you are
– explain what the reference is for
– tell them what information to include
Write at least 150 words.
Begin your letter as follows: Dear Professor …,
MODEL ANSWER:
Dear Professor Harding,
I hope this letter finds you well. I am Meera Iyer, a former
student of yours from the Environmental Science programme,
where I graduated in 2024 having taken your Sustainable
Development module in my final year.
I am currently applying for a position as a Research Assistant
at the Global Climate Institute, and the application requires a
professional reference from an academic familiar with my
research capabilities. Given the excellent guidance you provided
during my dissertation, I would be sincerely grateful if you
would be willing to act as my referee.
Should you agree, it would be particularly helpful if you could
comment on my analytical skills, my performance during the
dissertation project on coastal erosion, and my ability to work
independently under deadlines.
The reference would need to be submitted by 5 August 2026,
either directly to the institute via email or returned to me in
a sealed envelope, whichever you find more convenient.
Thank you very much for considering my request, and please let
me know if you require any further information.
Yours sincerely,
Meera Iyer
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LETTER 9 — Complaint to Restaurant Manager (Poor Service)
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QUESTION:
You recently had a disappointing experience at a restaurant.
Write a letter to the manager. In your letter:
– describe your visit
– explain what went wrong
– say what you would like the manager to do
Write at least 150 words.
Begin your letter as follows: Dear Sir or Madam,
MODEL ANSWER:
Dear Sir or Madam,
I am writing to express my disappointment with the service I
received at your restaurant, The Olive Terrace, on the evening
of 14 July 2026, when I dined with three colleagues to
celebrate a work anniversary.
Despite having made a reservation for 7:30 p.m., we were not
seated until nearly 8:15 p.m., with no explanation offered for
the delay. Once seated, our order took over 45 minutes to
arrive, and when it did, two of the dishes were incorrect and
had to be sent back. The waiting staff, though polite, appeared
overwhelmed and inattentive throughout the evening.
Given that this occasion was meant to be a celebratory one, the
overall experience fell considerably short of the standard I
had anticipated based on your restaurant’s excellent
reputation.
I would appreciate it if you could look into the staffing
issues that evening and consider offering some form of
goodwill gesture, such as a discount voucher, for a future
visit. I would be glad to give your restaurant another
opportunity, as I have generally enjoyed previous visits.
Yours faithfully,
Thomas Reilly
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LETTER 10 — Letter to a Newspaper Editor (Local Issue)
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QUESTION:
You are concerned about a lack of safe cycling paths in your
area. Write a letter to the editor of a local newspaper. In
your letter:
– explain the problem
– describe its effects on the community
– suggest a possible solution
Write at least 150 words.
Begin your letter as follows: Dear Editor,
MODEL ANSWER:
Dear Editor,
I am writing to raise concerns, shared by many residents of
Elmswood, regarding the absence of safe, dedicated cycling
paths in our town centre.
At present, cyclists are forced to share narrow roads with
heavy traffic, particularly along Station Road, where the
speed of passing vehicles poses a genuine safety risk. As a
result, many parents, myself included, are reluctant to allow
their children to cycle to school, despite the council’s
ongoing campaign to encourage sustainable transport.
This lack of infrastructure not only discourages healthier,
more environmentally friendly modes of travel but also
contributes to worsening traffic congestion during peak hours,
as more families opt to drive short distances rather than
cycle.
I would like to propose that the local council consider
allocating part of its infrastructure budget toward constructing
a segregated cycle lane along the town’s main routes, similar
to schemes successfully implemented in neighbouring districts.
Such an initiative would undoubtedly improve safety and
encourage a more active, eco-conscious community.
I hope this letter prompts wider discussion on the issue.
Yours sincerely,
Claire Boston
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SECTION 2: SEMI-FORMAL LETTERS (11–20)
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LETTER 11 — Introducing Yourself to a New Neighbour
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QUESTION:
A new family has recently moved in next door to you. Write a
letter to introduce yourself. In your letter:
– welcome them to the neighbourhood
– introduce yourself and your family
– offer to help them settle in
Write at least 150 words.
