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 writing this letter to explore the possibility of studying the English language at a prestigious college like yours. Of course, before that can actually happen, I would need 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. By 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 use a single room occupancy at your college hostel.
Thank you in advance.
Yours faithfully,
Rubio Gonzalez
IELTS Writing Correction
- 1. Make the purpose concise Original: writing this letter Suggested revision: writing Why it matters: The word letter is unnecessary because the format already makes this clear.
- 2. Use the concise subject name Original: the English language Suggested revision: English Why it matters: English is the natural concise name of the subject being studied.
- 3. Address the college directly Original: a prestigious college like yours Suggested revision: your college Why it matters: The direct reference is clearer and avoids generic flattering language.
- 4. Use a purpose connector Original: Of course Suggested revision: Before applying Why it matters: Before applying links the need for information directly to the intended next step.
- 5. Remove wordy phrasing Original: before that can actually happen Suggested revision: before I can apply Why it matters: The revision states the intended action directly and removes vague wording.
- 6. Make the request direct Original: need Suggested revision: like Why it matters: Would like expresses the present request more naturally than the hypothetical would need.
- 7. Use a relevant connector Original: By the way Suggested revision: I am interested in this programme Why it matters: The original conversational aside does not show the logical link to the writer's motivation.
- 8. Correct the accommodation phrase Original: use a single room occupancy at your college hostel Suggested revision: stay in a single-occupancy room in your college hostel Why it matters: The revision uses the natural expression for this type of hostel accommodation.
- 9. Sentence rewrite Original: 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. Suggested revision: First, I would like to know which English courses your college offers and how long each course lasts, as I am particularly interested in your English as a Second Language programme. Why it matters: The rewrite removes incorrect commas and clarifies the course and duration questions.
- 10. Sentence rewrite Original: 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. Suggested revision: I would also like to know the tuition fee for this course and any other expenses required to complete it. Why it matters: The rewrite corrects the unnatural cost phrase and removes the unclear timing expression.
Suggested Rewrites
- writing this letter writing
- the English language English
- a prestigious college like yours your college
- Of course Before applying
- before that can actually happen before I can apply
- need like
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.