Letter recommending a local product to a friend

The task

One of your friends in a foreign country is starting an import-export business, and he has asked you to recommend a product from your country to him.

Write a letter to your friend. In your letter:

→say what product you want to recommend to him
→tell him where he/she can get this product
→explain why you want to recommend this product

Write at least 150 words. You do not need to write any addresses. Begin your letter: Dear ...,

Model answer

Band 8 sample letter

Band 8188 words. Names and details are invented; write your own.

Dear Mark,

It was fantastic to hear about your new import-export venture! Starting a business is a bold move, and I am thrilled to help you get off the ground. You asked for suggestions regarding unique products from my country, and I have the perfect recommendation: premium organic manuka honey.

This honey is primarily sourced from boutique apiaries in the North Island. You should reach out to the 'Golden Nectar Cooperative' based in Auckland. They work directly with smaller, sustainable farms and are currently looking to expand their distribution channels into your market. I can easily put you in touch with their export manager if you decide to proceed.

I am suggesting this because the demand for authentic, high-grade health products is currently skyrocketing globally. Manuka honey is world-renowned for its distinct antibacterial properties and unique flavour profile, making it a premium item that justifies a high retail price point. It has a long shelf life and is relatively easy to ship, which should minimise your logistical risks as you establish your supply chain.

Let me know your thoughts, and good luck with the planning.

Best wishes,

James

Write your own and get a band

Answer this prompt in a timed General Training writing test and get a band for task achievement, coherence, vocabulary and grammar, with the sentences to fix.

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Examiner's view

Why this scores well

A Band 8 response thoroughly develops all three bullet points with specific, relevant details while maintaining a natural, consistent informal tone throughout. A common Band 6 mistake is providing a generic recommendation without explaining the business logic or failing to provide concrete details on how to source the product.

→Write to a friend or relative by first name and close with Best wishes, Love or See you soon.
→Contractions, phrasal verbs and a warm opening line are expected; a stiff formal tone loses marks here.
→Still cover every bullet in its own paragraph; friendly does not mean unstructured.

6 phrases

Useful phrases from the letter

venture
a new business project that involves some risk
apiaries
places where beehives are kept for honey production
distribution channels
the methods used to get products to customers
skyrocketing
increasing very quickly to a high level
flavour profile
the specific combination of tastes in a food
logistical
related to the organization of complex operations

Frequently asked questions

Is this letter formal or informal?+

Informal. Write to a friend or relative by first name and close with Best wishes, Love or See you soon.

How many words should an IELTS General Training letter be?+

At least 150 words, and 160 to 200 is the comfortable range. Spend about 20 minutes on it and leave 40 for Task 2, which carries twice the marks.

What does the examiner look for?+

Keep practising

More advice letters

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