Task 1

Spend 20 minutes on this task. You have recently visited a new city and found a local restaurant you really enjoyed. You decide to write a letter to the owner of the restaurant. In your letter, you should:
- Explain why you decided to write the letter.
- Describe your experience at the restaurant.
- Say what you liked about the restaurant.
- Suggest any improvements or changes you think could be made to the restaurant.

You should write at least 150 words.

Answers and Tips

Task 1

Band 5 Example Answer:

Dear Owner,

My name is Alice Smith. I came to your city last week and ate at your restaurant. I liked it a lot. So, I am writing this letter.

My friends and I came to your restaurant for dinner. The food was very good. We liked the pasta and the pizza. The waiters were nice and friendly. They helped us choose the food. We felt very happy.

I liked the food and the people at your restaurant. The place was also clean and nice. The music was good. It made us feel relaxed.

But, I think you can make it better. The menu was hard to read because the words were small. Maybe you can make the words bigger. Also, it was a bit dark. More lights can make it better.

Thank you for the good food and time. We will come again.

From,
Alice Smith

Band 7 Example Answer:

Dear Restaurant Owner,

I am writing this letter to express my appreciation for the wonderful experience I had at your restaurant during my recent visit to your city.

Upon entering, I was immediately taken by the warm and welcoming atmosphere. The staff was friendly and attentive, making us feel at home. The food was absolutely delicious, each dish was a delight to the taste buds. I particularly enjoyed the seafood pasta, it was cooked to perfection.

What I loved most about your restaurant was the unique blend of traditional and modern cuisine. The innovative dishes, coupled with the traditional decor, created a memorable dining experience.

However, I believe there is always room for improvement. One suggestion I would like to make is to consider adding a wider variety of vegetarian options to your menu. This could attract a broader range of customers and cater to different dietary preferences.

Thank you for providing such a wonderful dining experience. I look forward to visiting your restaurant again in the future.

Best regards,
John Smith

Band 9 Example Answer:

Dear Mr. Thompson,

I am writing to express my delight after dining at your restaurant, Thompson's Bistro, during my recent visit to your city. The outstanding culinary experience and the warm hospitality compelled me to pen down my thoughts and share them with you.

Upon entering your restaurant, I was immediately captivated by the charming ambiance and the welcoming staff. The menu offered an impressive variety of dishes, each promising a unique gastronomic adventure. I opted for the Chef's Special, and I must say, it was one of the most exquisite meals I have ever had. The flavors were harmoniously balanced, and the presentation was impeccable.

What truly set your restaurant apart, however, was the attentive service. The staff were knowledgeable, friendly, and went above and beyond to ensure a memorable dining experience. The live music was another delightful addition, creating a soothing and relaxed atmosphere.

While I thoroughly enjoyed my visit, I believe there is always room for improvement. I noticed that the lighting in the dining area was a bit dim, which made reading the menu slightly challenging. A minor adjustment to the lighting could enhance the overall dining experience. Additionally, offering a wider selection of vegetarian options would cater to a broader audience.

Thank you for providing such a wonderful dining experience. I look forward to my next visit and to seeing the continuous growth of Thompson's Bistro.

Best regards,
Samuel Richardson

Useful expressions and vocabulary for Task 1:

1. Commend (verb): This word means to praise or say good things about someone or something. You can use this word when you want to tell the owner of the restaurant that you really liked it.
2. Atmosphere (noun): This is a word that describes how a place feels. If a place has a good atmosphere, it feels nice and comfortable to be in.
3. Culinary delight (expression): This phrase refers to food that tastes really good. You can use this to describe the food at the restaurant.
4. Exquisite (adjective): This word means very beautiful or delicate. You can use this to talk about the food or the restaurant itself.
5. Patronize (verb): This means to be a customer at a business regularly. You can use this word to say that you visited the restaurant.
6. Impeccable (adjective): This word means perfect, with no faults. You can use this to describe the service or the food at the restaurant.
7. Enhancement (noun): This is a word that means improvement. If you think the restaurant could be better in some way, you could suggest an enhancement.
8. Cordial (adjective): This word means friendly. You can use this to describe the staff at the restaurant.
9. Delectable (adjective): This is another word for delicious. You can use this to describe the food at the restaurant.
10. Unforgettable (adjective): This word means something that is so good or special that you will always remember it. You can use this to describe your experience at the restaurant.
11. Room for improvement (expression): This phrase means that something is good, but could be better. You can use this when you are suggesting changes to the restaurant.
12. First-rate (adjective): This word means excellent or of the highest quality. You can use this to describe your overall experience at the restaurant.
13. Distinctive (adjective): This word means something that is unique or different from others. You can use this to describe something special about the restaurant.
14. Highly recommend (verb): This phrase means to suggest something because you think it is very good. You can use this to say that you would tell other people to visit the restaurant.
15. Constructive criticism (expression): This phrase refers to helpful suggestions that aim to improve something. You can use this when you are suggesting improvements to the restaurant.

