Ten sample letters — click any card to reveal the model answer
1

Cooking Class Abroad

Informal
Task 1 Prompt

You recently took a cooking class in a foreign country. Write a letter to your family about the experience. In your letter:

  • Describe the cooking class and the type of cuisine you learned to prepare.
  • Share your feelings and impressions of the class.
  • Explain how you plan to incorporate what you learned into your cooking at home.
Sample Answer
Dear Mum and Dad, I hope you're both well! I'm writing to tell you about the most incredible experience I had here — a traditional cooking class that I joined last Tuesday. I've been meaning to write ever since, but the days have been so full! The class was hosted in a beautiful old farmhouse kitchen just outside the city. Our teacher — a wonderfully warm local chef — walked us through preparing three classic dishes from the region, using fresh herbs and ingredients sourced from the morning market. The smells alone were extraordinary. I found the whole session absolutely captivating. It wasn't just about following a recipe; we learned about the cultural significance of each dish and the seasonal rhythms that shape the local diet. I left feeling genuinely connected to this place in a way that sightseeing simply can't provide. When I'm back, I'm determined to recreate at least two of the dishes for Sunday dinner. I've already noted down the key techniques — I even brought back some of the spices! I'd love to cook for you both and share a little of what I experienced here. Missing you and can't wait to see you soon. Lots of love, [Your Name]
Key Vocabulary
Captivating — deeply interesting
Cultural significance — importance within a culture
Seasonal rhythms — patterns linked to the time of year
Sourced from — obtained from a particular place
Recreate — to make something again
Genuinely connected — sincerely attached
2

Museum Visit

Semi-Formal
Task 1 Prompt

You recently visited a museum during a trip to a new city. Write a letter to your friend about the museum. In your letter:

  • Describe the museum and its exhibits.
  • Share your impressions and what you found most interesting.
  • Explain how the visit enriched your understanding of the city's culture.
Sample Answer
Dear James, I hope you're keeping well. I'm writing to tell you about a remarkable museum I visited yesterday — it was easily the highlight of my trip so far and I think you'd love it. The museum is housed in a beautifully restored 19th-century building right in the city centre. It contains an extraordinary collection spanning thousands of years, from ancient pottery and jewellery to contemporary art installations. The layout is thoughtfully designed, taking you on a clear chronological journey through the region's history. The exhibit I found most compelling was a reconstruction of a medieval marketplace, complete with recorded street sounds and costumed mannequins. It felt astonishingly lifelike. There was also a fascinating interactive section where visitors could handle replica artefacts — a genuinely rare experience in a major museum. The visit gave me a much richer understanding of the city than I had expected. Knowing the historical forces that shaped the region makes every street and building feel more meaningful. I found myself noticing architectural details on the walk back that I'd completely overlooked before. Do let me know if you're ever planning to visit — I'd happily come back just to see it again with you. All the best, [Your Name]
Key Vocabulary
Restored — returned to original condition
Chronological journey — ordered by time
Compelling — very interesting or convincing
Replica artefacts — accurate copies of historical objects
Astonishingly lifelike — surprisingly realistic
Architectural details — design features of buildings
3

Unsuccessful Job Interview

Formal
Task 1 Prompt

You recently attended a job interview but were unsuccessful. Write a letter to the interviewer to:

  • Thank them for the opportunity to interview.
  • Express your appreciation for their time and consideration.
  • Mention that you would still be interested in future opportunities.
Sample Answer
Dear Ms Harrison, I am writing to express my sincere gratitude for the opportunity to interview for the position of Marketing Coordinator at Meridian Solutions last week. While I was disappointed to learn that I was not selected on this occasion, I greatly appreciate the time and consideration your team extended to me throughout the process. The interview itself was a genuinely valuable experience. It gave me a clearer understanding of Meridian Solutions' strategic priorities and the collaborative culture your team has built. I came away with great admiration for the organisation's commitment to innovation in its field. I remain very much interested in joining Meridian Solutions and would welcome the opportunity to be considered for any suitable vacancies that may arise in the future. I believe that my background in content strategy and experience managing multi-channel campaigns would allow me to make a meaningful contribution to your team. Thank you once again for your time. I hope our paths will cross again and I look forward to the possibility of working together. Yours sincerely, [Your Name]
Key Vocabulary
Sincere gratitude — genuine thankfulness
Extended to me — given or offered to me
Strategic priorities — key goals and plans
Collaborative culture — teamwork-oriented environment
Suitable vacancies — appropriate job openings
Meaningful contribution — significant positive input
4

