You are planning to study English at a college in an English-speaking country. You would like some information about their courses. Write a letter to the college. In your letter: - ask about the course they offer - ask about the cost of the course - say what kind of accommodation you want in the college hostel
Sample Response
Dear Sir or Madam,
My name is Rubio Gonzalez, and I am writingwriting this letter to explore the possibility of studying Englishthe English language at your collegea prestigious college like yours. Before applyingOf course, before I can applybefore that can actually happen, I would likeneed some information so that I can make an informed decision.
The first thing, which I would like to know, is, what kinds of courses your college offers, as well as the duration of those courses, since I am particularly interested in pursuing a degree in the “English as a second language” programme. I am interested in this programmeBy the way, I want to pursue this particular course since I believe that I already have a strong foundation in this international language. Besides, I believe that it will help me in my future career.
I would also love to know about the cost structures for this course, as well as other related expenses, to complete this course in due time. And information regarding scholarships, grants and tuition subsidies for international students would also be highly appreciated.
Finally, it is also important to note that should I choose to pursue the course, I would prefer to stay in a single-occupancy room in your college hosteluse a single room occupancy at your college hostel.
Thank you in advance.
Yours faithfully,
Rubio Gonzalez
Why this response received Band 7.5
The letter fully covers available courses and duration, tuition and related costs, financial support, and the preference for a single hostel room. Its strongest feature is the clear paragraph structure and appropriately formal enquiry style. The main limitation is occasionally cumbersome syntax and some imprecise terminology, especially describing an English-language course as a degree; the priority is to ask concise, direct questions about level, schedule, fees, and room facilities.
IELTS Writing Criteria Scores
Task Achievement
All three requirements are developed with useful additional enquiries about course length, related expenses, scholarships, and a private hostel room.
Specify the preferred course level and ask whether the single room includes particular facilities, meal options, or additional charges.
Coherence and Cohesion
Focused paragraphs separate the purpose, course questions, costs, accommodation, and closing, creating clear progression throughout.
Reduce the motivational explanation in the course paragraph so the practical questions receive greater emphasis.
Lexical Resource
Vocabulary is varied and suitably formal, but phrases such as 'cost structures', 'single room occupancy', and 'degree in English as a second language' are imprecise.
Use natural enquiry terms such as 'course fees', 'English-language programme', 'entry level', and 'a private room in the hostel'.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy
Complex structures are generally controlled, though unnecessary commas, indirect-question syntax, and occasional fragments reduce accuracy.
Write the main question directly as 'I would like to know what courses you offer and how long they last' and avoid beginning a sentence with 'And'.
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IELTS General Training Writing Task 1
You are planning to study English at a college in an English-speaking country. You would like some information about their courses. Write a letter to the college. In your letter:
- ask about the course they offer
- ask about the cost of the course
- say what kind of accommodation you want in the college hostel
Your response
Write the task yourself, then compare your choices with the annotated response.