Begin your letter as follows: Dear …,
MODEL ANSWER:
Dear Mr. and Mrs. Carter,
I hope you don’t mind me dropping you a short note. I noticed
you moved into number 12 last weekend, and I wanted to extend a
warm welcome to the neighbourhood on behalf of my family.
My name is Isabella Moreno, and I live at number 14 with my
husband and our two children, who attend the primary school
just around the corner. We’ve lived here for almost eight
years now and have always found it to be a friendly, close-knit
community.
Moving house can be quite overwhelming, so please do not
hesitate to reach out if there is anything at all we can help
with, whether it’s recommending a reliable plumber, pointing
you toward the nearest supermarket, or simply lending a hand
with unpacking.
We would also love to have you over for coffee sometime once
you’ve had a chance to settle in properly, so do let us know
whenever suits you.
Once again, welcome to the street. We’re really looking forward
to getting to know you.
Best wishes,
Isabella Moreno
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LETTER 12 — Updating a Former Teacher on Your Progress
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QUESTION:
Write a letter to a teacher who taught you in the past. In
your letter:
– remind them who you are
– tell them what you have been doing since you last spoke
– explain why you decided to write to them
Write at least 150 words.
Begin your letter as follows: Dear Mr./Ms. …,
MODEL ANSWER:
Dear Ms. Patterson,
I hope this letter finds you in good health. It’s been quite a
while since we last spoke, but I wanted to reach out with an
update. I was in your Year 12 English class back in 2020, and I
sat in the front row, always rather too eager to discuss
Shakespeare!
Since graduating, I went on to study Journalism at Leeds
University, and I recently secured a position as a junior
reporter with a regional newspaper, a path I honestly credit in
large part to the confidence you instilled in me during our
lessons on persuasive writing.
I wanted to write to you mainly to say thank you. Your
encouragement during a particularly difficult year made a
lasting impression on me, and I don’t think I would have
pursued writing professionally without your support.
I would love to hear how things have been for you as well, and
whether you’re still teaching at Elmfield. It would be
wonderful to catch up properly if you ever have the time.
With warm regards,
Jack Sullivan
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LETTER 13 — Requesting Early Check-In at a Hotel
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QUESTION:
You have booked a hotel room, but your flight arrives very
early in the morning. Write a letter to the hotel manager. In
your letter:
– give your booking details
– explain your situation
– ask if early check-in is possible
Write at least 150 words.
Begin your letter as follows: Dear Sir or Madam,
MODEL ANSWER:
Dear Sir or Madam,
I am writing regarding my upcoming reservation at your hotel,
booking reference HT-30215, for a double room from 2 to 6
August 2026 under the name Nguyen.
My flight is scheduled to land at 6:00 a.m. on the 2nd, and I
expect to arrive at the hotel by approximately 7:30 a.m., which
I understand is considerably earlier than your standard 2:00
p.m. check-in time.
Given the long-haul nature of the flight, I would be
enormously grateful if it might be possible to check in early,
even if only to leave my luggage securely and freshen up before
my room becomes available.
I would be happy to pay a modest additional fee if early
check-in can be accommodated, and I am also flexible in terms
of which room is allocated, should that make arrangements
easier on your end.
Please let me know whether this would be feasible, and I would
appreciate any guidance on alternative arrangements if not.
Thank you very much for your assistance.
Yours faithfully,
Linh Nguyen
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LETTER 14 — Reporting a Facility Issue to a Gym Manager
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QUESTION:
You have noticed that some equipment at your gym is broken.
Write a letter to the gym manager. In your letter:
– explain which equipment is broken
– describe how this has affected your workouts
– suggest what should be done
Write at least 150 words.
Begin your letter as follows: Dear …,
MODEL ANSWER:
Dear Mr. Osei,
I am writing as a long-standing member of FitZone Gym to bring
to your attention an issue with some of the equipment in the
weights section.
