Cambridge IELTS, Book 16, General IELTS Task 1, Letter Samples
Mrs Barrett, an English-speaking woman who lives in your town, has advertised for someone to help her in her home for a few hours a day next summer.
Write a letter to Mrs Barrett. In your letter:
- suggest how you could help her in her home
- say why you would like to do this work
- explain when you will and will not be available
Begin your letter as follows:
Dear …………….,
Dear Mrs. Barrett,
I am writing in response to your advertisement for someone to help you in your home for a few hours a day next summer. I am interested in this position, and I believe I would be a good fit for the job.
I have experience in housekeeping and can assist you with various household chores such as cleaning, laundry, and cooking. I am a responsible and reliable person, and I take pride in ensuring that my work is always completed to a high standard.
I am also a friendly and sociable person, and I would be happy to keep you company and assist you in any way possible. I understand that sometimes it can be difficult to manage household tasks alone, and I would be happy to assist you with anything you need.
In terms of availability, I will be available for work from Monday to Friday, from 9am to 1pm. Unfortunately, I will not be available on weekends due to other commitments. However, I am willing to be flexible with my schedule to accommodate your needs.
I am very interested in this position because I believe it would be a great opportunity for me to gain valuable experience in housekeeping and to help someone in need. I am looking forward to hearing back from you soon and to discussing this opportunity in further detail.
Thank you for considering my application.
Sincerely,
Jane Doe
You have just read an article in a national newspaper which claims that town centres in your country all look very similar to each other. You don’t fully agree with this opinion.
Write a letter to the editor of the newspaper. In your letter:
- say which points in the article you agree with
- explain ways in which your town centre is different from most other town centres
- offer to give a guided tour of your town to the writer of the article
Begin your letter as follows:
Dear …………….,
Dear Editor,
I recently read the article in your newspaper claiming that town centres across the country look very similar to each other, and while I agree with some of the points made in the article, I believe there are also many unique characteristics that make each town centre distinct from the others.
I agree with the author’s observation that many town centres have the same chain stores and fast-food restaurants. However, this does not necessarily mean that every town centre is identical to each other. There are still many small independent shops, boutiques, and cafes that add character and charm to each town centre.
As a resident of London, I can say that our town centre is quite different from most others. For one, we have a thriving market square that hosts weekly markets, selling locally grown produce and handmade crafts. We also have a number of historic buildings, including a beautiful town hall that dates back to the 16th century. In addition, our town has a strong arts and culture scene, with a number of galleries and theatres that host performances throughout the year.
I would be more than happy to offer a guided tour of our town to the writer of the article. I believe that experiencing the unique features of each town centre first-hand would help them to appreciate the differences that make each place special. From our historic buildings to our bustling market square, there is much to see and appreciate in our town centre.
In conclusion, I believe that while there may be some similarities between town centres across the country, each centre has its own unique character and charm. I hope the writer of the article will take me up on my offer to visit and explore our town centre and gain a greater appreciation for the distinctiveness of each place.
Yours sincerely,
Jane Doe
A magazine wants to include contributions from its readers for an article called ‘The book that influenced me most’.
Write a letter to the editor of the magazine about the book that influenced you most. In your letter:
- describe what this book was about
- explain how this book influenced you
- say whether this book would be likely to influence other people
Begin your letter as follows:
Dear …………….,
Dear Editor,
I was excited to learn about the upcoming article, ‘The book that influenced me most,’ and I would like to contribute my own experience. The book that has influenced me the most is “The Alchemist” by Paulo Coelho.
“The Alchemist” is a book about a young shepherd boy named Santiago who has a dream of finding a treasure hidden in the Egyptian pyramids. Along his journey, he encounters many obstacles, meets different people, and learns valuable lessons about the universe, the importance of pursuing your dreams, and listening to your heart.
This book has influenced me profoundly as it helped me realize the importance of following my dreams and pursuing what I truly love. It taught me that if I have a goal or a dream, I should never give up, and the universe will conspire to help me achieve it. It also taught me to trust my intuition and listen to my heart, as it often knows what’s best for me.
I believe that “The Alchemist” has the potential to influence other people as well. Its universal themes and lessons are applicable to anyone, regardless of their background or culture. It has sold over 65 million copies worldwide and has been translated into more than 80 languages, which is a testament to its popularity and relevance.
I hope that my contribution will be considered for your upcoming article, and I am excited to read about other readers’ experiences with the book that influenced them most.
Thank you for considering my contribution.
Sincerely,
Jane Doe
Your friend has been offered a place on a course at the university where you studied. He/She would like your advice about finding a place to live.
Write an email to your friend. In your email:
- describe where you lived when you were a student at the university
- recommend the best way for him/her to look for accommodation
- warn him/her of mistakes students make when choosing accommodation
Begin your email as follows:
Dear …………….,
Dear John,
I am delighted to hear that you have been offered a place on the course at our alma mater, and I am more than happy to offer advice on finding a place to live. As a former student at the university, I can tell you that finding suitable accommodation can be a bit of a challenge, but it is definitely worth the effort.
When I was a student at the university, I lived in a student residence hall on campus for the first year. It was a convenient and affordable option, as it was close to all the university facilities and activities, and I got to meet a lot of other students. For the rest of my time there, I shared a house with three other students, which was a great way to save money and enjoy some independence.
As for finding accommodation, I would recommend starting your search early and exploring different options. You can start by checking out the university’s accommodation office, which often has listings for rooms and apartments near the campus. You can also search online for private rentals and check out local newspapers and classified ads.
However, it’s important to be careful when choosing accommodation. Some common mistakes that students make include choosing accommodation that is too far from the campus, selecting a place without visiting it in person, and not carefully reading the rental agreement or lease. Make sure to do your research, visit the accommodation in person, and read the rental agreement carefully before making a decision.
I hope this advice helps you in your search for accommodation. If you have any more questions or need further assistance, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me. I am excited for you to experience university life at our alma mater, and I know you will have a fantastic time.
Best regards,
Jane