Tips:

1. Be Clear About Your Purpose: Start your letter by explaining why you are writing it. Make it clear that you recently visited their city and had a chance to dine in their restaurant, which you greatly enjoyed. This will set the context for the rest of the letter.

2. Share Your Experience: In the next part of your letter, describe your experience at the restaurant. Talk about the food, the atmosphere, and the service. Be specific. Instead of saying "The food was good", you can say "The pasta was perfectly cooked and the sauce was rich and flavorful". This will show the owner that you really appreciate their efforts.

3. Highlight What You Liked: Now it's time to say what you liked about the restaurant. This could be anything from the friendly staff to the unique décor. Again, be specific. Instead of saying "I liked the ambiance", you could say "The warm lighting and rustic furniture made me feel cozy and comfortable".

4. Offer Constructive Criticism: If you have any suggestions for improvements or changes, make sure to include them in your letter. But remember, it's important to be respectful and constructive. Instead of saying "The music was too loud", you could say "Lowering the volume of the music might make the dining experience more relaxing for your guests".

5. End on a Positive Note: Finish your letter by thanking the owner for a wonderful dining experience and expressing your wish to visit again. This will leave a positive impression and show your appreciation for their hard work.

Task 2

Band 5 Example Answer:

Internet is a big thing now. Many people use it every day. Some people say it makes life easy. Other people say it makes life hard and no privacy. I will talk about both.

First, Internet is good. It helps us do many things. We can buy things from home. We can talk to friends far away. We can learn new things. For example, my friend John lives in another country. I can talk to him on the Internet. I can also buy food and clothes online. It is very easy.

But, some people say Internet is bad. They say it gives stress. They say it takes away privacy. People can see what we do online. They can see our photos and our information. This can be scary. Also, sometimes we spend too much time online. We forget to rest. This can make us feel tired and stressed. For example, my sister spends a lot of time on the Internet. She sometimes forgets to eat and sleep. This is not good.

In my opinion, Internet is both good and bad. It can help us do things. But it can also make us stressed and scared. We need to use it carefully. We need to protect our privacy. We need to take breaks and rest. This way, we can enjoy the good things about the Internet and avoid the bad things.

Band 7 Example Answer:

The Internet has indeed revolutionized our lives in many ways. Some people believe it has made life easier and more convenient, while others argue that it has led to increased stress and lack of privacy. Both viewpoints have their merits and demerits.

On one hand, the Internet has undeniably made life more convenient. With just a few clicks, we can access a plethora of information, communicate with people across the globe, and even shop without leaving our homes. For instance, during the recent pandemic, many people, including my friend Ali, were able to work from home, thanks to the Internet. This saved them commuting time and allowed them to spend more time with their families.

On the other hand, the Internet has its drawbacks. The constant bombardment of information can lead to stress and anxiety. People often feel compelled to stay connected, leading to a phenomenon known as FOMO (Fear of Missing Out). In addition, the Internet has raised serious concerns about privacy. Personal information can be easily accessed and misused, leading to identity theft and other cybercrimes. For example, my cousin's social media account was once hacked, and her personal photos were shared without her consent.

In my opinion, while the Internet has made life easier, it has also led to increased stress and privacy concerns. However, I believe the benefits outweigh the drawbacks. The key is to use the Internet wisely and responsibly. We should limit our online time, use strong passwords, and be cautious about the information we share online. As the saying goes, "With great power comes great responsibility," and this certainly applies to the use of the Internet.

Band 9 Example Answer:

The Internet, a revolutionary invention of the 20th century, has undeniably reshaped the way we live. While some people laud the convenience and ease it has brought to our lives, others express concern over the stress and privacy issues it has instigated. Both perspectives have their merits and should be considered.