Over the past two weeks, I have noticed that two of the four
treadmills are out of order, with error messages displayed on
their screens, while one of the rowing machines has a
noticeably loose seat that makes it uncomfortable, and
potentially unsafe, to use.
As someone who trains most mornings before work, this has
proven quite disruptive, as I frequently have to wait for
equipment to become free or adjust my entire workout routine at
short notice. I imagine other members during peak hours face
similar frustrations.
I would suggest arranging for a technician to inspect and repair
the affected machines as soon as possible, and perhaps
displaying a temporary notice on any equipment that remains out
of service so members are aware in advance.
I have thoroughly enjoyed my membership overall and would
appreciate this being addressed soon.
Kind regards,
Michael Osborne
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LETTER 15 — Query About a Bank Account Issue
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QUESTION:
You have noticed an unfamiliar charge on your bank statement.
Write a letter to your bank manager. In your letter:
– explain what you have noticed
– give relevant account details
– ask what action can be taken
Write at least 150 words.
Begin your letter as follows: Dear Sir or Madam,
MODEL ANSWER:
Dear Sir or Madam,
I am writing regarding my current account, sort code 20-45-67,
account number 88213456, held at your Kensington branch.
While reviewing my most recent statement, dated 15 July 2026, I
noticed a charge of £145.00 made on 11 July to a merchant I do
not recognise, listed simply as “TVX Global Services.” I have
not authorised any such transaction, nor have I made any
recent purchases matching this amount or description.
I have already checked with family members who share access to
my account, and none of them recall making this payment either,
which leads me to suspect it may be fraudulent.
Could you kindly investigate this transaction and advise me on
the appropriate next steps, whether that involves disputing the
charge, freezing my card temporarily, or issuing a replacement
card altogether? I would also appreciate confirmation of the
timeframe within which any reimbursement might be processed, if
the charge is indeed found to be unauthorised.
I look forward to your prompt response on this matter.
Yours faithfully,
Grace Ndiaye
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LETTER 16 — Suggesting an Improvement to a Colleague
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QUESTION:
You have an idea that you think would improve efficiency at
your workplace. Write a letter to a colleague. In your letter:
– describe your idea
– explain how it would help
– suggest how you could discuss it further
Write at least 150 words.
Begin your letter as follows: Dear …,
MODEL ANSWER:
Dear Hannah,
I hope you’re having a good week. I wanted to share an idea
that’s been on my mind regarding how we manage our weekly team
reports, as I think it could save us both considerable time.
Rather than compiling individual spreadsheets separately before
merging them manually, as we currently do, I was thinking we
could set up a shared, cloud-based template that updates in
real time. This would eliminate the duplication of effort and
reduce the number of formatting errors that tend to creep in
during the merging process.
I believe this could cut our weekly reporting time by roughly
half, freeing us up to focus on more strategic tasks rather than
administrative ones.
Would you be free for a quick chat sometime this week, perhaps
over coffee on Thursday, to talk through the idea in more
detail? I’d value your input, particularly on which platform
might work best given the tools we already have access to.
Let me know what suits you.
Best,
Oliver Grant
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LETTER 17 — Requesting to Use a Community Hall
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QUESTION:
You want to organise a community event and need to book a hall.
Write a letter to the community centre manager. In your
letter:
– explain what the event is
– say when you would like to hold it
– ask about booking and costs
Write at least 150 words.
Begin your letter as follows: Dear Sir or Madam,
MODEL ANSWER:
Dear Sir or Madam,
I am writing to enquire about hiring the main hall at Riverside
Community Centre for a charity fundraising event.
The event is a bake sale and craft fair being organised by
local residents to raise money for the children’s ward at our
regional hospital, and we anticipate around 80 to 100 attendees
throughout the day.
We would like to hold the event on Saturday, 22 August 2026,
ideally from 10:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m., with an hour either
side for setting up and clearing away.
