Task 1

Spend 20 minutes on this task. Imagine your friend is thinking about buying a house and has asked for your advice. Write a letter to your friend offering your guidance and support. In your letter, you should:

- Explain why you are writing to them
- Give your thoughts on what makes a good place to live
- Offer tips on what to look for when choosing a house
- Suggest how they can get a good deal on their purchase

You should write at least 150 words.

Answers and Tips

Task 1

Band 5 Example Answer:

Dear Emily,

I heard you want to buy a house and I wanted to help you with some advice. Buying a house is big, so it's good to think about it a lot.

A good place to live is safe and quiet. It's nice if it's near shops and a bus or train. It's good for the house to be near work too, so you don't travel too long.

When you look at houses, check if everything works. See if the water is okay and if lights turn on. Look at the walls for cracks and see if it smells funny. Ask about how old the roof is and if the heating works.

To get a good deal, talk to different sellers to find the best price. Don't rush. Maybe you can offer less money than they ask. Sometimes they say yes. Also, a house agent can help you find good prices.

I hope this helps you. Good luck with finding your house!

Best wishes,
Alex Reed

Band 7 Example Answer:

Dear Emily,

I heard you're on the hunt for a new house, and I just had to share some advice and support to help you out.

A good place to live isn't just about the house itself, but also the area around it. Think about what's important to you, like quiet streets, parks, or being close to shops and transport. Safety is key too, so a neighborhood with a friendly vibe and low crime rates would be perfect.

When you're looking at houses, pay attention to the layout and how it feels. Does it flow well? Are the rooms big enough? Check for practical things like storage space, and don't forget to look at the condition of the roof and walls. Also, consider how much work you're willing to put in – a fixer-upper could be cheaper but more work.

To get a good deal, do your homework on house prices in the area. Don't be shy to negotiate the price down. Sometimes sellers are ready to drop the price for a quick sale. And a good real estate agent can be worth their weight in gold, helping you find those hidden gems.

I'm here if you need a second opinion on any places you find! Good luck house hunting!

Warm wishes,
Alex Monroe

Band 9 Example Answer:

Dear Helena,

I was thrilled to hear about your plans to buy a new house and I'm writing to share some advice and support to help you through this exciting process.

In my opinion, a good place to live transcends the confines of the house itself. It's about the community, the accessibility to essential services, and the overall quality of life that the area offers. Look for a neighborhood that resonates with your lifestyle, whether that means being close to nature, having a vibrant cultural scene, or being situated in a top-rated school district if you're planning for a family.

When choosing a house, consider not only its aesthetic appeal but also its functionality. Assess the layout and think about how it will accommodate your daily activities. Pay attention to the quality of construction, the age of the roof, the condition of the plumbing and electrical systems, and the energy efficiency of the windows and insulation. These aspects can significantly influence maintenance costs and comfort.

To get a good deal on your purchase, it's vital to do your homework. Research recent sales in the area to understand the market value. Don't shy away from negotiating; a well-informed counteroffer can save you thousands. Consider hiring a reputable real estate agent who can provide insights and assist in the negotiation process. Additionally, getting pre-approved for a mortgage can give you a clear budget and make you a more attractive buyer.

Remember, buying a house is a substantial investment, and it's crucial to take your time to make the right decision. I'm here to help in any way I can, whether it's accompanying you to viewings or simply lending an ear when you need to talk things through.

Best of luck, and let's catch up soon to discuss this further.

Warmly,
Isaac Newton

Useful expressions and vocabulary for Task 1:

