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Formal Information Letter #296
GT Writing Task 1

You should spend about 20 minutes on this task.

You are going to spend your vacation in a city in a foreign country. You have never been there before. Your cousin has a friend who lives there.

Write a letter to your cousin's friend. In your letter,

  • introduce yourself
  • say why you are making this trip
  • ask some questions about the city (e.g. places to see, things to do, things to bring)

Write at least 150 words.

You do NOT need to write any addresses at the top of your letter.

Begin your letter as follows: Dear ……………,

One box per bullet, then compare with Band 9.
207 words · 3 body paragraphs
Salutation

Dear [Cousin's Friend's Name],

Bullet 1

introduce yourself

I hope this letter finds you well. My name is [Your Name], and I am a cousin of [Your Cousin's Name]. I am writing to you because I am planning to spend my upcoming vacation in your city, which I have never visited before. I have heard wonderful things about the place from my cousin and thought it would be a great opportunity to explore a new destination.

Bullet 2

say why you are making this trip

As I am unfamiliar with the city, I would greatly appreciate your insights and recommendations. Could you please suggest some must-see attractions, local hidden gems, and any cultural events happening during my stay? Additionally, I would like to know if there are any specific items or clothing I should bring to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable visit.

Bullet 3

ask some questions about the city (e.g. places to see, things to do, things to bring)

Moreover, I am curious about the local cuisine and if there are any traditional dishes I should try. Are there any etiquette or customs I should be aware of to show respect to the local culture? Any tips on transportation options or safety precautions would also be valuable for me to plan my trip effectively.

Closing

I am looking forward to hearing from you soon and appreciate any advice you can provide. Thank you in advance for your assistance.

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