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 1 General Training book, Practice Test 2
Writing Task 1
You should spend about 20 minutes on this task.
A friend of yours recently gave you a nice birthday present.
Write a letter to your friend. In your letter,
– thank her for the present and say why you particularly like it
– describe some other presents that you received
– explain some of the things you did on your birthday.
You should write at least 150 words.
You do NOT need to write any addresses. Begin your letter as follows:
Dear Sarah,
Sample Band 9 Letter
Dear Sarah,
Now that the weekend of my birthday party is over and you have hopefully arrived home safely, I just wanted to let you know again how much your birthday present means to me. I don’t think I’ve ever received something quite as original as this lovely, hand-made photo album with photos and notes reminding me of our childhood. I think that these memories have helped us stick together and I hope that, although we live a long way apart now, I can add to this album every year when we see each other. With the stationery collection that my mother gave me and the calligraphy set I got from my dad, I can easily continue to add to this work of art!
It’s sad that you could only be there for the party and not for my actual birthday. I went canoeing with my parents and my sister at Barley Creek, the lovely lake resort that we often used to go to when we were young. Do you remember the tall trees and the calm atmosphere there? Well, everything is still as it used to be. Even the castle restaurant is still there, where I topped the day off with a fancy dinner. What a memorable day it was!
I hope you can be there next time.
Lots of love,
Amanda
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