General Training Writing Task 1 · informal · making arrangements

Letter to an Australian friend about birthday visit: IELTS informal letter sample

An IELTS General Training Writing Task 1 informal letter with a Band 8 sample answer, why it scores well and the phrases worth borrowing for your own letter writing.
  • 189 words
  • Informal letters
  • Making arrangements
  • 20 minutes
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The task

An Australian friend is coming to visit you, and it will be his/her birthday during the visit.

Write a letter to your friend. In your letter:

  • →say how you feel about the visit?
  • →suggest what you could do on his/her birthday?
  • →ask what your friend thinks of your idea?

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

Model answer

Band 8 sample letter

Band 8189 words. Names and details are invented; write your own.

Dear Jack,

I am absolutely thrilled that you are finally flying over from Melbourne next month! It feels like ages since we last caught up, and I cannot wait to show you around my neck of the woods. Having you here for your birthday makes the trip even more special.

Since your birthday falls right in the middle of your stay, I have been brainstorming some plans. How about we head up to the mountains for a couple of days? I know a fantastic rustic cabin near the lake that would be the perfect spot to unwind. We could spend the day hiking the trails and then fire up the barbecue for a proper celebration under the stars that evening.

Do you think that sounds like a good plan, or would you prefer something more low-key in the city? If you have your heart set on checking out the new waterfront restaurants or a specific concert, just let me know and I will get everything booked in advance.

I am counting down the days until your arrival. Safe travels, and I will see you very soon!

Best wishes,

Sam

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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 fully develops all bullet points with natural, engaging ideas and maintains a consistent informal tone throughout. A common Band 6 error is failing to address the third bullet point or using overly formal language that contradicts the friend-to-friend relationship.

  • →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

  • neck of the woods

    a specific area or neighbourhood where someone lives

  • brainstorming

    thinking of many ideas to solve a problem

  • rustic

    simple and charming, related to the countryside

  • unwind

    to relax after a period of work or stress

  • low-key

    quiet, relaxed, and not intended to be showy

  • counting down the days

    to be very excited about a future event

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?+

A Band 8 response fully develops all bullet points with natural, engaging ideas and maintains a consistent informal tone throughout. A common Band 6 error is failing to address the third bullet point or using overly formal language that contradicts the friend-to-friend relationship.

Keep practising

More making arrangements letters

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