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Model answer

General Training Task 1 model answer 20: A family member visiting you

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.

A family member is coming to stay with you. He/she will be arriving by train in the morning, but you won't be home until the evening.

Write a letter to your relative. In your letter:

  • explain arrangements you have made for them to have keys and get into the house
  • tell your relative how to get from the train station to your house
  • say when you will be home and suggest what you could do together that evening

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 Uncle John,

I am so excited that you'll soon be here! I'm sorry that I won't be there to meet you at the station to I have a work meeting I really have to go to but I've left the keys with David. Just go and see him so you can let yourself in. I'm sure you remember, but he's the man living at number 21. Make yourself at home to there will be food in the fridge and your bed will be made.

The easiest way to get to the house is to jump in a taxi to it's not expensive and the buses are so unreliable! I was thinking that when I get back we could perhaps go out for dinner? I'll be back no later than six, so we could go to that restaurant we went to last time you came.

Well, I think that's everything. It's going to be great catching up!

Safe trip, Patrick

155 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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