Sample IELTS GT Task 1 letter: You would like to do some volunteer work
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 would like to do some volunteer work for a local organisation during your holidays. Write a letter to the organisation. In your letter: explain why you want to volunteer; describe the skills and experience you have; say when you would be available. (Formal register.)
Dear Sir or Madam,
I am writing to ask about doing some volunteer work for your organisation during my summer holidays. I saw your advertisement on a community website and I am very interested in helping.
I would like to volunteer for a few reasons. First, I want to do something useful for my local community instead of staying at home all summer. I also believe that helping other people is a good way to learn new things and to meet new people. Your organisation does important work with children, and this is something I really care about.
I think I have some skills that could be useful. I am a friendly and patient person, and I am good at working with children because I help my younger cousins with their homework. I also have some experience because last year I helped at a school summer camp for two weeks. In addition, I can use a computer well, so I could help with office tasks too.
About my availability, I will be free from the middle of July until the end of August. I can work in the mornings or the afternoons, and I am happy to work on weekends if you need me.
I would be very grateful if you could send me more information. I look forward to hearing from you.
Yours faithfully, Maria Lopez
Band 8.0
Prompt: You would like to do some volunteer work for a local organisation during your holidays. Write a letter to the organisation. In your letter: explain why you want to volunteer; describe the skills and experience you have; say when you would be available. (Formal register.)
Dear Sir or Madam,
I am writing to express my interest in volunteering with your organisation during the upcoming summer holidays, having read about your work supporting disadvantaged children in our area.
My main reason for getting involved is a genuine wish to contribute something worthwhile to the local community rather than spending the break unproductively. I have long admired the way your centre helps young people who might otherwise fall behind, and I would consider it a privilege to play even a small part in that effort.
In terms of relevant experience, I spent two weeks last summer as an assistant at a school holiday camp, where I supervised activities and supported children with reading. I am patient, approachable and used to working with mixed age groups, and I am also confident with administrative tasks, having handled scheduling and record-keeping in a part-time office role. These skills could be valuable whether you need help directly with the children or behind the scenes.
As for availability, I will be entirely free from the middle of July until the end of August and can commit to several full days a week, including weekends if that would be more convenient for you.
I would be delighted to discuss how I might best be of use, and I would be grateful for any further details about your current requirements.
Yours faithfully, Maria Lopez