Task 1

Spend 20 minutes on this task. Imagine you recently went on a trip and asked a friend to look after your pet while you were away. Now that you're back, you want to write a thank you letter to your friend. In your letter, you should:
- Say why you are writing
- Mention something specific that your friend did while taking care of your pet that you are grateful for
- Explain why their help was important to you
- Suggest a way you could thank your friend or do something nice for them in return

You should write at least 150 words.

Answers and Tips

Task 1

Band 5 Example Answer:

Dear Emily,

I'm writing to say a big thank you for looking after my cat, Whiskers, while I was on my trip. You did a great job and I am so grateful.

You were so kind to send me photos of Whiskers every day. It made me happy to see he was having fun with you. It was good to know he was not alone and sad.

Your help was very important to me. I could enjoy my trip because I knew Whiskers was safe with you. I didn't worry about him because I trust you a lot.

I want to do something nice for you too. Can I take you out for dinner next week? It's my way to say thank you for everything.

Thanks again,
Jordan

Band 7 Example Answer:

Dear Emily,

I just wanted to drop you a quick note to thank you for looking after Sparky while I was on my trip. It was such a relief to know he was in good hands.

I really appreciate you taking him on those long walks he loves so much, even though it was quite cold outside. I know he can be a handful with his endless energy, but you managed it so well.

Your help meant the world to me. Not worrying about Sparky allowed me to focus on my family during the visit, especially since it was the first time we all got together since the pandemic started. Knowing he was not just fed but also happy and exercised made my time away stress-free.

I'd love to return the favor. How about I cook dinner for you next weekend? You can pick the menu, and I promise to make it a meal to remember!

Thanks once again,
Jordan Fisher

Band 9 Example Answer:

Dear Helena,

I hope this message finds you in high spirits. I am writing to express my heartfelt gratitude for the exceptional care you provided to my cat, Whiskers, while I was traveling last week.

Your daily updates, complete with photos and anecdotes, were a source of great comfort to me. Knowing that Whiskers was not only being fed and looked after but also receiving ample playtime and affection, eased my mind considerably. I was particularly touched by the little fort you built for her out of boxes, which she adores and still uses to this day.

Your willingness to step in and take care of Whiskers meant the world to me. It allowed me to focus on my work trip without the constant worry about her well-being. Your support was instrumental in ensuring the success of my endeavors, and I cannot thank you enough for that.

To show my appreciation, I would love to invite you over for a home-cooked dinner next Saturday. I remember you mentioning your love for Italian cuisine, so I thought I'd prepare a special lasagna that I've been perfecting. It would be a small token of my immense gratitude for your kindness and the wonderful friendship you've shown.

Looking forward to catching up and once again, thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Warmest regards,

Evelyn Rossi

Useful expressions and vocabulary for Task 1:

1. Express gratitude (phrase): This means to say thank you and show how much you appreciate what someone has done for you.
2. Look after (phrasal verb): This means to take care of someone or something, like when your friend took care of your pet.
3. Above and beyond (expression): This means doing much more than is required or expected, like if your friend not only fed your pet but also took them on extra walks.
4. Peace of mind (noun phrase): This is the feeling of not having to worry about something because you know everything is okay, like knowing your pet is in good hands.
5. Invaluable (adjective): This means extremely useful or important; so valuable that you can't put a price on it, like the help your friend gave you.
6. Reciprocate (verb): This means to do something for someone because they have done something similar for you, like finding a way to thank your friend.
7. Token of appreciation (noun phrase): This is a small gift or gesture that shows someone you are thankful, like giving your friend a gift card or baking them cookies.
8. Go the extra mile (phrase): This means to make a special effort to do something really well, like how your friend might have taken extra good care of your pet.
9. Heartfelt thanks (noun phrase): This means a sincere and deeply felt expression of gratitude, like the thank you that you want to give your friend.
10. Repay the favor (phrase): This means to do something nice for someone because they did something nice for you first, like taking care of their pet next time they go away.
11. Lifesaver (noun): This is someone who helps you a lot, especially in a difficult situation, like your friend who took care of your pet while you were away.
12. Show appreciation (verb phrase): This means to actively do something to demonstrate that you are thankful, like writing a thank letter or inviting your friend for dinner.
13. Time and effort (noun phrase): This refers to the amount of time and work someone puts into doing something, like what your friend did for your pet.
14. Cherished (adjective): This means loved and valued very much, like your pet that your friend took care of so well.
15. Make it up to (phrasal verb): This means to do something good for someone because you feel sorry for a mistake or because they did something nice for you, like treating your friend to a meal.

