Sample IELTS GT Task 1 letter: enquiry about a UK English course
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 have seen an advertisement for an English-language course in the UK and want more information. Write a letter to the school. In your letter: • introduce yourself and your level of English • ask about the course content and accommodation • explain when you would like to start (Begin your letter 'Dear Sir or Madam,'. Formal register.)
Dear Sir or Madam,
I am writing because I saw your advertisement for an English-language course in a magazine last week, and I am very interested in joining it. I would like to ask for some more information.
First, let me introduce myself. My name is Carlos Mendes and I am a twenty-five-year-old student from Brazil. I have been studying English for about three years, so I think my level is intermediate. I can speak and write quite well, but I want to improve my speaking and especially my grammar.
There are some things I would like to know about the course. Firstly, could you please tell me what the course content is? For example, how many hours of lessons are there each week, and do you focus on speaking, writing or both? Secondly, I would like to know about the accommodation. Is it possible to stay with a host family, and how much does it cost?
Finally, I would like to explain when I want to start. I would prefer to begin the course in September, because I will finish my job in August. I am planning to study for about three months.
I look forward to receiving more information from you soon.
Yours faithfully, Carlos Mendes
Band 8.0
Prompt: You have seen an advertisement for an English-language course in the UK and want more information. Write a letter to the school. In your letter: • introduce yourself and your level of English • ask about the course content and accommodation • explain when you would like to start (Begin your letter 'Dear Sir or Madam,'. Formal register.)
Dear Sir or Madam,
I am writing to enquire about the English-language course advertised in last week's edition of Travel Today, which caught my attention as I am keen to study in the UK later this year.
By way of introduction, my name is Carlos Mendes, a twenty-five-year-old graduate from Brazil. Having studied English for roughly three years, I would describe my level as upper-intermediate: I am fairly confident in reading and writing, but particularly eager to develop greater fluency in speaking and to refine my grammar.
There are several points on which I would be grateful for detail. Regarding the course itself, could you tell me how many hours of tuition are provided each week, the average class size, and whether the syllabus emphasises conversation or written work? I would also welcome information about accommodation: in particular, whether a homestay with a local family can be arranged, what this would cost, and whether meals are included.
As for timing, I would ideally like to begin in early September, since my employment ends in late August, and I intend to study for around three months.
I would be grateful if you could send me a brochure and any enrolment forms.
Yours faithfully, Carlos Mendes