General Training Task 1 · Formal letters
Organising a community event
An original IELTS practice question with a planning route and a sample answer to learn from.
Aim for at least 150 words in about 20 minutes. Suggested practice level: intermediate, not a predicted band.
Your writing task
You are organising a community event and would like a local business to support it. Write a letter explaining the event, describing the support you need, and explaining how the business would benefit.
How to approach this question
Write to an organisation or person you do not know. State the purpose clearly, cover all three task points and keep the tone polite and professional.
Formal letters: develop every task point and make the request clear →
Explain the event's purpose, audience and timing before asking for support. Be specific about whether you need equipment, refreshments or a financial contribution.
Describe a proportionate benefit for the business, such as acknowledgement on event materials. Avoid promising publicity you could not reasonably deliver.
These are possible directions, not required opinions or facts to memorise. Develop your own response and check every claim against the task.
A possible plan
- Opening: use a formal greeting for an unknown recipient and state the purpose clearly.
- First task point: give enough specific detail for the organisation or official to understand the situation.
- Remaining task points: develop each requested point, including any action or information you need.
- Closing: end politely with a formal sign-off that matches the greeting.
Vocabulary you can use precisely
Choose language that fits your meaning. You do not need to include every phrase.
- community participation
- Involvement by people in the local area.
The event aims to encourage community participation in local projects.
- in-kind support
- Help provided as goods or services instead of money.
We would welcome in-kind support such as refreshments for volunteers.
Ready to write your own answer?
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