General Training Task 1 · 271 words
Moving help: make a friendly, specific request
Tell a friend exactly when and how they can help, limit the request and offer a personal thank-you.
Study the method: Informal letters: develop friendly apologies and practical requests →
Band 6 goal: Informal tone
Complete every task part clearly and organise the response so the reader can follow it. This is a study route, not an examiner score assigned to the answer. How IELTS Writing is assessed.
The question
You are moving to a new home and would like a friend to help you. Write a letter to your friend. Explain when you are moving, describe the help you need, and say how you will thank your friend.
The sample answer
Hi Sam, I finally have a moving date for the new flat: Saturday 12 October. I am collecting the keys at nine in the morning and hope to start moving at about ten. Would you be able to lend me a hand for an hour or two? Please do not change any important plans, as I can arrange another helper if that weekend is difficult.
Most of my books and kitchen things will already be packed, so I mainly need help with three bulky items: a small desk, an armchair and the bicycle. I have hired a van and will do the driving. If you could help me carry those items down one flight of stairs and into the new place, the hardest part should be finished. I have straps and a trolley, so you will not need to bring any equipment.
The old flat has visitor parking beside the rear entrance, and I will reserve a space for your car. The new building is only fifteen minutes away and has a lift. Wear clothes that you do not mind getting dusty, but there should be no heavy lifting above shoulder height. I will message you the door code on the morning rather than putting it in this letter.
I would really appreciate the help. Once the boxes are inside, lunch is on me at that Italian café you liked near the station. I will also make it up to you with dinner at the new flat as soon as the kitchen is organised. Let me know whether the time works, and honestly, no problem if it does not. Thanks, Alex
Vocabulary in context
Each phrase appears in the answer above. Learn how it works, not just a replacement word.
- lend me a hand
- Help me with a practical task for a period of time.
This idiom suits a friend and should be followed by enough detail to show what the requested help involves.
- bulky items
- Objects that are difficult to carry because of their size or shape.
Bulky does not always mean extremely heavy, so describe the actual carrying task and available equipment too.
- make it up to you
- Do something kind in return for help, trouble or disappointment.
The phrase is informal; state the promised action so the thanks sounds genuine rather than formulaic.
Now make it your own
Rewrite the request for a friend who can help only after work. Change the timing, reduce the task to one clear action and offer a thank-you that does not require staying for a meal.
For a smaller practice step, use the explanation, knowledge check and self-review exercise in Write a letter with purpose and tone.
The practice link opens the original question, not a copy of this answer.
Open the writing workspaceMore examples of this question type
Cover all three task points with specific details and a natural, friendly tone.