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October 2011

IELTS Writing – Model Answer for a letter (from a recent exam in the USA)

The topic below was seen in a General Training IELTS exam in the USA, September 2011.

General Training Writing Task 1

You should spend about 20 minutes on this task.

You are preparing an event in the countryside. Write a letter to your friend and ask for help with the arrangements. In your letter include:

– what the event is
– why the event is being held
– what arrangements have already been made
– how your friend can help

You should write at least 150 words.

Model Answer

Dear Patrick,

I hope you and your wife have been enjoying your summer holiday. My wife and I have started pulling together plans for this year’s company barbecue. I am writing to share some details regarding the event and ask whether you would be able to help with a few of the remaining tasks.

As you know, the barbecue has become a highly anticipated annual tradition for everyone at our company. This year, the meet up is going to be held in Paxton Park, behind the church on Gladsdale Avenue and Riverside Street. My wife has reserved a rented canopy in case of rain and we are planning on getting the Texan restaurant Bubba’s to cater food and drinks. However, we feel a little strapped for time considering we still have a handful of errands to finish before the big day.

Thus, I was hoping you could find time to complete and distribute the invitations. I think any basic invitation template on your computer should suit. I can email you the guest list this evening. Please let me know as soon as you can whether this would be possible or not.

Many thanks,
Ryan

This model answer was written for IELTS-Blog.com visitors by Ryan Higgins, an online IELTS instructor, blogger and author. For more of his free IELTS resources, visit his blog.

IELTS test in Algeria – September 2011 (General Training)

The IELTS exam below was shared by our kind friend S from Algeria (thank you!).

Listening test IELTS test in Algeria

Section 1. A conversation about university dormitory rooms.
Questions: we were asked to complete a form.

Section 2. A conversation between two people talking about life in the Iron Age.
Questions: flow-chart completion, multiple choice.

Section 3. A conversation between two people on interview preparation.
Questions: complete a summary.

Section 4. A lecture about crocodiles.

Reading test

Passage 1. Safety and security measures when working with chemical substances.
Questions: filling in blanks.

Passage 2. An advertisement of an art exhibition.
Questions: match statement to the right paragraph.

Passage 3. Text about natural therapy and how to cure people without medications.
Questions: True/False/Not Given.

Passage 4: Don’t remember.

Writing test

Writing task 1 (a letter)

You have bought an electronic device on the Internet and it was damaged, when you received it. Write a letter to the seller and explain:

– What was the damage?
– What do you want them to do about it?
– Suggest a solution to this situation.

Writing Task 2 (an essay)

Nowadays families spend little time doing things together. What are the reasons that parents spend less time with their children? Explain the positive and negative effects of this development. Give examples from your own knowledge and experience.