Task 1

Spend 20 minutes on this task. Imagine that you have recently moved to a new city for work. You have found a new hobby that you enjoy and would like to find a local club or group to join. Write a letter to the local community center asking if they have any clubs or groups that match your interest. In your letter:
- Introduce yourself and explain why you are writing.
- Give details about your new hobby and why you enjoy it.
- Ask about any clubs or groups that match your hobby.
- Explain what you hope to gain by joining such a club or group.

You should write at least 150 words.

Answers and Tips

Task 1

Band 5 Example Answer:

Dear Community Center,

My name is John Smith. I moved to this city for work. I am writing to you because I need help. I have a new hobby. It is painting. I like it because it is fun and it helps me relax. I want to find a club or group here that likes painting too.

Painting is good because it is creative. I can make things that are beautiful and different. I started painting when I moved here. It helps me feel good when I am alone. I like to paint nature and animals. They are beautiful and interesting.

Do you have a painting club or group? I want to join a club or group that likes painting. I want to learn more about painting and meet people who like it too. I hope to make friends and learn new things.

Thank you for your help.

From,
John Smith

Band 7 Example Answer:

Dear Community Center Manager,

I am John Smith, a recent addition to our city's vibrant community. I am writing to inquire about any clubs or groups that align with my newfound hobby, bird watching.

I have recently developed an interest in bird watching, which I find incredibly fascinating and relaxing. This hobby allows me to appreciate the beauty of nature and learn about different bird species. It also gives me a sense of peace and tranquility, which I find very therapeutic after a long day at work.

I was wondering if there are any bird watching clubs or groups in our community that I could join? I am particularly interested in groups that organize regular outings to local parks or nature reserves.

By joining such a group, I hope to meet like-minded individuals who share my passion for bird watching. I am also keen to learn more about different bird species and their behaviors from more experienced bird watchers. I believe being part of a group would make my bird watching experience more enjoyable and enriching.

Thank you for your time and I look forward to hearing from you.

Best regards,
John Smith

Band 9 Example Answer:

Dear Community Center Manager,

I am James Thompson, a recent addition to the vibrant community of this city. I have recently relocated here due to work commitments and I am eager to integrate into the local community. My purpose for writing is to inquire about any clubs or groups that align with my newfound interest in photography.

Photography has become a passionate hobby of mine since my move here. The city's unique architecture and diverse landscapes provide an endless array of subjects to capture. I find the process of framing a shot and capturing a moment in time to be a therapeutic and rewarding experience. It allows me to explore my creativity and appreciate the beauty of our surroundings.

I am keen to know if there are any photography clubs or groups within the community center or in the local area. I am particularly interested in groups that offer opportunities for practical sessions, workshops, or photo walks around the city.

Joining such a club would not only enhance my skills but also provide a platform for me to connect with like-minded individuals. I believe that sharing and learning from others' experiences can greatly enrich my understanding and appreciation of this art form.

I look forward to hearing from you about any potential opportunities. Thank you for your time and consideration.

Best regards,
James Thompson

Useful expressions and vocabulary for Task 1:

1. Relocated (verb): This means you have moved from one place to another. It can be used to tell that you have moved to a new city.
2. Enthusiast (noun): This is a person who is very interested in something. You can use this to describe yourself as someone who really likes your new hobby.
3. Engage in (verb phrase): This means to do something or be involved in something. You can use this to explain that you want to do your hobby more.
4. Pursue (verb): This means to try to do or get something over a period of time. You can use this to say that you want to keep doing your hobby.
5. Passionate about (adjective phrase): This means to have strong feelings or love for something. You can use this to say that you really love your new hobby.
6. Communal activities (noun phrase): These are activities that are done by a group of people. This phrase can be used to ask about clubs or groups in the community center.
7. Enquiry (noun): This is a question or request for information. You can use this to ask about something.
8. Insight (noun): This is the ability to understand people or situations. You can use this to explain what you hope to gain by joining a club or group.
9. Expand my horizons (verb phrase): This means to learn or experience new things. You can use this to explain why you want to join a club or group.
10. Nurture (verb): This means to help something or someone to develop and be successful. You can use this to say that you hope the club or group will help you get better at your hobby.
11. Community engagement (noun phrase): This is when people get involved in their local community. You can use this to say that you want to be more involved in your new city.
12. Forge connections (verb phrase): This means to create relationships with other people. You can use this to say that you hope to meet new people by joining a club or group.
13. Socialize (verb): This means to spend time with other people in a friendly way. You can use this to say that you want to meet and spend time with other people who like the same hobby.
14. Participation (noun): This is the act of being involved in an activity or event. You can use this to say that you want to be part of a club or group.
15. Immerse myself (verb phrase): This means to become completely involved in something. You can use this to say that you want to fully participate in your new hobby.

