Task 1

Spend 20 minutes on this task. Imagine you have a friend who is planning to move to your city for work. Write a letter to your friend giving them information about your city. In your letter, make sure you:
- Explain why you think your city is a good place to live
- Describe some interesting places they can visit in the city
- Talk about the job opportunities in your city
- Give advice on the best places to live.

You should write at least 150 words.

Answers and Tips

Task 1

Band 5 Example Answer:

Dear John,

I'm happy to hear you're moving to my city for work. I think you'll like it here. The city is a good place to live because it's safe and clean. People are friendly and there are many things to do.

There are many interesting places you can visit. The city park is big and beautiful. You can walk, run or have a picnic there. The city museum is also good. It has many old things and you can learn about the history of the city.

There are many job opportunities in the city. There are many big companies and they always need people. You can find a good job easily. I think you will do well here.

The best places to live are near the city center. It's close to everything and it's safe. There are many apartments you can rent. I can help you find a good one.

I hope this information helps you. I'm looking forward to seeing you soon.

From,
Mike

Band 7 Example Answer:

Dear James,

I'm thrilled to hear about your plans to move to Melbourne for work. I believe you'll find this city to be a fantastic place to live.

Melbourne is renowned for its vibrant culture, diverse food scene, and friendly locals. It's a city that never sleeps, with events and activities happening around the clock. The public transport system is efficient, making it easy to get around.

There are numerous interesting places to visit here. The Royal Botanic Gardens and Melbourne Zoo are must-sees. For art lovers, the National Gallery of Victoria houses an impressive collection. The city's laneways, filled with cafes and street art, are also worth exploring.

Regarding job opportunities, Melbourne has a robust economy with a thriving tech industry. There are also ample opportunities in healthcare, education, and finance sectors.

As for accommodation, the suburbs of Carlton and Fitzroy are great places to live. They're close to the city centre, have excellent amenities, and a lively nightlife. However, if you prefer a quieter area, Kew or Balwyn might be more suitable.

I hope this information helps. I'm looking forward to welcoming you to Melbourne soon.

Best regards,
Liam Smith

Band 9 Example Answer:

Dear Samantha,

I was thrilled to hear about your plans to move to my city for work. I am confident that you will find it an excellent place to reside.

Our city, with its blend of modernity and tradition, offers a unique lifestyle that caters to all preferences. It's a bustling metropolis with a vibrant arts scene, diverse culinary offerings, and numerous recreational facilities. Yet, it retains a small-town charm with its friendly locals and well-preserved historical sites.

There are countless interesting places to visit here. The city's art museum is a must-see, boasting an impressive collection of contemporary and classical pieces. Our botanical garden, renowned for its exotic flora, is a haven for nature lovers. And don't miss our historic downtown, where you can delve into the city's rich past.

Job opportunities are abundant in our city, especially in the tech and healthcare sectors. The city is home to several multinational corporations and startups, offering a wide range of roles. The local government also provides comprehensive support to entrepreneurs, making it an ideal place for those looking to start their own business.

For accommodation, I recommend the suburbs, particularly the Westwood area. It's peaceful, safe, and has excellent connectivity to the city center. The area also boasts top-notch schools, parks, and shopping centers, making it a perfect place for families.

I am eagerly awaiting your arrival and look forward to showing you around. Please feel free to reach out if you need any further information or assistance.

Warm regards,

Martin Jones

Useful expressions and vocabulary for Task 1:

