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Model answer

General Training Task 1 model answer 22: Postpone an interview date

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 were supposed to go on an interview in a few weeks, but you have since found out you cannot go on the date arranged.

Write a letter to the potential employer. In your letter

  • Tell them why you need to move the interview time
  • Ask to change the interview date
  • Explain that you are still interested in being interviewed for the job

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 Mr Bromley,

I am writing in the hope that I am able to reschedule an upcoming interview I had organised for the 17th of next month. I had previously arranged this with your secretary and had verbally agreed the date, but a situation has arisen that means I would like to postpone.

I have been invited to attend my best friend's wedding which unfortunately coincides with the date we had already established.

I realise that this is not the most impressive start to my application to work with your company, but I have been asked to speak at the wedding and feel obliged to attend.

I am of course very interested in the position and feel that I can offer my skills and experience to the role, so I would be very grateful if we could set a new date that fits your schedule.

Once again, my apologies for the inconvenience and hope that we can reschedule.

Yours sincerely,

Mark Burnett

162 words

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