On one hand, the Internet has unquestionably made life more convenient. It has transformed the way we communicate, shop, and access information. For instance, emails and social media platforms have made it possible to connect with people across the globe instantaneously, breaking down geographical barriers. Online shopping, on the other hand, allows us to purchase goods from the comfort of our homes, saving us time and effort. Furthermore, the Internet has become a vast repository of information, making research and learning more accessible than ever before.

However, these benefits come with their own set of drawbacks. The constant connectivity facilitated by the Internet can lead to increased stress. The expectation to be always available and responsive can be overwhelming, causing mental and emotional strain. Moreover, the Internet has also raised serious privacy concerns. Personal information shared online can be misused, leading to identity theft and other forms of cybercrime. For example, my friend, John, was a victim of online fraud after his sensitive information was stolen from a social networking site.

In my opinion, while the Internet has indeed made life easier, it is crucial to use it judiciously to mitigate its negative impacts. We should establish boundaries to prevent digital burnout and be cautious about the information we share online to protect our privacy. The Internet, like any other tool, is as beneficial or harmful as its user allows it to be.

In conclusion, the Internet has both simplified our lives and introduced new challenges. The key lies in striking a balance, leveraging the convenience it offers while being mindful of the potential risks. With the right approach, we can harness the power of the Internet without compromising our well-being or privacy.

Useful expressions and vocabulary for Task 2:

1. Convenient (adjective): This means to make things easier and save time. Like, the Internet is convenient because you can shop from home.
2. Cyber security (noun): This is the protection of internet-connected systems, like computers and data, from cyber threats. It's important because it protects all categories of data from theft and damage.
3. Stress-inducing (adjective): Something that causes stress or makes you feel worried. Too much work can be stress-inducing.
4. Online privacy (noun): This refers to the personal privacy concerning the storing, repurposing, provision to third parties, and displaying of information pertaining to oneself via the Internet. It's important to keep your personal information private when you're online.
5. Technological advancement (noun): This means the development and use of new technology. Computers are a technological advancement that has changed our lives.
6. Efficiency (noun): This means doing things quickly and without wasting time or energy. The Internet has increased efficiency in many areas of our lives.
7. Dependency (noun): This means relying on something or someone else. Some people have a dependency on the Internet.
8. Information overload (noun): This means having too much information to deal with. The Internet can sometimes lead to information overload.
9. 24/7 availability (noun): This means being available or open all the time, without any breaks. One advantage of the Internet is 24/7 availability of information.
10. Isolation (noun): This means being alone and separated from other people. Sometimes, using the Internet too much can lead to feelings of isolation.
11. To infringe on someone's privacy (verb phrase): This means to invade someone's private life. Some people worry that the Internet can infringe on their privacy.
12. Digital footprint (noun): This is the record or trail left by the things you do online. Like, the websites you visit, emails you send, and information you submit to online services. It's part of your online identity and personal brand.
13. Face-to-face interaction (noun): This means meeting and talking to people in person, not online or on the phone. Despite the convenience of the Internet, some people still prefer face-to-face interaction.
14. Instant gratification (noun): This means wanting to experience pleasure or fulfillment without delay. The Internet often provides instant gratification through immediate access to information and services.
15. Virtual reality (noun): This is a computer-generated simulation of a three-dimensional image or environment that can be interacted with in a seemingly real or physical way by a person. Virtual reality is one of the newest advancements of the Internet.

Tips:

1. Understand the Question: Make sure you fully understand what the question is asking. In this case, you need to discuss both views - that the Internet has made life easier and more convenient, and that it has led to increased stress and lack of privacy. Also, you need to give your own opinion.

2. Plan Your Answer: Before writing, plan your answer. Write down the points you want to make for both views and also for your own opinion. This will help you to organize your thoughts and make your writing more clear and logical.

3. Use Examples: The question asks you to support your answer with reasons and any relevant examples. So, think about your own experiences or knowledge that can help to illustrate your points. For example, you might talk about how the Internet has helped you to communicate with friends and family around the world, but also how it has made you feel stressed or invaded your privacy.

4. Stay on Topic: Make sure you stay focused on the question. Don't go off on tangents or talk about unrelated topics. Every sentence you write should help to answer the question.

5. Check Your Work: After you finish writing, take a few minutes to check your work. Look for any mistakes in grammar or spelling, and make sure your sentences make sense. Also, check that you have answered all parts of the question.