Complaint About a Faulty Product

Complaint
Task 1 Prompt

You recently purchased a new appliance from an electronics store, but it stopped working after one week. Write a letter to the store manager. In your letter:

  • Describe what you bought and when you bought it.
  • Explain the problem you experienced with the product.
  • Say what action you would like the store to take.
Sample Answer
Dear Store Manager, I am writing to express my dissatisfaction with a product I recently purchased from your store and to request urgent assistance in resolving the matter. On 14 March, I purchased a ProAir Model X300 portable air conditioning unit from your branch on Commercial Road, paying £349 in full. I was advised by your sales staff that the product carried a full two-year manufacturer's warranty and was suitable for daily domestic use. Regrettably, the unit ceased functioning entirely after just seven days of normal operation. When I attempted to switch it on last Monday morning, the display panel failed to illuminate and the motor produced a loud grinding noise before cutting out completely. I have not dropped, damaged, or modified the product in any way. I would be grateful if you could arrange either a full replacement unit or a complete refund at your earliest convenience. I would also appreciate written confirmation of whichever resolution you are able to offer, so that I have a record for my files. I look forward to hearing from you promptly and trust that this matter can be resolved without further inconvenience. Yours faithfully, [Your Name]
Key Vocabulary
Dissatisfaction — the state of being unhappy
Manufacturer's warranty — guarantee from the maker
Ceased functioning — stopped working
Normal operation — regular, everyday use
Full replacement — an entirely new item
Written confirmation — an official written record
At your earliest convenience — as soon as possible
5

Requesting a Reference Letter

Request
Task 1 Prompt

You are applying for a university course and need a reference letter from a former teacher. Write a letter to that teacher. In your letter:

  • Remind the teacher who you are and when you were their student.
  • Explain why you are applying and what the course involves.
  • Ask them to write you a reference and explain any deadlines.
Sample Answer
Dear Professor Clarke, I hope this letter finds you well. My name is David Chen and I was a student in your Advanced Economics seminar at Westfield College between 2019 and 2021. I graduated in the summer of 2021 and have since been working as a junior analyst at a financial services firm. I am writing to ask whether you would be willing to provide a professional reference in support of my application to the MSc in Economic Policy at the University of Edinburgh. The programme is a one-year postgraduate course focused on applied policy research, international trade theory, and quantitative economic analysis — areas in which your seminars gave me a strong and lasting foundation. I believe your perspective on my academic capabilities, particularly my research skills and critical thinking, would be of significant value to the admissions panel. If you are able to support my application, the reference would need to be submitted directly to the university's online portal by 30 April. I am happy to provide you with a link to the submission form, along with a copy of my personal statement, at your convenience. I fully appreciate that this is a considerable request given your schedule, and I would be enormously grateful for your support. With my warmest regards, David Chen
Key Vocabulary
Professional reference — a formal letter of support
Postgraduate course — study after a first degree
Quantitative analysis — data-based research methods
Lasting foundation — a strong, enduring base
Admissions panel — the committee deciding entry
At your convenience — at a time that suits you
Enormously grateful — extremely thankful
6

Apologising for Missing an Event

Semi-Formal
Task 1 Prompt

You recently missed an important event organised by a friend. Write a letter to your friend. In your letter:

