IELTS Writing Correction Service
Writing Samples
Band 7.5

A friend who lives in another city has invited you to an event. You are unable to accept the invitation. Write a letter to your friend. In your letter -Thank him/her for the invitation -Explain why you cannot come -Suggest another time to meet him/her

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Dear Samreet, I hope you're doing well. I am writing to thank you for inviting me to your birthday party. Unfortunately, I am unable to attend the party because I am currently in my training period at my new job, which I started
last
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 month. No days off are allowed during the training period.
Therefore
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, I sincerely apologise for not being able to attend your birthday celebration. I was really looking forward to spending time with you.
However
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, I was thinking that if you're available next Saturday, we could meet at your favourite restaurant and have lunch together.
This
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 would give me a chance to celebrate your birthday with you, and I am sure we would have a fantastic time together. I hope you understand my situation and accept my apology. Please let me know if next Saturday works for you. Yours lovingly, Tina

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task response
Give a little more detail about the party, such as the date or why you wanted to go. This can make the letter feel more personal.
task response
Your reason for not going is clear. Keep the plan to meet next Saturday, as it is a good and clear new plan.
coherence and cohesion
The letter is easy to follow. You can make the link to the new plan even smoother by starting with: “To make it up to you, ...”
coherence and cohesion
Each main part has its own paragraph: thanks, reason, and new plan. This helps the reader understand your letter.
tone
“Yours lovingly” is warm, but “Best wishes” or “Take care” may sound more natural for a friend.
task response
You thank your friend, give a clear reason for not going, and suggest a clear time to meet.
coherence and cohesion
Your ideas are in a clear order, and words like “Unfortunately”, “Therefore”, and “However” help join them.
tone
The letter has a friendly and kind tone, with a clear apology and good wishes for your friend.
Word Count

IELTS says that you should write a minimum of 150 words in writing task 1. If you go under word count you will lose marks in task response.

A very long letter will not give you a higher band score.

Aim for between 160 to 190 words in writing task 1. This will ensure a concise letter and will be realistic in terms of time management. You have only 20 minutes to write the letter and you need around 5 minutes of planning time, so you will not be able to write a long letter in 15 minutes.

Discover more tips in The Ultimate Guide to Get a Target Band Score of 7+ »- a book that's free for 🚀 Premium users.

Topic Vocabulary:
  • thank you so much for the invitation
  • I was delighted to hear from you
  • the event sounds fantastic
  • I really appreciate your thoughtfulness
  • I am afraid I will not be able to make it
  • please accept my apologies
  • a prior commitment
  • an urgent work deadline
  • a family obligation
  • I have to attend
  • I am quite disappointed to miss it
  • make it up to you
  • catch up properly
  • would you be free next weekend?
  • suggest an alternative date
  • come and stay with me
  • meet up for dinner
  • let me know if that suits you
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