Could you please advise on the availability of the hall for
this date, along with the hire cost and whether any discount is
offered for charitable or community events? I would also be
grateful to know whether tables, chairs, and basic catering
facilities are included, or if these would need to be arranged
separately.
Please let me know what documentation or deposit might be
required to confirm the booking.
Thank you very much, and I look forward to your reply.
Yours faithfully,
Emily Foster
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LETTER 18 — Suggesting a Product Idea to a Company
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QUESTION:
You have an idea for a new product that you think a company
should develop. Write a letter to the company. In your letter:
– explain your idea
– describe who would benefit from it
– suggest how the company could develop it
Write at least 150 words.
Begin your letter as follows: Dear Sir or Madam,
MODEL ANSWER:
Dear Sir or Madam,
I am writing as a long-time user of your kitchenware products
to suggest an idea that I believe could complement your
existing range.
I have noticed that many of your reusable food containers,
while excellent in quality, lack any form of built-in freshness
indicator. My suggestion would be to introduce a container with
a simple colour-changing seal that alerts users when food may no
longer be fresh, particularly useful for perishable items
stored in refrigerators.
This would primarily benefit busy households and parents, who
often struggle to track how long food has been stored, as well
as environmentally conscious consumers seeking to reduce food
waste, an issue your brand has previously highlighted in its
sustainability campaigns.
In terms of development, I imagine this could be trialled first
as a limited product line, perhaps in partnership with a
food-safety technology firm, before a wider rollout depending
on customer feedback.
I hope this idea proves useful, and I would be delighted to
discuss it further if helpful.
Yours faithfully,
Daniel Kowalski
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LETTER 19 — Expressing an Opinion to a Magazine Editor
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QUESTION:
You recently read an article in a magazine that you disagreed
with. Write a letter to the editor. In your letter:
– refer to the article
– explain why you disagree
– give your own opinion on the topic
Write at least 150 words.
Begin your letter as follows: Dear Editor,
MODEL ANSWER:
Dear Editor,
I am writing in response to the article “Remote Work: The End
of Office Culture,” published in your June issue, which argued
that traditional offices will become entirely obsolete within
the next decade.
While I appreciate the writer’s enthusiasm for remote working
arrangements, I feel this conclusion overlooks several important
considerations. In particular, the article gives little weight
to the role offices play in fostering spontaneous collaboration
and mentorship, especially for younger employees who benefit
enormously from observing experienced colleagues firsthand.
In my own experience working in a hybrid marketing team, the
days spent in the office have consistently proven more
productive for brainstorming and problem-solving, even though I
value the flexibility of remote days for focused, independent
tasks.
Rather than office culture disappearing altogether, I believe a
more balanced hybrid model is likely to persist, one that
combines the flexibility of remote work with the irreplaceable
benefits of in-person interaction.
I would welcome further discussion on this topic in future
issues.
Yours sincerely,
Rachel Kim
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LETTER 20 — Requesting to Join a Local Sports Club
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QUESTION:
You would like to join a sports club in your area. Write a
letter to the club secretary. In your letter:
– explain why you want to join
– describe your relevant experience
– ask about membership fees and schedules
Write at least 150 words.
Begin your letter as follows: Dear …,
MODEL ANSWER:
Dear Mr. Patterson,
I am writing to express my interest in joining Hartley Tennis
Club, having recently moved to the area and heard excellent
things about the club from several neighbours.
I have played tennis recreationally for over ten years and
competed at an intermediate level during university, so I am
eager to find a club where I can continue playing regularly and
perhaps take part in some friendly competitions.
Before applying formally, I was hoping you could provide some
further details. Specifically, I would like to know the annual
membership fees, whether these differ for individuals versus
families, and what the typical schedule looks like for court
availability and organised matches.
I would also be interested to hear whether the club runs any
coaching sessions for adults looking to refine their technique,
as well as whether there are any upcoming social events where
new members might get to know others.
