General Training Task 1 letter
IELTS General Training Letter: Asking a friend to look after a pet
Question type: General Training Task 1: informal letter
The question
You are going away for two weeks and need someone to look after your pet.
Write a letter to a friend. In your letter: - explain why you are going away - describe what your pet needs - say how you will thank your friend
Write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write any addresses. Begin your letter as follows: Dear ...
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How to approach it
- Open in a friendly way before you ask for the favour.
- Give clear, simple instructions about the pet. Details make the letter realistic.
- Make it easy for your friend to say no. This is natural when asking a favour.
Sample letter
206 words (minimum 150). Written to show the features of a Band 8-level answer.
Dear Hannah,
I hope you're well and that the new job is going smoothly. I'm writing because I have a big favour to ask, and you're the first person I thought of.
My sister is getting married in Canada next month, and I'll be away from the 10th to the 24th. I'm really excited, but it means I need someone to look after Milo, my cat. I'd much prefer him to stay with someone he knows than go to a cattery.
He's very easy to care for. He just needs feeding twice a day, once in the morning and once at about six, and fresh water. His litter tray needs cleaning every day or two. He loves company in the evenings and will happily sit on your lap while you watch TV. The only thing to remember is that he mustn't go outside, as he isn't used to busy roads. I'd bring all his food and his bed to your flat, so you wouldn't need to buy anything.
To say thank you, I'd love to take you out for dinner when I'm back, and I'll bring you some proper maple syrup from Canada!
Please don't feel you have to say yes. I completely understand if it's not convenient.
Lots of love,
Sophie
Useful language from this answer
- I have a big favour to ask
- introducing a request to a friend
- you're the first person I thought of
- making the request warm and personal
- he's very easy to care for
- reassuring your friend
- the only thing to remember is…
- giving one important instruction
- please don't feel you have to say yes
- making it easy to refuse
Common mistakes with this question
- Asking in the first line with no greeting or friendly opening.
- Giving no details about the pet. The second bullet needs real information.
- Using formal phrases such as 'I would be grateful if you could'. Keep the style informal.
Now write your own answer
Reading a model helps, but writing is what improves your band. Answer this question and get an estimated band for all four criteria, with corrections taken from your own sentences.
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This model answer was written by TestWise Prep to show the features of a high-scoring answer. It is not official IELTS material. Use it for ideas and language, not to memorise.