By English Test Coach · Updated
General Training Task 1 · Informal letters
Advice about a training course
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: foundation, not a predicted band.
Your writing task
A friend is considering taking a professional course that you recently completed. Write a letter to your friend. Describe the course, explain what you found useful, and give advice about preparing for it.
How to approach this question
Cover all three task points with specific details and a natural, friendly tone.
Informal letters: develop friendly apologies and practical requests →
Worked example: Turn a course experience into practical advice →
Describe the course's content and format, then identify one activity or skill you personally found useful.
Give preparation advice based on that experience, such as practising prerequisite skills or reserving study time. Keep the advice relevant to your friend.
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: greet your friend naturally and explain why you are writing.
- First task point: give a useful detail or personal suggestion.
- Remaining task points: address every request with concrete details and a friendly tone.
- Closing: invite a reply or mention your next contact, then use a friendly sign-off.
Vocabulary you can use precisely
Choose language that fits your meaning. You do not need to include every phrase.
- get the most out of
- Gain as much benefit as possible from something.
Doing the short preparation tasks will help you get the most out of the course.
- set aside some time
- Reserve time for a particular activity.
Try to set aside some time each week for the practical assignments.
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