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Model answer

General Training Task 1 model answer 16: An invitation to speak at your old high school

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 have been invited to speak at your old high school. Write to the school. In your letter

  • Make a suggestion about what you could speak about
  • Find out how long you will need to speak for
  • Ask how many people will be there

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 Principal Simpson,

First of all, I'd like to say thank you very much for the offer to come and address the students at my former school. It would be a privilege for me to give a talk and to see the old place again.

The invitation was quite open regarding the topic of the speech, so I was wondering whether you think it appropriate to talk about my career. As you may know, I have spent a considerable amount of time over the last 12 years travelling as part of my job, and I have had the opportunity to see some amazing places that I think would interest the students.

It would help me to plan my presentation if you could let me know the approximate time that I should expect to be speaking for. If you could also let me know the estimated students numbers, as I will be able to bring a data projector to show some photographs if a large turnout is expected.

I am looking forward to seeing you again and hope my visit will be a success.

Brian

184 words

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