  • Apologise for not attending and explain why you were unable to come.
  • Say how you felt about missing the event.
  • Suggest how you can make it up to your friend.
Sample Answer
Dear Sophie, I owe you a huge apology. I am so sorry for not making it to your gallery opening on Saturday — I know how much work you put into organising it and how long you've been working toward that moment. Please know that missing it was the last thing I wanted. As it turned out, I was involved in a minor car accident on the way into the city. Thankfully, no one was seriously hurt, but the situation kept me tied up for several hours dealing with the police and waiting for a recovery vehicle. My phone battery had died by the time everything was sorted, which is why you didn't hear from me at the time. I feel dreadful about it. From everything I've heard from the others who attended, the evening was a wonderful success and your work was received beautifully — which makes me even sadder to have missed it. I'd absolutely love to visit the gallery while the exhibition is still running, if that would be possible? I could also take you out for dinner afterward — my treat, whenever suits you. Once again, I'm truly sorry. I hope you can forgive me. With love, [Your Name]
Key Vocabulary
I owe you an apology — a formal way to apologise
Tied up — occupied and unable to leave
Recovery vehicle — a tow truck
Feel dreadful — feel very bad or guilty
Received beautifully — responded to very positively
My treat — I will pay for it
Whenever suits you — at a convenient time for you
7

Noise Complaint to a Landlord

Complaint
Task 1 Prompt

You are renting a flat and have been disturbed by excessive noise from a neighbouring property. Write a letter to your landlord. In your letter:

  • Describe the noise problem and when it has been occurring.
  • Explain how it is affecting you.
  • Say what you would like your landlord to do about it.
Sample Answer
Dear Mr Patel, I am writing to bring to your attention an ongoing noise disturbance that has been seriously affecting my quality of life at Flat 4B, 22 Marlowe Street, which I have been renting from you since January. For the past three weeks, the occupants of the flat directly above mine — Flat 5B — have been playing loud music and hosting what appear to be large gatherings on a regular basis, typically beginning late in the evening and continuing well past midnight. On several occasions, the noise has persisted until 2 or 3 a.m. Despite knocking on their door twice and politely asking them to reduce the volume, the situation has not improved. The disruption is having a significant impact on my daily life. I work early morning shifts and rely heavily on a full night's sleep; the noise has caused me repeated sleep deprivation and is beginning to affect my concentration and performance at work. I have kept a written log of each incident, which I am happy to share with you. I would be very grateful if you could contact the occupants of Flat 5B directly and remind them of their obligations under the tenancy agreement with regard to noise levels. Should the problem continue, I would appreciate being advised on the formal steps available to me under the terms of my lease. I hope we can resolve this matter swiftly. Yours sincerely, [Your Name]
Key Vocabulary
Ongoing disturbance — a continuing problem
Persisted until — continued up to a certain time
Sleep deprivation — not getting enough sleep
Written log — a recorded account of incidents
Tenancy agreement — a rental contract
Obligations — duties or responsibilities
Formal steps — official actions available
8

Inviting a Friend to Stay

Informal
Task 1 Prompt

You have recently moved to a new city and would like to invite an old friend to come and visit you. Write a letter to your friend. In your letter:

  • Tell them about your new home and the city you have moved to.
  • Suggest some things you could do together during their visit.
  • Give them practical information about getting there and staying with you.
Sample Answer
Dear Tom, It feels like ages since we've properly caught up, so I'm writing with a suggestion — why don't you come and visit me here in Porto? I've been meaning to invite you ever since I arrived two months ago, and now that I've settled in properly, I'd love to show you around. I'm renting a lovely two-bedroom apartment in the Bonfim district, which is a quiet, characterful neighbourhood with a brilliant Saturday market just around the corner. The city itself is absolutely stunning — colourful tiled buildings, winding medieval streets, and the Douro River running right through the centre. I think you'd love it here. I've already got a list of things I want to do with you. There's a famous bookshop I know you'd adore, several excellent seafood restaurants along the waterfront, and I'd love to take you on the old tram line up to the cathedral — the views are breathtaking. If the weather's good, we could also take a day trip to the vineyards in the Douro Valley. In terms of getting here, the cheapest flights tend to leave from Stansted — check Ryanair and easyJet for dates that suit you. I have a spare room with a proper bed, so accommodation is completely sorted. Just bring yourself and your camera! Let me know what you think — any weekend in May works for me. All the best, [Your Name]
Key Vocabulary
Characterful neighbourhood — an area with personality
Medieval streets — streets from the Middle Ages
Breathtaking — extremely impressive
Day trip — a short journey returning the same day
Accommodation is sorted — a place to stay is arranged
Settled in — become comfortable in a new place
9

