Sample IELTS GT Task 1 letter: cannot repay borrowed money on time
Band 6.5 and Band 8 model answers for this IELTS question — see what raises the band, then get your own graded by AI.
Band 6.5
Prompt: You borrowed some money from a friend but cannot pay it back when you promised. Write a letter to your friend. In your letter: • apologise for not being able to repay the money on time • explain why you cannot repay it now • say when and how you will repay it (Begin your letter 'Dear ...,'. Informal register.)
Dear Alex,
I hope you are well. I am writing about the money you kindly lent me last month, and I am afraid I have some bad news.
First, I want to say sorry because I cannot pay you back by the end of this month, as I promised. I feel really bad about this and I hope you can understand my situation.
The reason I cannot repay you now is that I had an unexpected problem. My car broke down two weeks ago and I had to spend a lot of money to fix it, because I need it to go to work every day. After paying for the repairs, I do not have enough money left to give you at the moment.
However, I want you to know that I will definitely pay you back. I will receive my salary at the end of next month, so I can give you the full amount on 30th July. I can transfer it directly to your bank account, or give it to you in cash if you prefer.
Thank you so much for being patient and understanding. You are a great friend and I really appreciate it.
Best wishes, Sam
Band 8.0
Prompt: You borrowed some money from a friend but cannot pay it back when you promised. Write a letter to your friend. In your letter: • apologise for not being able to repay the money on time • explain why you cannot repay it now • say when and how you will repay it (Begin your letter 'Dear ...,'. Informal register.)
Dear Alex,
I hope you're keeping well. I'm writing about the money you so kindly lent me last month, and I'm afraid I have to be honest about a slight problem.
First and foremost, I owe you a big apology: I won't be able to pay you back by the end of this month, as I'd promised. I feel genuinely awful about letting you down, especially after you helped me out without a second thought.
The reason is that something completely unexpected came up. A fortnight ago my car broke down quite badly, and since I rely on it to get to work, I had no choice but to pay for the repairs at once. They cost far more than I'd anticipated, so once the bill was settled I simply didn't have enough left to cover what I owe you.
Please rest assured, though, that I fully intend to repay you. My salary comes through next month, so I'll transfer the whole amount to your account on 30th July — or hand it over in cash if that's easier.
Thank you so much for being so patient about this. I really am lucky to have a friend like you.
All the best, Sam