IELTS Semi-formal Letter: Letter to Chris's parents declining a surprise party invitation

The task

The parents of your Australian friend Chris have Invited you to a surprise birthday party for him/her.

Write a letter to Chris's parents. In your letter:

→say why you think Chris will enjoy the surprise party
→explain why you won't be able to attend the party
→give details of a plan to see Chris at a different time

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

Model answer

Band 8 sample letter

Band 8186 words. Names and details are invented; write your own.

Dear Mr. and Mrs. Thompson,

Thank you so much for the kind invitation to Chris’s surprise birthday party next Saturday. It is such a thoughtful idea, and I am certain he will be absolutely thrilled to see all his friends gathered together, as he has been talking about wanting a proper celebration for months.

However, I am incredibly sorry to say that I will not be able to attend. I have a long-standing commitment that weekend which I simply cannot reschedule, as I will be out of the state for a family wedding. I am genuinely disappointed to miss out on the big reveal.

Since I cannot be there on the night, I would love to make it up to him. I am planning to be back in town the following Friday, so perhaps I could take Chris out for a celebratory birthday lunch at that new café he likes? Please let me know if that works for his schedule, or if you would prefer I drop by your place later that weekend instead.

I hope you all have a wonderful evening celebrating.

Best wishes,

Alex

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Examiner's view

Why this scores well

A Band 8 response covers all bullet points with specific, natural details and maintains a consistent, polite semi-formal tone throughout. A common Band 6 mistake is failing to suggest a concrete alternative plan or using an overly formal tone that sounds unnatural when writing to a friend's parents.

→Write to someone you know but not closely, such as a manager, landlord or neighbour, using their title and surname.
→Polite and friendly at once: a few contractions are fine, slang is not. Close with Yours sincerely or Kind regards.
→State the purpose in the first two sentences; small talk costs words you need for the bullets.

6 phrases

Useful phrases from the letter

long-standing commitment
an obligation made a long time ago
reschedule
to change the time of a planned event
genuinely
in a sincere and honest way
make it up to him
to do something to compensate for a disappointment
celebratory
related to a joyful or festive occasion
reveal
the moment the surprise is finally shown

Frequently asked questions

Is this letter formal or informal?+

Semi-formal. Write to someone you know but not closely, such as a manager, landlord or neighbour, using their title and surname.

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

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