Tips:

1. Open with thanks: Start your letter with a big thank you. For example, "Dear [Friend's Name], I can't thank you enough for..." This shows right away that you're writing to express your gratitude.

2. Highlight a special moment: Point out a specific thing your friend did that made you super thankful, like how they sent you daily photos of your pet or made sure they got their favorite treat. It's like giving your friend a gold star for being awesome!

3. Share your peace of mind: Tell your friend how much easier it was to enjoy your trip because you knew your pet was in good hands. It's like saying your friend was a superhero for your pet while you were away.

4. Offer something nice in return: Think of a cool way to say thanks, like inviting your friend for a meal or offering to look after their pet too. It's like giving them a thank you gift that they'll really like.

5. Close on a cheerful note: End your letter with a friendly goodbye, such as "Looking forward to catching up soon!" or "Can't wait to return the favor!" It's like leaving the door open for more fun times together with your friend and your pet.

Task 2

Band 5 Example Answer:

Many people think using energy from the sun, wind, and water is good. I think it is good too because it is clean for the environment. When we use the sun for energy, it does not make dirty air. Same with wind and water. This is good for our health and for animals and plants. Also, the sun and wind are always there and do not finish like oil and coal. This means we can use them for a long time.

But there are some problems with this kind of energy. Sometimes the sun does not shine and the wind does not blow. This means we cannot get energy all the time. We need to have batteries to store the energy, but batteries can be expensive. Also, to get energy from water, we need to build big dams. Dams can change the rivers and this can be bad for fish and other things that live in the water.

I heard from my friend, Maria, that in her country they use a lot of sun energy. They have many sun panels on roofs. She says it is very good because their air is cleaner. But she also says that when there is no sun, sometimes they do not have enough energy.

In conclusion, I think renewable energy is very good because it is clean and can last a long time. But we need to find ways to make sure we have enough energy even when the sun is not shining or the wind is not blowing. We also need to think about how to make it not too expensive.

Band 7 Example Answer:

Renewable energy from the sun, wind, and water is really good for many reasons. First, it is clean. This means it does not make dirty air like old energy from oil and coal does. When we use oil and coal, they make smoke that can make people sick and hurt our planet by making it warmer. But when we use energy from the sun, there is no smoke. This is much better for our health and for the Earth.

Another reason why renewable energy is good is that it will not run out. The sun will keep shining, the wind will keep blowing, and the water will keep flowing. But oil and coal will not last forever. One day, they will be all gone. So, it is smart to use energy that we can always have.

However, there are some problems with renewable energy too. For example, sometimes the sun does not shine, and the wind does not blow. This means we cannot always get energy when we need it. Also, to get energy from these sources, we need special machines like solar panels and wind turbines. These can be expensive to build and take up a lot of space.

In my opinion, even with these problems, renewable energy is still a good choice. We can find ways to save the energy for when we need it, like using batteries. And even if the machines cost a lot at first, they save money over time because the sun and wind are free. I have heard of many places like big farms and schools using solar panels and being happy with them.

In conclusion, I think using energy from the sun, wind, and water is better than using old energy like oil and coal. It is cleaner, it will not run out, and it can save us money in the long run. We should keep working on making it even better.

Band 9 Example Answer:

The burgeoning consensus that harnessing energy from the sun, wind, and water is superior to the traditional reliance on oil and coal is a reflection of the growing awareness about environmental sustainability and the urgent need to address climate change. In my view, renewable energy is indeed beneficial for a multitude of reasons, although it is not without its challenges.