I look forward to hearing from you and hope to become a member
very soon.
Kind regards,
Andrew Whitmore
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SECTION 3: INFORMAL LETTERS (21–30)
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LETTER 21 — Inviting a Friend to a Birthday Party
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QUESTION:
You are having a birthday party and want a friend to attend.
Write a letter to your friend. In your letter:
– invite them to the party
– give details of when and where it will be
– tell them what to expect
Write at least 150 words.
Begin your letter as follows: Dear …,
MODEL ANSWER:
Dear Zara,
I can hardly believe it, but I’m turning thirty next month, and
I would love nothing more than for you to be there to celebrate
with me!
I’m hosting a small get-together at my place on Saturday, 8
August, starting from around 7:00 p.m. Nothing too fancy, just
close friends, good food, and hopefully a lot of laughter. A
few of us are planning to head out afterwards to that new rooftop
bar downtown if people fancy keeping the night going.
I’m cooking most of the food myself, though I might beg you for
your famous chocolate cake recipe if you’re willing to share the
secret! Feel free to bring a plus-one if you’d like, the more
the merrier.
Do let me know if you’re able to make it, and if there’s
anything you can’t eat so I can plan the menu accordingly.
I really hope you can come, it wouldn’t feel like a proper
celebration without you there.
Lots of love,
Meera
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LETTER 22 — Congratulating a Friend on a New Job
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QUESTION:
Your friend has recently started a new job. Write a letter to
them. In your letter:
– congratulate them
– ask about the new job
– say how you think they will do well
Write at least 150 words.
Begin your letter as follows: Dear …,
MODEL ANSWER:
Dear Sam,
I just heard the wonderful news, congratulations on your new
role as Finance Manager! I’ve been grinning ever since your
message; you truly deserve this after everything you’ve worked
towards these past few years.
How are you finding things so far? I’d love to hear all about
the company, the team you’ll be working with, and what your day
to day responsibilities look like. Is it very different from
your previous role, or does it build on the experience you
already had?
Honestly, I’m not surprised in the slightest that they snapped
you up. You’ve always had such a sharp eye for detail and a
knack for staying calm under pressure, qualities that I’m sure
will make you brilliant at managing a whole team.
We really should celebrate properly soon, perhaps dinner this
weekend if you’re free? My treat, obviously, this is far too
big an achievement to let slide by without cake and champagne.
So proud of you.
Lots of love,
Priya
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LETTER 23 — Telling a Family Member About Moving to a New City
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QUESTION:
You have recently moved to a new city. Write a letter to a
family member. In your letter:
– explain why you moved
– describe what the new city is like
– invite them to visit you
Write at least 150 words.
Begin your letter as follows: Dear …,
MODEL ANSWER:
Dear Aunt Rosa,
I hope you and Uncle Marco are both doing well. I wanted to
share some exciting news, I’ve just moved to Melbourne after
accepting a job offer I simply couldn’t turn down!
The opportunity came up rather suddenly, but after months of
feeling a bit stuck in my old role back home, it felt like
exactly the fresh start I needed. It’s only been three weeks,
but I’m already settling in nicely.
Melbourne is wonderful so far, full of charming little laneway
cafés, a lively arts scene, and thankfully much milder winters
than I expected! My apartment is close to the city centre, so
I’ve been exploring on foot most weekends, though I still get
lost more often than I’d like to admit.
I would absolutely love for you both to come and visit once
I’ve properly found my feet, perhaps sometime in the spring?
There’s a spare room here with your names on it, and I’d love
to show you around.
Sending lots of love from my new home.
Isabella
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LETTER 24 — Apologising to a Friend for Missing an Event
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QUESTION:
You were unable to attend a friend’s important event. Write a
letter to your friend. In your letter:
– apologise for missing the event
– explain why you could not attend
– suggest how you can make it up to them
Write at least 150 words.
