Task 1

Spend 20 minutes on this task. Imagine you recently stayed at the Sunny Side Hotel for a week. After your visit, you decide to write a letter to the hotel manager. In your letter, you should:
- Say why you are writing
- Describe what you liked about your stay
- Mention anything that was not so good
- Suggest how the hotel could make things better for guests in the future
Remember to start your letter with "Dear Manager," and to sign off at the end with "Yours sincerely," followed by your full name.
You should write at least 150 words.

Answers and Tips

Task 1

Band 5 Example Answer:

Dear Manager,

I stayed at Sunny Side Hotel last week. I want to tell you about my stay. It was good but there were problems too.

The room was nice and big. The bed was very comfy. The people working at the hotel were friendly. They smiled and helped me when I asked.

But, the Wi-Fi was bad. It was slow and didn't work sometimes. I needed the Wi-Fi for my phone and computer. It was hard to do my work. Also, the breakfast didn't have many things for people who don't eat meat. I like to eat vegetables and fruit in the morning.

Please can you make the Wi-Fi better? And maybe you can have more food without meat for breakfast. This will make people happy.

Thank you for reading my letter.

Yours sincerely,
Evelyn Carter

Band 7 Example Answer:

Dear Manager,

I am writing to share my feedback about my recent stay at the Sunny Side Hotel. I stayed in room 456 from March 1st to March 8th.

I must say, the hotel's location is perfect, right by the beach, which made my mornings delightful. The staff were friendly and always ready to help, which added a lot of warmth to my stay. The food at the restaurant was delicious, and I enjoyed trying different dishes.

However, I did encounter an issue with the Wi-Fi connectivity. It was quite unreliable in my room, which made it difficult for me to stay in touch with my family and keep up with work emails. Additionally, the gym equipment seemed outdated and some machines were out of order.

To enhance the experience for future guests, I suggest upgrading the Wi-Fi system and maintaining the gym equipment regularly. Reliable internet is crucial for many travelers, and a functional gym could be a big draw for fitness enthusiasts.

Thank you for considering my suggestions. I look forward to seeing these improvements on my next visit.

Yours sincerely,
Alexandra Gibson

Band 9 Example Answer:

Dear Manager,

I recently had the pleasure of staying at the Sunny Side Hotel for a week, and I am writing to share my feedback on the experience. My stay was largely enjoyable, and I would like to commend your staff for their exceptional service.

The room provided was immaculate and well-appointed, offering a stunning view that was a delight to wake up to each morning. The breakfast buffet was a highlight, with a wide variety of options that catered to all tastes. Additionally, the hotel’s location proved to be incredibly convenient, allowing easy access to local attractions and public transport.

However, I did encounter a minor issue with the Wi-Fi connectivity in my room, which was sporadic and often slow. This made it challenging to plan my daily activities and stay in touch with family and colleagues. Furthermore, the fitness center equipment appeared to be slightly outdated and in need of an upgrade.

To enhance the guest experience, I would suggest investing in a more reliable internet service and considering the renovation of the fitness facilities. These improvements would undoubtedly elevate the overall standard of your establishment and ensure that future guests have an even more comfortable and satisfying stay.

Thank you for taking the time to consider my suggestions. I look forward to the possibility of staying at the Sunny Side Hotel again in the future.

Yours sincerely,
Elena Richardson

Useful expressions and vocabulary for Task 1:

