Below is a sample letter for Task 1 of the General IELTS Writing Section. It is a semi-formal letter, which can be identified in several ways:
- the tone, which is a mix of formality plus warmth
- the use of the last names (Dear Ms Walker)
- the absence of contractions
- the use of formal expressions (I would appreciate it if…)
- the closing salutation (Yours sincerely)
WRITING TASK 1
You are going on a short training course at a college in Sydney, Australia. You need somewhere to live while you are there.
Write a letter to the accommodation officer at the college. In your letter:
Write a letter to the accommodation officer at the college. In your letter:
- explain your situation
- describe the accommodation you require
- say when you will need it
Write at least 150 words.
You do NOT need to write any address.
Begin your letter as follows:
Dear __________
Dear Mrs Walker
I am writing in connection with my upcoming training course at your college in Sydney, Australia. I will be there to attend the Brain- Based Learning program at Victoria College for a period of three weeks from July 2st to July 22st, 2010. I am hoping that you will be able to assist me with my accommodation arrangements.
As I am slightly older than most of the other participants, I would appreciate it if you could find a private studio apartment for me, close to the college. It would be ideal if I could walk to school each day, but if not, I would need access to public transportation. I understand some of the events on campus finish quite late so I would prefer not to walk in an unfamiliar neighbourhood after dark. In terms of the apartment, all I require is a bed, a desk, a TV, an Internet connection, a kitchen and a bathroom. My budget is around US $1000 for 3 weeks.
As I will be arriving on July 1st, I would need the apartment to be available from that night until the day of my departure, which is July 23rd. My last night in the apartment would be July 22nd.
Please let me know if you are able to find such an apartment and if not, please suggest other suitable arrangements. I look forward to hearing from you,
Yours sincerely,
Jane Goodwin
(236 words)
