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Model answer

General Training Task 1 model answer 8: Going to the cinema with a friend

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.

An old friend is coming to town and has invited you to go to the cinema. Write to your friend. In your letter

  • Explain that you are unable to come
  • Find out how long your friend is staying in town
  • Arrange a suitable time to meet

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 Bill,

Hope you're keeping well and the kids are fine. Thanks for asking me to come to the cinema, but I'm going to have to pass I'm afraid to I have already arranged to catch up with a few people from the place I used to work. My old boss is retiring, so it'd be good to catch up with him before he leaves.

How long will you have? We can arrange another night or why don't you come along to the party I'm going to? I'm sure you'll have a good time, and I think you've already met a few of the people at that Christmas party a few years ago. It probably won't go on too late, so we could perhaps go somewhere afterwards?

If you're keen, I can pick you up at the station and you can spend the night with us at our place to it'll be like old times!

All the best,

Gary

159 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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