Giving Advice to a Friend Moving Abroad

Semi-Formal
Task 1 Prompt

A friend has written to you saying they are planning to move to the country where you currently live. Write a letter giving them advice. In your letter:

  • Explain what life is like in the country and what to expect.
  • Give practical advice on things they should do before they arrive.
  • Offer your personal help once they arrive.
Sample Answer
Dear Maria, What wonderful news! I was so excited to hear that you're planning to move to Australia — I honestly think you're going to love it here, though there are a few things I wish someone had told me before I arrived, so let me share them with you. Life here is genuinely great, but it does take some getting used to. The pace is a little more relaxed than back home, which I've come to appreciate, but the cost of living — especially rent in the cities — is higher than you might expect. Sydney and Melbourne are both excellent but expensive; if you're open to it, cities like Adelaide or Brisbane offer a very high quality of life at considerably lower cost. Before you arrive, I'd strongly recommend opening a bank account online — several Australian banks allow this from overseas. Also, make sure your qualifications are assessed by the relevant professional body if you intend to work in your field; this can take several weeks, so it's worth doing early. And do sort out your health insurance before your visa is finalised, as proof of cover is often required. Once you're here, I'd love to help you settle in. I can pick you up from the airport, help you find a short-term rental while you look for something more permanent, and introduce you to a few people I think you'd get along with brilliantly. This is going to be such an exciting chapter — I can't wait to have you here! Warm wishes, [Your Name]
Key Vocabulary
Cost of living — the expense of everyday life
Qualifications assessed — credentials formally evaluated
Professional body — an official industry organisation
Short-term rental — temporary accommodation
Pace is relaxed — a slower, calmer way of life
Proof of cover — evidence of insurance
Settle in — become comfortable in a new place
10

Applying for a Job Advertisement

Formal
Task 1 Prompt

You have seen a job advertisement in a local newspaper. Write a letter applying for the position. In your letter:

  • Explain why you are interested in the role and the company.
  • Describe your relevant experience and qualifications.
  • Say when you are available for an interview and how they can contact you.
Sample Answer
Dear Hiring Manager, I am writing to apply for the position of Community Outreach Coordinator advertised in the Harlow Gazette on 18 March. Having followed Greenleaf Foundation's work in sustainable urban development for several years, I am genuinely enthusiastic about the opportunity to contribute to your mission and believe my background makes me a strong candidate for this role. I hold a BSc in Environmental Studies from the University of Leeds and have spent the past four years working as a community liaison officer for a not-for-profit organisation in Manchester. In this capacity, I have managed relationships with local government bodies, coordinated public awareness campaigns, and delivered workshops to community groups on topics ranging from waste reduction to energy efficiency. I am also experienced in grant writing, having secured over £120,000 in funding across three separate projects during my tenure. What draws me specifically to Greenleaf Foundation is your emphasis on community-led solutions rather than top-down initiatives. This approach closely mirrors my own values and the methods I have found most effective in my work. I am available for interview at any point from 1 April onward and can be reached by email at [your email] or by telephone at [your number] during business hours. I have enclosed my curriculum vitae for your consideration and would welcome the opportunity to discuss my application further. Thank you for your time. Yours faithfully, [Your Name]
Key Vocabulary
Community liaison — a link between groups
Not-for-profit organisation — a charity or NGO
Grant writing — applying for funding
Secured funding — successfully obtained money
Community-led solutions — ideas driven by local people
Top-down initiatives — plans imposed from above
Curriculum vitae — a formal résumé (CV)
For your consideration — for you to review