General Training Writing Task 1 · informal · advice

Letter to uncle suggesting a destination for reunion: IELTS informal letter sample

An IELTS General Training Writing Task 1 informal letter with a Band 8 sample answer, why it scores well and the phrases worth borrowing for your own letter writing.
  • 195 words
  • Informal letters
  • Advice
  • 20 minutes
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The task

You have an extended family and every year you all get together to go on a family trip for a week. Your uncle is in charge of the plans this year and you would like to suggest a place you have visited lately.

Write a letter to your uncle. In your letter:

  • →suggest the place you have visited
  • →describe your experience about this place
  • →mention what you could do there

Write at least 150 words. You do not need to write any addresses. Begin your letter: Dear ...,

Model answer

Band 8 sample letter

Band 8195 words. Names and details are invented; write your own.

Dear Uncle Arthur,

I hope you and Auntie are keeping well. I heard you are currently busy organising this year’s week-long family getaway, and I wanted to reach out with a suggestion that I think everyone would absolutely love.

I recently spent a long weekend in the Lake District, specifically near Keswick, and it was truly spectacular. The scenery is breathtaking, with rolling hills and serene lakes that provide a perfect backdrop for a family gathering. It felt incredibly peaceful, yet there was plenty of life in the nearby village.

My experience was wonderful because the area strikes a perfect balance between relaxation and activity. We stayed in a large, converted farmhouse that accommodated our group easily, and the local hospitality was second to none.

Regarding activities, there is something for every generation. We could spend our days hiking up Catbells, which offers stunning panoramic views, or perhaps hire a private boat to explore Derwentwater. If the weather turns, there are several fascinating historic houses and museums nearby. I am certain that a week there would create some fantastic memories for us all.

Let me know what you think of the idea!

Best wishes,

Charlie

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Answer this prompt in a timed General Training writing test and get a band for task achievement, coherence, vocabulary and grammar, with the sentences to fix.

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Examiner's view

Why this scores well

A Band 8 response fully addresses all three bullet points with natural, cohesive language that maintains a consistent and appropriate informal tone throughout. A common mistake for Band 6 candidates is failing to provide specific, descriptive details about the location, resulting in a generic letter that lacks engagement.

  • →Write to a friend or relative by first name and close with Best wishes, Love or See you soon.
  • →Contractions, phrasal verbs and a warm opening line are expected; a stiff formal tone loses marks here.
  • →Still cover every bullet in its own paragraph; friendly does not mean unstructured.

6 phrases

Useful phrases from the letter

  • getaway

    a short holiday or a place for relaxing

  • breathtaking

    extremely beautiful or striking in appearance

  • serene

    calm, peaceful, and untroubled

  • second to none

    the best possible quality available

  • panoramic

    a wide, unobstructed view of an area

  • accommodated

    provided sufficient space for a group

Frequently asked questions

Is this letter formal or informal?+

Informal. Write to a friend or relative by first name and close with Best wishes, Love or See you soon.

How many words should an IELTS General Training letter be?+

At least 150 words, and 160 to 200 is the comfortable range. Spend about 20 minutes on it and leave 40 for Task 2, which carries twice the marks.

What does the examiner look for?+

A Band 8 response fully addresses all three bullet points with natural, cohesive language that maintains a consistent and appropriate informal tone throughout. A common mistake for Band 6 candidates is failing to provide specific, descriptive details about the location, resulting in a generic letter that lacks engagement.

Keep practising

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