Begin your letter as follows: Dear …,
MODEL ANSWER:
Dear Leo,
I am so sorry I wasn’t able to make it to your graduation
ceremony last weekend. I feel terrible about missing such an
important milestone, especially after everything you’ve worked
so hard for over the past four years.
The reason, if it’s any consolation, was completely out of my
control, my flight back from a work trip got cancelled at the
very last minute due to bad weather, and by the time I found an
alternative, there simply wasn’t enough time left to make it.
I spent most of the day stuck at the airport, thinking about
how much I wished I could have been there cheering you on
instead.
I would really love to make it up to you properly. Would you be
free this Friday evening? Dinner is completely on me, wherever
you fancy, and I promise to bring the biggest, most
over-the-top congratulations card I can find to make up for
lost time.
Once again, I’m so sorry, and I’m incredibly proud of you.
Lots of love,
Nadia
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LETTER 25 — Asking a Friend to House-Sit
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QUESTION:
You are going away and need someone to look after your house.
Write a letter to a friend. In your letter:
– explain where you are going and for how long
– ask if they would be willing to house-sit
– give instructions about what needs to be done
Write at least 150 words.
Begin your letter as follows: Dear …,
MODEL ANSWER:
Dear Ben,
I hope you’re doing well! I’m writing because I have a bit of a
favour to ask, and I immediately thought of you as the most
reliable person I know.
I’ll be travelling to Portugal for a family wedding from 15 to
25 August, and I was wondering whether you might be free and
willing to house-sit while I’m away. I’d feel so much more at
ease knowing someone I trust was keeping an eye on things.
If you’re able to help, it would mainly involve watering the
plants every couple of days, collecting the post so it doesn’t
pile up outside, and popping in to feed Whiskers, my rather
demanding cat, twice a day. I’ll leave detailed instructions
along with a spare key, and of course, feel free to treat the
place as your own while you’re there.
Naturally, I’d love to return the favour whenever you might need
something similar, and I’ll happily stock the fridge with
whatever you like as a thank you.
Let me know if this works for you!
Best,
Carla
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LETTER 26 — Inviting a Cousin to Your Wedding
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QUESTION:
You are getting married and want a family member to attend.
Write a letter to your cousin. In your letter:
– share your exciting news
– give details about the wedding
– invite them to attend
Write at least 150 words.
Begin your letter as follows: Dear …,
MODEL ANSWER:
Dear Amara,
I have the most exciting news to share, David proposed last
month, and I said yes! We’re absolutely thrilled, and of
course, you were one of the very first people I wanted to tell.
We’ve set the date for Saturday, 14 November 2026, and the
ceremony will be held at Willowbrook Manor, followed by a
reception in the gardens if the weather cooperates, or in the
adjoining hall if not. We’re expecting around 90 guests, mostly
close family and old friends, so it should feel wonderfully
intimate.
I would be absolutely overjoyed if you could join us for the
celebration. Given that you’ll be travelling from out of town,
we’ve arranged a block booking at a nearby hotel with a
discounted rate for guests, and I’ll send along all the details
closer to the date.
It genuinely wouldn’t feel complete without you there, so please
say you’ll come!
Sending so much love, and I can’t wait to celebrate with you.
Elena
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LETTER 27 — Giving Advice to a Friend About a Problem
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QUESTION:
A friend has written to you about a problem they are having.
Write a letter back to them. In your letter:
– show that you understand their problem
– give them some advice
– offer your support
Write at least 150 words.
Begin your letter as follows: Dear …,
MODEL ANSWER:
Dear Noah,
Thank you for opening up to me about what’s been going on at
work, it sounds like an incredibly stressful situation, and I
can completely understand why you’ve been feeling so
overwhelmed lately.
Feeling undervalued despite putting in so much effort is genuinely
exhausting, and it makes total sense that your motivation has
taken a hit. From what you’ve described, I think it might be
worth requesting a proper one-on-one meeting with your manager
to discuss your workload and raise your concerns directly,
rather than letting things build up further. Sometimes managers
simply aren’t aware of how much pressure someone is under unless
it’s clearly communicated.
