General Training Writing Task 1 · informal · advice

Letter to a friend giving driving advice

Your friend is thinking about learning to drive and would like some advice.

Write a letter to your friend. In your letter:

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

Band 8 sample letter

Dear Sarah,

It is fantastic to hear that you are finally thinking about getting your driver’s licence! I remember being in your position, and I am more than happy to share some thoughts to help you get started.

Having a licence is a total game-changer. It offers so much freedom, especially when you want to plan weekend trips or simply avoid the hassle of unreliable public transport. Plus, it is a vital life skill that opens up many more job opportunities, particularly if you ever need to commute to places outside the city centre.

I highly recommend checking out 'Citywide Driving Academy'. That is where I trained, and their instructors are incredibly patient and thorough. They offer intensive courses, which might suit your schedule, and they have a great reputation for helping nervous learners pass their practical test on the first attempt.

My biggest piece of advice is to start studying the theory test handbook immediately. Do not underestimate how much there is to memorise! Also, try to get as much practice behind the wheel as possible outside of your lessons. If you feel comfortable, ask a family member to supervise you in a quiet area; the more time you spend in the driver’s seat, the more confident you will become.

Let me know if you need anything else!

Best wishes,

Mark

222 words. Names and details are invented; write your own.

Why this scores well

A Band 8 response fully addresses all bullet points with a natural, consistent tone and well-developed ideas. A common Band 6 mistake is failing to provide a specific recommendation or providing vague advice that lacks personal context.

Useful phrases from the letter

game-changer
something that significantly alters the current situation
hassle
a situation that causes trouble or annoyance
intensive
concentrated effort applied over a short time
thorough
paying careful attention to every small detail
underestimate
to think something is less difficult than it is
supervise
to watch and direct someone doing a task

Write your own and get a band

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.

Practise IELTS General writing

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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 long 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 bullet points with a natural, consistent tone and well-developed ideas. A common Band 6 mistake is failing to provide a specific recommendation or providing vague advice that lacks personal context.

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