A friend has written a letter informing you about his or her plan to visit your country/city. Write a letter to him/her. In your letter write: - what he or she can do in your country/city advise him/her about the place he/she could stay at - suggest to him/her - what to pack and bring while coming to travel to your country/city
Sample Response
Dear Alfred,
I am so excited to hear that you're planning a trip to Vietnam! There's so much to see and do here, and I know you'll have a fantastic time. Let's make it a memorable tour and enjoy some time together.
Vietnam offers something for everyone. If you're into bustling cities, Ho Chi Minh City is a must-see. Explore the Ben Thanh Market for souvenirs and local treats, or visit the Notre Dame Cathedral and Central Post Office for a touch of French influence. For a more laid-back experience, Hoi An Ancient Town is breathtaking. Wander the colourful streets lined with tailor shops and art galleries, or take a boat tour on the Thu Bon River at sunset. Nature lovers won't be disappointed either. Ha Long Bay is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and a cruise through its emerald waters amidst towering limestone karsts is an unforgettable experience.
When it comes to accommodation, Vietnam has a variety of options to suit different budgets. Hostels are a great way to meet fellow travellers, while boutique hotels offer a luxurious stay. However, I would be more than happy to accommodate you at my home during your whole stay if you prefer. I have already talked to my parents, and they are excited to meet you.
Since Vietnam has a tropical climate, pack light, breathable clothing like cotton t-shirts, shorts, and sundresses. Comfortable shoes are essential for exploring, and a light rain jacket is recommended, especially during May to October. Don't forget a hat and sunscreen – the sun can be quite strong!
I can't wait to show you around my beautiful country! See you soon.
Warm wishes,
Hoa
IELTS Writing Correction
- 1. Correct the time range Original: during May to October Suggested revision: from May to October Why it matters: From and to are the correct pair for marking a time range.
- 2. More natural enthusiasm Original: so excited Suggested revision: thrilled Why it matters: This is a concise, natural way to express enthusiasm to a friend.
- 3. Vary travel wording Original: a trip to Vietnam Suggested revision: a visit to Vietnam Why it matters: This avoids repeating travel-related wording later in the letter.
- 4. Use precise noun Original: memorable tour Suggested revision: memorable trip Why it matters: Trip fits the friend's whole visit more naturally than tour.
- 5. Use specific wording Original: something for everyone Suggested revision: a wide range of experiences Why it matters: This makes the opening of the sightseeing advice more precise.
- 6. Soften the recommendation Original: must-see Suggested revision: great place to visit Why it matters: This sounds like friendly advice rather than an absolute claim.
- 7. Clarify the meaning Original: local treats Suggested revision: local food Why it matters: This states more directly what the visitor can find at the market.
- 8. Make detail precise Original: for a touch of French influence Suggested revision: to see their French architectural influence Why it matters: This identifies the specific feature the visitor would see.
- 9. Prioritise the itinerary Suggested revision: Group the city, heritage and nature options as a short suggested itinerary rather than a long list of separate attractions. Why it matters: A clearer sequence would make the sightseeing advice easier for the friend to follow.
- 10. Lead with your offer Suggested revision: Present the offer to stay at your home before listing alternative accommodation types. Why it matters: Your personal recommendation is the most directly useful answer to the accommodation bullet point.
Suggested Rewrites
- during May to October from May to October
- so excited thrilled
- a trip to Vietnam a visit to Vietnam
- memorable tour memorable trip
- something for everyone a wide range of experiences
- must-see great place to visit
Why this response received Band 8.0
This is a highly effective informal letter: it fully addresses activities, accommodation and packing with vivid, practical detail, while the warm tone consistently suits a close friend. The response is well organised and linguistically flexible; the main opportunity is refinement rather than repair, especially replacing a few slightly unnatural phrases such as 'memorable tour' and 'during your whole stay' with more idiomatic wording.
IELTS Writing Criteria Scores
Detailed feedback by IELTS writing criterion after the annotated essay.
Task Achievement
The letter fully covers all three practical requirements with relevant, well-developed suggestions and an appropriately warm informal tone.
Make the travel plan even more directly actionable by prioritising one or two destinations according to the friend's likely schedule.
Coherence and Cohesion
Information progresses clearly from activities to accommodation and packing, with effective paragraphing and unobtrusive cohesive links.
Tighten the long sightseeing paragraph slightly so that its several destination options remain equally easy to scan.
Lexical Resource
A wide, precise vocabulary conveys places, experiences and practical advice naturally, with only a few mildly awkward collocations.
Replace phrases such as 'memorable tour' and 'during your whole stay' with more idiomatic alternatives.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy
Varied complex sentences are used accurately and flexibly, and the very few minor slips do not impede communication.
Refine small prepositional choices, for example using 'from May to October' rather than 'during May to October'.