1. Accommodation (noun): This is the place where you stay when you're not at home, like a hotel room.
2. Hospitable (adjective): When someone is very friendly and welcoming to guests.
3. Amenities (noun): These are the extra things that make a stay more comfortable, like a swimming pool or gym.
4. Constructive feedback (noun phrase): This is when you tell someone what they could do better in a helpful way.
5. Discrepancy (noun): A difference between how things should be and how they actually are.
6. Impeccable (adjective): Something that is perfect, with no mistakes or bad parts.
7. Rectify (verb): To fix something or make it right.
8. Enhance (verb): To make something better or improve it.
9. Customer satisfaction (noun phrase): How happy guests are with their experience.
10. Commend (verb): To praise someone or something because you think they've done well.
11. Inconvenience (noun): Something that causes trouble or makes it hard to do something.
12. Attention to detail (noun phrase): Carefully noticing all the small parts or features of something.
13. Upkeep (noun): The work needed to keep something like a hotel in good condition.
14. Exceed expectations (verb phrase): To do better than what someone thought would happen.
15. Follow-up (noun): An action that continues something that has already been started, like checking to see if a problem was fixed.

Tips:

1. Clearly state your purpose: Right after your greeting, make sure to tell the manager why you're writing. You could start with something like, "I wanted to share my thoughts about my recent stay at Sunny Side Hotel." This helps the manager understand what your letter is about from the beginning.

2. Highlight the positives: Share what you loved about your stay. Maybe the rooms were super comfy, the food was delicious, or the staff were really friendly. Talk about these things with joy, like telling a friend about a great movie you just saw.

3. Be honest but polite about the negatives: If something wasn't great, it's okay to say so, but be nice about it. For example, "Although I enjoyed my stay, I noticed the pool was a bit cold for swimming." It's like telling your soccer coach what you need help with, so you can play better next time.

4. Offer helpful suggestions: Think about ways the hotel could make things even better. Maybe they could heat the pool, or have more choices at breakfast. Your ideas could help make other guests' stays awesome, too!

5. Close your letter warmly: End your letter with a friendly goodbye, like "Thank you for considering my feedback. I look forward to visiting again." Then, sign off with "Yours sincerely," and your name. It's like saying "see you later" after a fun day with friends.

Task 2

Band 5 Example Answer:

Many people say that college should be free for everyone. They think that education is very important and if it is free, all people can go to school. This is good because when people learn more, they can get better jobs and help the country. Also, if college is free, no one will be sad because they have no money for school.

But other people think students should pay for college. They say that when students pay, they study harder because they don't want to waste their money. Also, the money that students pay can help the school to be better, like having new books and nice classrooms.

I think that college should not be all free. It is good if there is a little cost so students will work hard. But it should not be too much money because then some people cannot go to school. Maybe the government can help so it is not too expensive. I saw a friend, Maria, she could not go to college because it was too much money. That was not fair. So, I think it should be a little bit of both. Some free and some cost is the best way.

Band 7 Example Answer:

In today's world, education is very important. Some people believe that going to college or university should be free for all students. They say that when education costs nothing, everyone has the same chance to learn and get good jobs. For example, in some countries like Germany, students do not have to pay for college, and this helps many people to study more.

On the other hand, there are people who think students should have to pay for their education. They say that when students pay, they value their studies more and work harder. Also, the money from students helps schools to have better books, rooms, and teachers. For example, many schools in the United States are not free, and they are known for being very good.

I think both sides have good points. It is true that free education makes it easier for all people to go to school. But it is also true that schools need money to be good places to learn. I believe there should be a balance. Maybe the government can help pay for some of the cost, and students can pay a little bit, too. This way, schools get money to be better, and students do not have to pay too much. I have seen this work in my own country where some of my friends got help from the government to pay for their studies, and they also worked part-time to pay some of the cost themselves.

In conclusion, both free and paid education have benefits and problems. I think a mix of both can be the best way to help students learn and help schools be good places for education.

Band 9 Example Answer:

The debate over whether higher education should be free or paid is a contentious one, with compelling arguments on both sides. Those in favor of free college education often cite the long-term benefits to society. They argue that by removing the financial barriers to higher education, a country can foster a more educated and skilled workforce, which is crucial for economic growth and innovation. Furthermore, free education is seen as a vehicle for social equality, enabling individuals from less privileged backgrounds to access opportunities that were traditionally reserved for the affluent. For instance, the Scandinavian countries, which offer free university education, are often praised for their high levels of social mobility and equality.