1. Relocate (verb): This means to move from one place to another. You can use this word when talking about your friend's plan to move to your city.
2. Metropolis (noun): This is a fancy word for a big city. You can use it to describe your city if it's really big.
3. Residential area (noun phrase): This means a part of the city where people live. You can use it when giving advice on the best places to live.
4. Vibrant (adjective): This means full of energy and life. You can use it to describe your city or certain parts of it.
5. Cultural landmarks (noun phrase): These are places that are important because they show the history or culture of a city. You can use it when describing interesting places to visit in your city.
6. Job market (noun phrase): This means the number of jobs available in a certain place. You can use it when talking about the job opportunities in your city.
7. Thriving (adjective): This means doing very well. You can use it to describe the job market in your city.
8. Public transportation (noun phrase): This refers to buses, trains, and other forms of transport that are available for people to use. You can mention this when explaining why your city is a good place to live.
9. Cost of living (noun phrase): This means how much money you need to pay for things like food, housing, and other necessities in a certain place. You can use it when giving advice on the best places to live.
10. Leisure activities (noun phrase): These are things you do for fun or relaxation. You can use it when describing interesting places they can visit in the city.
11. Commute (verb): This means to travel from home to work. You can use this word when giving advice on the best places to live, considering how far they would be from work.
12. Welcoming (adjective): This means friendly and kind to newcomers. You can use it to describe the people in your city.
13. Diverse (adjective): This means having many different types of things or people. You can use it to describe the job opportunities or cultural landmarks in your city.
14. Prospects (noun): This means the chances or opportunities for success in the future. You can use it when talking about the job opportunities in your city.
15. Booming (adjective): This means growing or increasing very quickly. You can use it to describe the job market in your city.

Tips:

1. Understand the Task: Make sure you fully understand what the question is asking you to do. In this case, you need to write a letter to a friend about your city. You need to highlight why your city is a good place to live, mention some interesting places to visit, discuss job opportunities, and recommend the best places to live.

2. Plan Your Answer: Before you start writing, take a moment to plan your answer. Think about the points you want to make in each section of the letter. This will help your writing flow smoothly and ensure you cover all the points you need to.

3. Use a Friendly Tone: Remember, you're writing to a friend. This means your tone should be friendly and informal. You can use contractions (like "it's" instead of "it is") and colloquial language (like "cool" instead of "interesting").

4. Be Specific: When describing your city, be as specific as possible. Don't just say "there are lots of fun things to do". Instead, mention specific attractions, parks, restaurants, or events. The same goes for job opportunities and places to live.

5. Check Your Work: After you've written your letter, take a few minutes to check your work. Look for any spelling or grammar mistakes, and make sure you've included all the information the question asked for.

Task 2

Band 5 Example Answer:

I think both family time and work time are important. They both have good things and bad things.

Family time is good because you can relax and have fun. You can play games with your kids or talk to your wife. For example, my friend John always plays football with his son on weekends. He says it makes him happy. But sometimes family time can be hard. Maybe your kids are naughty or your wife is angry. This can make you feel stressed.

Work time is also good. When you work, you can earn money. This money can help you buy things for your family. My cousin, for example, works a lot. He can buy nice things for his family like a big house and a nice car. But work can also be hard. Maybe your boss is mean or your job is boring. This can make you feel unhappy.

In my opinion, we need both family time and work time. We need family time to be happy and relax. We need work time to earn money and buy things. But we need to find a balance. We should not work too much and forget our family. We should not spend all our time with family and forget our work. We need to find a middle way.

So, I think both family time and work time are important. They both have good things and bad things. We need to find a balance. This is my opinion.

Band 7 Example Answer:

There are different viewpoints about the importance of spending time with family versus work. Some people believe that family time is more critical, while others think that work is more essential. Both viewpoints have their own merits and demerits.

On one hand, spending time with family is very important. It helps to build strong relationships and create memories. For instance, in my own experience, I have found that spending quality time with my family, such as eating meals together or going on family trips, has helped us to understand each other better and strengthen our bond. Moreover, it provides emotional support and a sense of belonging, which is very important for mental health.

On the other hand, work is also important. It not only provides financial stability but also gives a sense of purpose and achievement. For example, my friend, John, is very passionate about his job. He spends a lot of time at work and feels satisfied and happy because he loves what he does. Furthermore, work can also provide opportunities for personal growth and development.

However, it is crucial to maintain a balance between work and family. Too much focus on work can lead to stress and burnout, while neglecting work responsibilities can lead to financial problems. In my opinion, both family time and work are important, and one should not be prioritized at the expense of the other. It is essential to manage time effectively to ensure that both areas of life receive adequate attention.

