GT letter — ask a friend to house-sit
GT Task 1 sample letters to a friend (informal register) — model answers graded band by band.
Band 7.0
Prompt: A friend has agreed to look after your house and pet while you are on holiday. Write a letter to your friend. In your letter: give contact details for when you are away; give instructions about how to care for your pet; describe other household duties.
Dear Sarah,
I hope you are doing well! I am so happy that you agreed to look after my house and pet while I am on holiday. It means a lot to me.
First of all, you can reach me on my mobile number 07845 123456 at any time. I will also check my emails regularly, so you can write to me at [email protected] if you cannot call me.
Regarding my cat, Milo, he needs to be fed twice a day, in the morning and evening. Please give him one small tin of cat food each time. He also needs fresh water every day. He is very friendly so do not worry about him!
About the house, could you please water the plants in the living room every two days? Also, please collect any letters from the doormat and put them on the kitchen table. Please make sure all the windows are locked before you go to bed each night.
Thank you so much again for helping me.
Best wishes, John
Band 8.0
Prompt: A friend has agreed to look after your house and pet while you are on holiday. Write a letter to your friend. In your letter: give contact details for when you are away; give instructions about how to care for your pet; describe other household duties.
Dear Marcus,
I hope you're well! I'm so grateful you've agreed to house-sit while I'm away — it genuinely means the world to me.
Firstly, here are my contact details. I'll be staying at the Grand Coral Hotel in Lisbon, and the number there is +351 21 456 7890. My mobile will be on throughout the trip, so feel free to call or text me anytime on 07712 334 891.
Regarding Biscuit, my golden retriever, he needs feeding twice daily — a cup of dry kibble in the morning and another in the evening. Please take him for a walk around the park each morning, as he gets restless without exercise. His lead and poop bags are hanging by the front door. He also takes a small vitamin tablet with his evening meal, which you'll find next to his bowl.
As for the house, could you water the plants in the living room every other day and put the bins out on Wednesday evening? The recycling goes in the blue bin and general waste in the grey one.
There's wine in the fridge — please help yourself!
Best wishes, Tom