Tips:

1. Clear Introduction: Start your letter by introducing yourself and explaining the purpose of your letter. You could say something like "My name is [Your Name] and I've recently moved to [city name] for work. I am writing to inquire about any existing clubs or groups that align with my newfound hobby of [mention your hobby]."

2. Details about your Hobby: Provide some details about your new hobby. Explain what it is, how you got into it, and why you enjoy it. This will help the reader understand your interest and might make it easier for them to suggest a suitable club or group.

3. Ask about Clubs or Groups: Directly ask if there are any clubs or groups that match your hobby. You could say, "I was wondering if there are any clubs or groups in the community center that cater to enthusiasts of [mention your hobby]."

4. Explain your Expectations: Share what you hope to gain by joining such a club or group. This could be anything from meeting like-minded people, improving your skills, or simply having fun. It's important to express your expectations so that the community center can recommend a group that meets your needs.

5. Polite Conclusion: Wrap up your letter politely, thanking the reader for their time and expressing your hope for a positive response. You could say something like "Thank you for taking the time to read my letter. I look forward to hearing from you soon." This leaves a positive impression and encourages a response.

Task 2

Band 5 Example Answer:

Many adults today like to live alone. They do not want roommates or to stay with family. There are reasons for this and it can change society. I will talk about this now.

One reason adults live alone is freedom. They can do what they want, when they want. For example, my friend John lives alone. He likes to play loud music and stay up late. He cannot do this if he lives with others.

Another reason is privacy. Adults want their own space. They do not want to share with others. My cousin Maria lives alone. She says she needs quiet to think and work. She cannot have this with roommates.

Living alone can also be bad for society. It can make people feel lonely. When people feel lonely, they can be sad. This is not good for society. For example, my neighbor Mr. Smith lives alone. He is often sad because he has no one to talk to.

Also, living alone can make people selfish. They only think about themselves. They do not learn to share or help others. This is not good for society. For example, my coworker Peter lives alone. He does not like to share or help others. He only thinks about himself.

In my view, living alone has good and bad points. It is good for freedom and privacy. But it can also make people feel lonely and selfish. So, it is important to find balance. Maybe adults can live alone but also spend time with others. This way, they can have freedom and privacy but also learn to share and help others.

Band 7 Example Answer:

More and more adults are deciding to live alone in our modern society, a trend that can be seen in many parts of the world. There are several reasons why this is happening, and it can have both positive and negative effects on society.

Firstly, one of the main reasons adults are choosing to live alone is because of the increased value placed on personal freedom and independence. Nowadays, people like to have their own space and time to do things they enjoy, without having to consider others. For example, my friend John decided to live alone because he wanted to have more control over his daily routine and personal space.

Another reason is the change in societal norms. In the past, it was common for families to live together in one household. However, these days, it's more acceptable for adults to live alone. This is especially true in urban areas where there is a high cost of living and less space for large families.

Living alone can have several effects on society. On the positive side, it can lead to more self-reliance and independence among adults. For instance, living alone forces individuals to learn essential life skills such as cooking, cleaning, and budgeting. On the negative side, it can lead to increased loneliness and isolation, which can negatively impact mental health. For example, studies have shown that people who live alone are more likely to experience depression.

In my view, while living alone can provide some benefits, it's also important to maintain social connections to prevent loneliness. As society continues to evolve, it's crucial to find a balance between independence and community. This could be achieved through regular social activities or by choosing to live in communal housing where individuals have their own space but also have opportunities to interact with others.