In conclusion, while some people may prioritize family time over work or vice versa, it is important to understand that both are crucial for a balanced and fulfilling life. It is about finding the right balance and making time for both family and work.

Band 9 Example Answer:

In the contemporary world, the importance of work-life balance is often discussed. Some people argue that family time is more important than work, while others believe that work should take precedence. Both viewpoints have their own merits and drawbacks.

On one hand, spending quality time with family is crucial for maintaining strong relationships and emotional health. For instance, my friend John, despite being a successful businessman, always ensures he spends ample time with his family. This not only strengthens their bond but also provides him with emotional support and happiness. Moreover, children who spend more time with their parents tend to develop better social and emotional skills, which are essential for their future.

On the other hand, work is also important as it provides financial stability, which is essential for a comfortable life. Without work, it would be challenging to meet the basic needs of the family. For example, my cousin Lisa had to work long hours to support her family after her husband lost his job. Her dedication to work ensured her family's survival during the tough times. Furthermore, work also gives a sense of purpose and achievement, contributing to one's self-esteem and overall happiness.

However, I believe that a balance between work and family time is vital. Overemphasis on either can lead to problems. Spending too much time at work can strain family relationships and lead to burnout. On the contrary, neglecting work for family can lead to financial instability. From my personal experience, setting clear boundaries for work and personal life and managing time effectively can help achieve this balance.

In conclusion, while both family time and work are important, it is crucial to strike a balance between the two. This balance can ensure financial stability, strong family bonds, and personal satisfaction. It is not about choosing one over the other, but about managing both effectively to lead a fulfilling life.

Useful expressions and vocabulary for Task 2:

1. Crucial (adjective): This word means very important. If something is crucial, it is necessary or extremely useful.
2. Work-life balance (noun phrase): This phrase means finding a healthy mix between your job and your personal life. It's about having time for both work and fun or relaxation.
3. Prioritize (verb): To prioritize means to decide what is the most important thing and deal with it first.
4. Quality time (noun phrase): This phrase means time spent in a meaningful or positive way, often with other people like family or friends.
5. Overwork (verb): To overwork means to work too much, to the point where it can make you feel sick or very tired.
6. Family-oriented (adjective): If someone is family-oriented, it means they really like spending time with their family and consider it very important.
7. Career-driven (adjective): If someone is career-driven, it means they are very focused on their job or career and want to be successful.
8. Profound impact (noun phrase): This means a very big or deep effect or influence on something or someone.
9. Devote (verb): To devote means to give all or most of your time, effort, or love to something.
10. Burnout (noun): Burnout is a state of being very tired, unhappy, and unable to do your job because of working too hard for a long time.
11. Financial stability (noun phrase): This means having enough money to live and not worrying about paying for things you need.
12. Emotional well-being (noun phrase): This means feeling good about yourself and your life, and being able to handle your feelings in a healthy way.
13. Job satisfaction (noun phrase): This means feeling happy or fulfilled by the work you do.
14. Workaholic (noun): A workaholic is a person who works a lot and finds it hard to stop working and do other things.
15. Family bonds (noun phrase): These are the close connections or relationships between family members.

Tips:

1. Understand the Question: Make sure you understand what the question is asking. You need to discuss both viewpoints - the importance of spending time with family and the importance of work. You should also give your own opinion and support it with examples.

2. Plan Your Answer: Before you start writing, plan your answer. Decide what the pros and cons of each viewpoint are and think about what examples you can use to support them. Also, decide what your personal perspective is and how you can back it up. This will help your writing be clear and organized.

3. Balance Your Discussion: When you write your answer, make sure to spend about the same amount of time on each viewpoint. This shows that you have considered both sides of the argument. Don't forget to also include your personal perspective.

4. Use Examples: The question asks you to support your argument with examples. These can be from your own experiences or knowledge. Make sure your examples clearly support the point you are making.

5. Check Your Work: After you finish writing, take a few minutes to read over your answer. Look for any mistakes in grammar or spelling and make sure your ideas are clear and well-organized. This will help make your writing the best it can be.