Model IELTS General Task 1 Letter: Visiting A Friend Living Abroad (Informal)

Dec 24, 2020 | IELTS, IELTS Test, IELTS Vocabulary, IELTS Writing

Here is a model answer for an informal IELTS Writing Task 1 letter.

This letter is likely to score from 8.5-9.0 on test day.

It follows this general template…

  1. Salutation
  2. 1st and 2nd Paragraph about bullet point 1
  3. 3rd Paragraph about bullet point 2
  4. 4th Paragraph about bullet point 3
  5. Sign off

The Question

You should spend about 20 minutes on this task.

You are planning to visit another country on holiday. During your visit, you hope to meet a friend who lives there.

Write a letter to this friend. In your letter:

  • ask questions about places you can stay
  • describe what kind of places you would like to see
  • suggest what you could do together

Write at least 150 words.

You do NOT need to write any addresses. Begin your letter as follows:

Dear …,

IELTS General IELTS Writing Task 1 Informal Letter to a Friend Living Abroad by Andre Turner @ EnglishWithAnExpert.com

The Answer

Dear Tim, 

I write with excitement to join you in Toronto next month!

Now that my travel dates have been confirmed, the time has come to begin booking accommodation and making plans for the week. Do you perhaps have a recommendation on where I might stay? Downtown would be ideal, although I’d like to keep my costs low where possible; I’d rather leave additional room in the budget for sightseeing and gastronomic experiences. Could you also give me an idea of hotel room rates in Canada?

Speaking of which: I welcome your thoughts on how we should spend our limited time together. Personally, I think whiling away an afternoon or two in touring the city’s culinary hubs – particularly St Lawrence and Kensington markets – would be very agreeable. And of course, I must sample what will be my first ever poutine!

We could also visit the renowned Royal Ontario Museum; from what I’ve heard, we’ll need several hours to do so. I suggest the Toronto Islands would make for an excellent excursion too – not to forget the CN Tower. Shall we make a reservation for the 360 Restaurant at the top? 

Lots, then, to think about! 

Until next month, 

Mark

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