1. Seeking advice (expression): This means asking for help or information because you want to make a good decision. For example, you might say, "I am writing to you because you are seeking advice on buying a house."
2. Residential area (noun phrase): This is a part of a town or city where people live. You might tell your friend to consider the type of residential area they want to live in, whether it's quiet, busy, or near parks.
3. Amenities (noun): These are things like shops, parks, or schools that make a place nice to live in. You could say, "Look for a house with good amenities nearby."
4. Property value (noun phrase): This is how much a house is worth. You might advise your friend to think about property value and how it might change in the future.
5. Spacious (adjective): This means there's a lot of room and it doesn't feel crowded. You could say, "A good house should feel spacious and comfortable."
6. Neighborhood (noun): This is the area around the house where other people live. You might suggest your friend to consider the neighborhood when choosing a house.
7. Inspection (noun): This is when someone looks carefully at the house to check if everything is okay. You could say, "Always get a professional inspection before you buy a house."
8. Mortgage (noun): This is the money you borrow from a bank to buy a house, and you pay it back over time. You might tell your friend to shop around for the best mortgage rates.
9. Negotiate (verb): This means to talk with the seller to try to agree on a good price. You could advise your friend to negotiate the price of the house to get a good deal.
10. Real estate agent (noun phrase): This is a person who helps people buy and sell houses. You could suggest that your friend gets help from a real estate agent to find the best house.
11. Location (noun): This is where the house is. You might say, "Location is very important when choosing a house, so think about it carefully."
12. Commute (noun): This is the journey you take to get from your home to your work. You could remind your friend to consider the commute when choosing a house.
13. Market trends (noun phrase): These are the patterns or changes in the housing market. You might tell your friend to look at market trends to decide when the best time to buy a house is.
14. Down payment (noun phrase): This is the first big payment you make when you buy a house. You could say, "Saving for a larger down payment can help you get better mortgage terms."
15. Turnkey (adjective): This means the house is ready to live in right away, without needing repairs. You might suggest looking for a turnkey home to avoid immediate extra costs.

Tips:

1. Explain the purpose of your letter: Start by telling your friend that you're excited to help them with their big decision. Say something like "I heard you're planning to buy a house and I've got some advice to share with you!"

2. Share your ideas on a great neighborhood: Talk about what you think makes a neighborhood awesome, like friendly people, parks for playing or relaxing, good schools, or tasty places to eat. Make a list of the things you love about where you live and why it's important to have them nearby.

3. Give house-hunting tips: List the things they should check in a house, like making sure the roof doesn't leak, the rooms are big enough, and there's a spot for their stuff. Remind them to think about the future, like if they might need extra rooms for visitors or space for hobbies.

4. Talk about getting a bargain: Encourage your friend to be patient and smart with their money. Suggest they compare prices of different houses and maybe even chat with a house expert (like a real estate agent) who can help them find a great deal. Tell them it's okay to negotiate to save some cash.

5. Offer ongoing support: End your letter by saying you're there to help them out anytime. Tell them they can call you if they want to chat more about houses or if they just need a friend to talk to when making this big choice. Sign off with a friendly "Good luck and can't wait to visit your new home!"

Task 2

Band 5 Example Answer:

I think parents are the most important teachers for their kids. Parents know their kids very well and they can teach them many things from when they are very small. Like, my friend Alice, she teaches her son how to be kind and share toys with other children. This is not something schools always have time to do because they have many kids to look after.

Also, parents can help with homework and give extra help if their kid doesn't understand something at school. My cousin, Michael, he was not good at math, but his dad helped him every night and now he is better. Schools have many students, so teachers can't always give so much time to just one kid.

But I know schools are also important. They teach kids how to read and write and do math. And kids learn to make friends and work with other kids. My nephew, he learned to play soccer at school and he loves it. But I still think parents are more important because they are with their kids from the beginning and teach them how to behave and be good people.

In conclusion, schools do a good job, but parents are the best teachers for their kids. They teach them many things that schools can't, like good manners and being nice to others. Parents help kids grow up to be good adults.

Band 7 Example Answer:

I believe that parents are the most important teachers for their children. It's true that schools teach a lot of useful things like math and science, but parents are the ones who teach their kids about life. From the moment a child is born, it's the parents who show them right from wrong, how to be kind, and how to behave with others.

Take my friend, Michael, for example. His parents spent a lot of time reading stories to him and talking with him about different things every day. This helped Michael become very good at speaking and understanding people. Even before he started school, he knew how to share his toys and help others. His parents taught him these things, not his school.

Another reason I think parents are the best teachers is because they know their children better than anyone else. They see their kids in all different situations, not just in a classroom. So, they can help their kids learn in ways that are best for them. Like my cousin, Sara. She was very shy and didn't like talking in front of people. Her parents noticed this and helped her by practicing at home. They would pretend to be an audience and listen to her talk about her favorite books. This made Sara feel more comfortable and slowly, she got better at speaking in public.

Schools are important, of course. They teach children a lot of knowledge and skills. But it's the parents who lay the foundation for their children's character and attitudes. That's why I think parents are the most important teachers for their kids. They are there from the beginning, shaping their children's hearts and minds.