On the other hand, there are those who believe that students should contribute to the cost of their university education. The primary argument here is one of fiscal responsibility; higher education is expensive, and the funds to support it have to come from somewhere. If not from the students, then it would likely be the taxpayer who shoulders the burden. Additionally, proponents of paid education argue that when students invest their own money into their education, they are more likely to value it and strive to perform well, thus potentially leading to a more serious and committed student body. Take, for example, the United States, where students often take significant loans for their education, which some argue creates a more competitive and achievement-oriented environment.

Personally, I lean towards the idea of subsidized education, where the cost is shared between the individual and the state. This middle ground ensures that education remains accessible to all, while still instilling a sense of personal investment in the students. It can also encourage a more responsible approach to choosing and completing a degree, as students are aware of the financial commitment they have made. I have seen many friends work part-time jobs while studying to contribute to their tuition fees, which has not only helped them appreciate their education more but also taught them valuable life skills.

In conclusion, while the idea of free higher education is noble and aims at creating a more equitable society, the practicalities of funding such a system are complex. A shared approach, with costs split between the state and the individual, seems to be a balanced solution that promotes both accessibility and personal responsibility.

Useful expressions and vocabulary for Task 2:

1. Free tuition (noun phrase): Not paying for educational courses, similar to public libraries offering free access to books and resources.
2. Educational equity (noun phrase): Equal learning chances for all students, like every child having access to the same quality of textbooks and teaching.
3. Financial burden (noun phrase): The stress of educational expenses, akin to a family struggling to afford school supplies and fees.
4. Student loans (noun): Money borrowed for education, which must be repaid, similar to taking a loan to buy a car and paying it back over time.
5. Access to education (noun phrase): The opportunity to attend school, like rural areas getting internet access for online learning.
6. Public funding (noun): Government money for public services, such as building new schools in underserved communities.
7. Economic barrier (noun phrase): Financial obstacles to opportunities, like high tuition fees preventing talented students from attending college.
8. Merit-based scholarships (noun phrase): Awards for students with outstanding achievements, like a scholarship for top-scoring athletes or scholars.
9. Income disparity (noun phrase): Differences in earnings, as seen when graduates from affluent families earn more than those from low-income backgrounds.
10. Quality of education (noun phrase): The effectiveness of teaching, like comparing interactive, technology-aided learning to traditional lecture methods.
11. Subsidize (verb): Financially supporting to reduce costs, like the government providing grants to make college more affordable.
12. Privatization (noun): Shifting from public to private management, as seen when public schools are converted to private academies.
13. Social mobility (noun): The ability to improve one's social status, like a student from a low-income family becoming a successful professional through education.
14. Investment in the future (noun phrase): Allocating resources for long-term benefits, like funding STEM education to prepare for a technology-driven future.
15. Fiscal responsibility (noun phrase): Wise management of funds, such as a school district budgeting carefully to avoid deficits while maintaining quality education.

Tips:

1. Break down the question: First, you need to understand that the question has three parts. You'll need to explain why some people think college should be free, why others think students should pay, and then give your own opinion with reasons and examples. Make sure you address all three parts in your essay.

2. Make two lists: Write down the reasons why college should be free on one list, and reasons why students should pay on another list. Think about things like fairness, quality of education, and the economy. This will help you organize your thoughts and make sure you have a balanced argument.

3. Choose your stance wisely: When you give your opinion, pick the side that you can write about most easily. It doesn't have to be what you truly believe, just what you can explain well with good reasons and examples. This will make your essay stronger.

4. Use connecting words: Use words like "however," "on the other hand," and "furthermore" to link your ideas together. This will make your essay flow better and show the person reading it that you understand how to structure an argument.

5. Practice makes perfect: Try writing a few practice essays before the real test. Time yourself to make sure you can write it in the time given. Ask a friend, teacher, or family member to read it and give you feedback. Practice will help you feel more confident on test day!