It might seem very easy, but there are a lot of things that can go wrong with General Writing Task 1. One thing many students miss is the plural in a bullet point. If you are asked to describe problems – then you should describe at least two.
The model answer below should give you a better idea of what is required. The answer is likely to score band 8.5-9.0 on test day. It follows this general structure…
Salutation
1st Paragraph – answering the first bullet point
2nd Paragraph – answering the second bullet point
3rd Paragraph – answering the third bullet point
Sign off
The Question
You should spend about 20 minutes on this task. Write at least 150 words.
You recently visited a public park. During your walk, you noticed a lot of litter on the ground.
Write a letter to the local council. In your letter
- give details of your visit to the park
- describe the problems that the litter is causing
- say what you think the local council should do
You do NOT need to write any addresses.
Begin your letter as follows:
Dear Sir/Madam…
Dear Sir/Madam,
I write to draw your attention to the appalling state in which I have found Bramhill Park in recent weeks. Over four separate occasions in October, the recreational areas have been blanketed with litter: bottles and cans, cigarette ends, crisp packets, fast food containers and other detritus.
This is unacceptable. Leaving aside the obvious point that my children should be able to enjoy a local green space free from waste, the litter is creating a serious environmental issue; as it degrades, chemicals and microparticles are polluting the soil and the air.
I request that you take immediate action to resolve this matter, beginning by launching an urgent and comprehensive clean-up operation. Welham Council should also step up its community policing initiatives, ensuring a more visible presence in order to deter those who are spoiling the beautiful park we all share.
Kindly respond with an anticipated timeframe for these actions.
Regards,
John Prescott