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Model answer

General Training Task 1 model answer 13: Left a credit card at a restaurant

A high band model answer to a real General Training Task 1 question, with the task it answers. 20 minutes, at least 150 words.

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This is a model answer to a real General Training Task 1 question. Read the task first, write your own answer, and only then read the model. Reading it first tells you very little about your own writing.

A model answer shows you the target. It does not show you the gap between your answer and that target, which is why the band sample answers with corrections are worth reading alongside it.

The task

The General Training Task 1 question

Write your own answer before reading the model.

You should spend about 20 minutes on this task.

You recently went to a restaurant but think you could have left your credit card behind. Write to the restaurant. In your letter

  • Tell them when you went there
  • Describe where you think you may have left the credit card
  • Explain what you would like the restaurant to do

You do NOT need to write any addresses.

Begin your letter as follows:

Dear…

Write at least 150 words.

The answer

The General Training Task 1 model answer

Written at the length the test actually asks for.

Dear owner,

Three nights ago, on the 22nd of February, my wife and I came to your restaurant for an evening meal. Our booking was for 7.30pm under the name of G Ramsay.

However, I believe that I may have left my credit card on the table once we had paid the bill, as I cannot locate it now. I do not remember the exact table number, but it was a table for two near the back wall. I think it may have fallen on the floor as I remember checking the table surface for any items we may have left behind, but I don't recall seeing it there.

If you have found the card, I would be very grateful if you could dispose of it. I have asked my bank to cancel it already, but for security sake I would be happier knowing it was destroyed. I believe the recommended manner of doing this is to cut the card into 4 pieces.

By the way, the meal was excellent!

With thanks,

S. Williamson

174 words

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It shows you what a strong answer looks like. It cannot tell you what is wrong with yours, and that is the information that actually moves a band.

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