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You received a letter from a retired couple you know - IELTS

This IELTS Writing General Task 1 sample question appeared in a recent IELTS writing test. Try writing a letter as part of your IELTS writing practice.

IELTS Writing General Task 1 Sample

You received a letter from a retired couple you know, informing you about their intention to visit your city. Write a letter to them. In your letter
  • Suggest what they can do in your city
  • Recommend a place where they could stay
  • Advise them on what to pack for their trip to your city
Write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write any addresses.

Sample Answer

Dear John and Mary,
I was thrilled to hear you’re planning a visit to our city! There’s so much to see and do here; I’m sure you’ll have an amazing time. For starters, you can stroll through the historic downtown area, where there are loads of charming shops, art galleries, and cafes. The riverfront park is another favorite of mine – perfect for a relaxing walk or even a boat ride. If you’re interested in history, the city museum has some fascinating exhibits about the area’s past.

As for where to stay, I’d recommend The Willow Inn. It’s a lovely boutique hotel not far from the city center. The rooms are cozy, and the staff are always super helpful. Plus, they offer a wonderful breakfast spread each morning – I think you’d both enjoy it!

When it comes to packing, it’s best to be prepared for a bit of everything. The weather can be a little unpredictable this time of year, so I’d suggest bringing a mix of warm layers and lighter clothes. And definitely pack some comfortable shoes – there’s a lot of walking to do around here!

Looking forward to catching up soon and showing you around!

Warm regards,
[Your Name]


Scoring Breakdown by IELTS Task 1 Marking Criteria

1. Task Achievement

This letter covers all required points. It suggests activities (e.g., visiting the historic downtown and the riverfront park), recommends a specific place to stay (The Willow Inn), and provides advice on packing for variable weather. The letter clearly fulfills the prompt requirements with relevant details.

2. Coherence and Cohesion

The letter flows naturally and uses appropriate linking phrases, like “for starters,” “as for where to stay,” and “when it comes to packing,” to transition between ideas smoothly. The informal tone is consistent, making it easy to follow and feel personal.

3. Lexical Resource

Vocabulary is well-suited to an informal letter, with a variety of expressions like “loads of charming shops,” “perfect for a relaxing walk,” and “a bit of everything.” The language is natural and avoids repetition, contributing to a high lexical score.

4. Grammatical Range and Accuracy

The grammar is accurate, with varied sentence structures, such as complex sentences (“It’s a lovely boutique hotel not far from the city center”) and straightforward ones (“There’s so much to see and do here”). This mix demonstrates good control over grammatical range and fluency; important for achieving a high score.

How would you answer this IELTS Writing General Task 1 Sample question about writing a letter to a retired couple you know?



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