Original BandLadder material
It teaches a 4-step method: spot, say, serve and end. Along the way you get worked examples with the key words marked, before-and-after fixes that show why the first version loses marks, a model answer with its key moves highlighted, a one-page visual summary, a quick check to test yourself and a recap of the rules to remember. Each card holds one idea, so you can read it on a phone between practice sessions.
With a free BandLadder account you can read the first three cards online in our study reader, on the web and in the app. The other 8 cards and the PDF download come with any plan.
The first 2 of 11 cards
the slip that hides your purpose
The descriptors look for a clear purpose. Many letters make the reader wait for it.
Dear Mr Bright, I hope you are well. I have lived in Flat 4 for two years and love the building.no purpose yet Anyway, the bins are a problemthe point, at last.
Warm-up first, the point last.
the public band descriptors, plain English
| Band | The purpose |
|---|---|
| Band 4 | Not clearly explained |
| Band 5 | May be unclear at times |
| Band 6 | Generally clear |
| Band 7 | Presents a clear purpose |
Paraphrased from IELTS's public descriptors. Task Achievement asks how well your letter achieves its purpose.
Card 3 of 11 onwards
Card 3 is free too
Create a free account for card 3; the other 8 come with any plan.
Create a free account →11 cards
Start Letter purposes: say why in the first line free
Create a free account to read the first 3 cards. The full lesson and its PDF come with any plan.
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Keep reading
Questions
The first three cards are free to read online with a free BandLadder account. The full lesson opens with any plan.
The PDF download comes with any BandLadder plan. Free accounts read the lesson online in the study reader, on the web and in the app.
The BandLadder team wrote and checked it. It is original BandLadder material, not copied from books or other websites, and its exam facts are checked against the official IELTS and PTE pages.
It is written for IELTS General Training.
IELTS is a registered trademark of the University of Cambridge, the British Council and IDP Education Australia. PTE is a trademark of Pearson. BandLadder is not affiliated with either.
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