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Simone Braverman

Simone Braverman is the founder of IELTS-Blog.com and the author of several renowned IELTS preparation books, including Ace the IELTS, Target Band 7, the High Scorer's Choice practice test series, and IELTS Success Formula. Since 2005, Simone has been committed to making IELTS preparation accessible and effective through her books and online resources. Her work has helped 100,000's of students worldwide achieve their target scores and live their dream lives. When Simone isn't working on her next IELTS book, video lesson, or coaching, she enjoys playing the guitar or rollerblading.

IELTS Letter, topic: Asking your boss for some time off

This is a model response to a Writing Task 1 topic from High Scorer’s Choice IELTS Practice Tests book series (reprinted with permission). This answer is close to IELTS Band 9.

Set 4 General Training book, Practice Test 19

Writing Task 1

You should spend about 20 minutes on this task.

A close relative of yours is having a birthday lunch next week, but you know you will be working. Write a letter to your boss or supervisor to ask for some time off.

In your letter,

– explain the situation and why you particularly want to attend the lunch
– specify the dates, times and amount of time off you will need
– offer to work late or come in early another time to make up for the time

You should write at least 150 words.

You do NOT need to write any addresses. Begin your letter as follows:

Dear Mr. Jones / Dear Mrs. Jones,

Sample Band 9 Letter

Dear Mr. Jones,

I am writing this letter to request that you permit me to leave work early next week, on Tuesday, June twenty-second. It will be my grandmother’s eighty-fifth birthday and she is planning an elaborate family lunch beginning at one p.m. and lasting the remainder of the day. She and I are very close, my grandmother having almost raised me as a child, and both she and myself would be very disappointed if I were not able to attend. She has not celebrated her birthday significantly since her children were born and this day will be very special to the whole family.

I am very aware that I would be missing valuable time at the office, but I can assure you that I will make the time up by working late for several days. As you know, I have been a dedicated employee during the three years I have worked for this company and I can assure you that this dedication will not change.

Please consider my request and thank you for your time.

Yours sincerely,

Catherine Broad

Go here for more IELTS Band 9 Letters

IELTS test in Oman – September 2022 (Academic Module)

Our friends T. and B. took IELTS in Oman very recently and remembered the following questions:

Writing test

Writing task 1 (a report)

We were given line graphs showing the number of people employed in Australia versus the number of people working in the manufacturing sector.

Writing task 2 (an essay)

Some people believe that electronic games are improving the skills of young people. Others think that it is a complete waste of time. Discuss both views and give your opinion.

Speaking test

Part 1 (Interview)

– Can I have your full name, please?
– Do you work or are you a student?
– Is your work tiring?
– Do you celebrate birthdays in your culture?
– What did you do on your birthday when you were young?
– Are birthdays important? In what way?

Part 2 (Cue Card)

Talk about a person who inspires you. You should say

– who the person is
– how you know him/her
– why he/she inspires you
– and explain what effect he/she has on your life.

Part 3 (Discussion)

– Do you think today’s children need inspiration?
– Who inspires them more, parents or teachers?
– Do you feel that children are more inspired by celebrities these days?