Band 9 Example Answer:

The debate over whether parents or schools hold the primary responsibility in educating children is a complex one, with valid arguments on both sides. However, I am inclined to believe that parents play the most crucial role in their children's education. This is not to undermine the importance of schools but to emphasize the unique and irreplaceable influence parents have on their children's learning and development.

Firstly, the foundation of a child's education is laid at home, long before they step into a classroom. Parents are the child's first teachers, imparting essential life skills and values. For instance, my friend, Elena, often recounts how her mother's love for books and the nightly ritual of reading bedtime stories developed her passion for literature. This early exposure to reading not only prepared Elena for academic success but also fostered a lifelong love for learning. It is this kind of parental engagement that can ignite curiosity and set the stage for future educational achievements.

Moreover, parents have a profound understanding of their child's individual needs and can tailor their teaching to suit these. Unlike teachers, who must divide their attention among many students, parents can provide one-on-one support and guidance. A colleague of mine, Alex, shared how his father's patient tutoring helped him overcome his struggles with math, a subject he initially found daunting. This personalized approach enabled Alex to excel not only in mathematics but also in other analytical disciplines.

However, it is important to acknowledge that schools play a significant role in providing structured education and exposing children to a diverse range of subjects and social experiences. Yet, the role of parents in reinforcing what is learned at school, offering emotional support, and instilling discipline cannot be replicated by educational institutions.

In conclusion, while schools are instrumental in delivering formal education, it is the parents who most profoundly shape their children's attitudes towards learning and provide the support necessary to thrive academically and personally. The stories of Elena and Alex are just two examples among countless others that illustrate the indispensable role parents play in their children's education.

Useful expressions and vocabulary for Task 2:

1. Influential (adjective) - Having a significant impact or effect. Like a respected leader whose opinions shape community decisions.
2. Primary caregivers (noun phrase) - The main individuals responsible for a child's care, typically parents or guardians. Like a mother or father ensuring their child's well-being.
3. Educational institutions (noun phrase) - Places dedicated to teaching and learning, such as schools and universities. Like a college offering various degree programs.
4. Moral compass (noun phrase) - An internal sense guiding one's decisions between right and wrong. Like a person deciding to return a lost wallet based on their values.
5. Formative years (noun phrase) - The early, developmental stages of a child's life. Like a toddler's years in preschool where they begin social interaction.
6. Instill values (verb phrase) - To teach and embed moral principles or beliefs. Like parents teaching their children the importance of honesty and kindness.
7. Academic achievement (noun phrase) - Success in educational pursuits, often measured by grades or awards. Like a student receiving honors for excellent performance in school.
8. Socialization (noun) - The process of learning to interact and communicate within society. Like joining clubs or groups to meet new people and make friends.
9. Curriculum (noun) - The set of courses and content offered by educational institutions. Like a school's range of subjects from science to literature.
10. Role models (noun phrase) - Individuals admired for their positive behaviors and qualities. Like a community leader who volunteers and inspires others to do the same.
11. Emotional intelligence (noun phrase) - The ability to understand and manage one's own emotions and empathize with others. Like a manager who resolves conflicts by understanding team members' perspectives.
12. Nurture (verb) - To support and encourage growth or development. Like a mentor guiding a young professional in their career path.
13. Discipline (noun) - The practice of training to obey rules or a code of behavior. Like adhering to a fitness routine to achieve health goals.
14. Extracurricular activities (noun phrase) - Activities outside the main academic curriculum. Like joining a photography club or a soccer team.
15. Life skills (noun phrase) - Practical skills needed to manage daily life effectively. Like budgeting, cooking, or time management.

Tips:

1. Pick a side: Decide if you agree that parents are the best teachers or if you think schools do a better job. Stick to your choice throughout the essay and don’t flip-flop between the two sides.

2. Make a list of reasons: Write down all the reasons why you think your choice is the best. These could be things like how much time kids spend at home or in school, who knows the children better, or who is more trained to teach.

3. Include personal stories: Think of any stories from your own life or things you have heard that show why parents or schools are great teachers. Sharing these stories will help explain your reasons and make your essay stronger.

4. Organize your essay: Start with an introduction where you say which side you agree with. Then write a couple of paragraphs with your reasons and stories. Finish with a conclusion that sums up your main points.

5. Use strong words: When you write, use words that show you really believe in your choice. Words like “definitely,” “clearly,” or “without a doubt” can make your opinion sound stronger and more convincing.