In the meantime, please try not to be too hard on yourself. You
are one of the most capable people I know, and this rough patch
doesn’t reflect your abilities in the slightest.
I’m always here if you need to talk things through further, or
even just to vent over a coffee sometime this week if that would
help. You don’t have to navigate this alone.
Thinking of you,
Isabelle
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LETTER 28 — Thanking a Friend for a Gift
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QUESTION:
A friend recently sent you a gift. Write a letter to them. In
your letter:
– thank them for the gift
– explain why you like it
– tell them what you have been doing recently
Write at least 150 words.
Begin your letter as follows: Dear …,
MODEL ANSWER:
Dear Yuki,
I just wanted to write and say a huge thank you for the
beautiful hand-painted teapot you sent for my birthday, it
arrived perfectly wrapped, and I genuinely gasped when I opened
it!
I absolutely love it. The delicate blue floral pattern reminds
me so much of the ceramics we admired together on our trip to
Kyoto a couple of years ago, so it feels wonderfully personal
and thoughtful, exactly the sort of gift only you would think
to choose. I’ve already given it pride of place on my kitchen
shelf and used it for my morning tea every day since.
Things here have been fairly busy lately; I started a new
pottery class myself, funnily enough, and I’m hoping to one day
make something even half as lovely as what you sent me!
Otherwise, mostly just work and trying to enjoy the last of the
summer sunshine while it lasts.
I hope you’re doing wonderfully too, and thank you again, truly.
It means more to me than you know.
With much love,
Aisha
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LETTER 29 — Catching Up with an Old Friend
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QUESTION:
You have not been in contact with an old friend for a long
time. Write a letter to them. In your letter:
– explain why you have not written for a while
– tell them what has been happening in your life
– suggest meeting up soon
Write at least 150 words.
Begin your letter as follows: Dear …,
MODEL ANSWER:
Dear Lucas,
I know it’s been far too long since we last spoke, and I feel
quite guilty about it, life simply got away from me between the
new job, moving house, and everything in between, but you’ve
honestly been on my mind constantly.
So much has happened since we last caught up properly. I ended
up switching careers entirely last year and now work as a
physiotherapist, which has been challenging but incredibly
rewarding. I also finally got that dog I always talked about, a
scruffy little terrier named Biscuit who has completely taken
over my life in the best possible way!
I’d really love to hear what you’ve been up to as well, it feels
like there’s so much to catch up on. Would you be free to meet
for coffee sometime in the next couple of weeks? I’m fairly
flexible with my schedule these days, so just let me know
whatever suits you best.
I’ve genuinely missed our chats, and I hope we can pick things
back up properly soon.
Take care,
Ethan
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LETTER 30 — Asking a Friend for Travel Advice
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QUESTION:
You are planning a trip to a country your friend has visited
before. Write a letter to them. In your letter:
– tell them about your travel plans
– ask for their advice
– ask if they can recommend any places to visit
Write at least 150 words.
Begin your letter as follows: Dear …,
MODEL ANSWER:
Dear Chloe,
I hope you’re doing well! I remembered that you spent a few
months travelling around Thailand a couple of years ago, and
since I’m finally planning my own trip there this December, I
was hoping to pick your brain a little.
I’ll be travelling for around two weeks, starting in Bangkok
before hopefully making my way south toward the islands. This
will be my first time in Southeast Asia, so I’m a bit
unsure where to focus my time given how much there apparently
is to see.
Do you have any advice on which islands are worth prioritising,
particularly ones that are a little quieter and less
overrun by tourists? I’d also love any recommendations for
must-try local food, or things you wish you’d known before you
went.
If you happen to have any old photos or a rough itinerary from
your trip lying around, I would love to take a look for
inspiration, no pressure at all though!
Thanks so much in advance, I can’t wait to hear all your
stories.
Speak soon,
Grace