Firstly, renewable energy sources are inexhaustible. The sun will continue to bathe our planet in its warmth, the winds will blow, and rivers will flow for eons, long after the finite reserves of fossil fuels have been depleted. This sustainability ensures that future generations will have access to energy, a fundamental requirement for the advancement of civilization. For instance, the solar panels installed on the roof of my friend, Maya Rodriguez's house, generate enough electricity to power her entire home, with surplus energy being fed back into the grid.

Moreover, renewable energy is clean, emitting none of the harmful greenhouse gases that fossil fuels do. By reducing our carbon footprint, we combat the pernicious effects of climate change, which include extreme weather events, rising sea levels, and loss of biodiversity. For example, the wind farms that have become a common sight in many parts of the world, such as the expansive fields in Denmark, contribute significantly to the reduction of carbon emissions.

However, there are challenges associated with renewable energy. The initial cost of setting up renewable energy infrastructure can be high, although it is worth noting that these costs are rapidly decreasing as technology advances. Additionally, the intermittent nature of sources like solar and wind power means that energy storage systems are essential to ensure a stable supply. This can be seen in countries like Germany, where significant investments have been made in battery technology to store excess energy generated on particularly sunny or windy days.

In conclusion, while renewable energy presents certain obstacles, its benefits far outweigh these issues. The transition to a more sustainable energy system is not only imperative for environmental protection but also offers economic and social advantages. As technology evolves and economies of scale come into play, I am confident that the challenges currently associated with renewable energy will be surmounted, paving the way for a cleaner, more sustainable future for us all.

Useful expressions and vocabulary for Task 2:

1. Sustainable (adjective) - Able to be maintained without harming the environment or using up resources. Like using something repeatedly without it wearing out.
2. Eco-friendly (adjective) - Good for the environment, not causing harm. Like products that don't pollute or damage nature.
3. Green energy (noun phrase) - Energy from natural sources that don't pollute, like solar or wind power. It's like using nature's strength to power things.
4. Carbon footprint (noun phrase) - The amount of carbon dioxide released into the air by someone's activities. It's like leaving a trail that shows how much impact we have on the planet.
5. Non-renewable resources (noun phrase) - Resources like oil or gas that can't be replaced once used. They're like a limited supply of something valuable.
6. Climate change (noun phrase) - Changes in the Earth's weather patterns, often leading to extreme weather. It's like the planet's normal climate rhythm getting disrupted.
7. Energy-efficient (adjective) - Using less energy to perform the same task. It's like doing something effectively without wasting resources.
8. Fossil fuels (noun phrase) - Energy sources formed from ancient plants and animals, like oil and coal. They're like old, stored energy from the Earth.
9. Renewable resources (noun phrase) - Energy sources that can be used repeatedly because they replenish naturally, like wind and solar power.
10. Deplete (verb) - To use something up so that it's almost gone. It's like using all of something until there's almost nothing left.
11. Alternative energy (noun phrase) - Different ways of making energy that aren't the usual methods like coal or oil. It's like choosing a new, different way to do something.
12. Offset (verb) - To balance one thing with another. It's like making up for something you did by doing something good.
13. Global warming (noun phrase) - The increase in the Earth's average temperature due to pollution. It's like the planet getting too warm because of what people do.
14. Transition (verb) - To change from one state to another. It's like moving from doing one thing to starting another.
15. Infrastructure (noun) - The basic physical structures needed for a society to function, like roads and power lines. It's like the necessary parts that make a system work.

Tips:

1. Break down the question: First, understand that the question has two parts. You need to explain why renewable energy is good and also discuss any problems with it. Make sure to address both parts in your essay.

2. Organize your ideas: Create a simple outline with two main sections: one for the benefits of renewable energy and one for the potential problems. Under each section, jot down a few key points you want to talk about. This will keep your writing focused.

3. Support your opinion: When you give your opinion, back it up with reasons and examples. For instance, you could say that solar energy is good because it doesn't pollute the air, and then mention a place you know that uses solar panels.

4. Be balanced: Even if you think renewable energy is the best, don't forget to mention some downsides, like how wind turbines can be noisy or how solar panels don't work at night. This shows you've thought about both sides of the issue.

5. Review your essay: After writing your essay, take a few minutes to read it through. Check that you've answered both parts of the question and that your writing makes sense. Also, look out for any spelling mistakes or words that you might have used wrong.