In conclusion, the trend of adults living alone is driven by the desire for independence and changing societal norms. While it can lead to increased self-reliance, it can also result in loneliness. Therefore, finding a balance between independence and social interaction is essential.

Band 9 Example Answer:

In recent years, a growing number of adults are opting to live independently, rather than cohabiting with roommates or family members. This trend is likely due to a variety of reasons and has significant implications for society.

One of the main reasons for this trend could be the increasing value placed on personal freedom and independence. In many societies, particularly in the Western world, there is a strong emphasis on individualism. Adults may choose to live alone to enjoy the freedom it provides, such as the ability to make decisions about their living space without having to consider the preferences of others. For instance, my friend John, after living with roommates for several years, decided to live alone to avoid disagreements over shared responsibilities like cleaning and cooking.

Another reason could be the rising economic prosperity in many parts of the world. As more people achieve financial stability, they can afford to live alone, which was previously a luxury only a few could enjoy. This shift is particularly noticeable in rapidly developing countries like China and India.

However, this trend of solitary living can have profound effects on society. On one hand, it can lead to a more individualistic society, where people are less likely to help each other in times of need. This could potentially weaken community bonds and increase social isolation. On the other hand, it can also have positive effects. For example, living alone can foster personal growth and self-reliance, as individuals must learn to manage all aspects of their lives independently.

In my view, while living alone can offer many benefits, it is also important to maintain strong social connections. Living alone should not mean living in isolation. It is crucial for individuals to balance their need for independence with their need for social interaction, for their own well-being and for the health of their communities.

In conclusion, the trend of adults choosing to live alone is driven by a desire for personal freedom and increased economic prosperity. While it can have both positive and negative effects on society, it is important for individuals to strike a balance between independence and social engagement.

Useful expressions and vocabulary for Task 2:

1. Independence (noun): This is when someone can do things by themselves without needing help from others.
2. Social dynamics (noun phrase): This phrase is used to talk about how people in a group or society interact with each other.
3. Shift (noun): This word means a change in position or direction. It can be used to talk about changes in people's behavior or way of thinking.
4. To prioritize (verb): This means to decide that some things are more important than others.
5. Loneliness (noun): This is a feeling of being alone and unhappy about it.
6. Financial stability (noun phrase): This phrase is used to talk about having enough money to live on and not worry about it.
7. Personal space (noun phrase): This phrase refers to the physical and emotional space around a person that they consider their own.
8. Consequences (noun): This word means the results or effects of an action or decision.
9. To isolate (verb): This means to separate someone from others.
10. Demographic trend (noun phrase): This phrase is used to talk about changes in the characteristics of a population, like age, income, or living situation.
11. Family ties (noun phrase): This phrase refers to the relationships and connections between family members.
12. Living arrangements (noun phrase): This phrase is used to describe the way people organize their living situation, like who they live with and where.
13. Emotional well-being (noun phrase): This phrase refers to how a person feels emotionally, whether they are happy, sad, stressed, etc.
14. Modern society (noun phrase): This phrase is used to talk about the way people live and interact in the present day.
15. Societal impact (noun phrase): This phrase is used to talk about the effect or influence something has on society.

Tips:

1. Understand the Question: The first thing you need to do is understand what the question is asking. It wants you to talk about why more adults are living alone these days, what effects this might have on society, and what your personal opinion is.

2. Plan Your Answer: Before you start writing, make a plan. Think about the reasons why adults might want to live alone, how this could impact society, and what your own views are. Jot down your ideas and examples that you can use to support them.

3. Structure Your Essay: Your essay should have an introduction, two body paragraphs, and a conclusion. In the introduction, briefly mention what you will discuss. In the first body paragraph, discuss the reasons for adults living alone. In the second body paragraph, discuss the effects on society. In your conclusion, summarise your points and state your opinion.

4. Use Examples: The question asks you to provide examples. Make sure you do this in your body paragraphs. These can be real-life examples or hypothetical scenarios. They should clearly support the points you are making.

5. Express Your Opinion: Don't forget to include your own view, as the question asks for it. You can do this in the conclusion. Make sure you clearly state what you think and why.