Task 1

Spend 20 minutes on this task. Imagine you recently visited a local museum that you found very interesting. Write a letter to your friend telling them about your experience. In your letter, you should:
- Describe one or two things you saw that you thought were really cool.
- Explain why you think your friend would enjoy visiting this museum.
- Suggest a day when you could go to the museum together.
- Ask your friend to let you know if they are free on that day or suggest another day.

You should write at least 150 words.

Answers and Tips

Task 1

Band 5 Example Answer:

Dear Emily,

I went to the city museum last weekend and it was amazing. I saw an old train from the 1800s. It was so big and had many details. I also saw dresses from a long time ago. They were really pretty and different from our clothes now.

I think you would like this museum because you love history and old things. They have lots of stuff from the past and stories about them. It's like going back in time.

How about we go together next Saturday? It's fun and we can learn new things. I think you will have a great time there.

Can you come on Saturday or is there a better day for you? Please tell me when you can go.

Hope to hear from you soon.

Best,
Alex Reed

Band 7 Example Answer:

Dear Emily,

I hope you're doing great! I wanted to share with you an amazing experience I had last weekend. I visited the local history museum, and it was fascinating. There was this one exhibit with ancient Egyptian artifacts that blew my mind. They had a real mummy and all the stuff that was buried with it – like gold jewelry and painted pots. It was like stepping back in time!

I also saw a dinosaur skeleton, and it was massive! You could see every single bone, and there was a screen showing how they think the dinosaur moved and sounded. It's one thing to read about these creatures, but seeing them up close is something else.

I know you love history and all the stories from the past, so I'm sure you'd enjoy this museum as much as I did. Plus, they have a cool café where we could grab a bite after exploring.

How about we go together next Saturday? It would be a fun day out. If you're busy then, just let me know what day works for you, and we can make a plan.

Looking forward to hearing from you soon!

Warm wishes,
Alex Carter

Band 9 Example Answer:

Dear Helena,

I hope this message finds you in high spirits. I recently had the pleasure of visiting the Greenwood Historical Museum and I must say, it was an enlightening experience. I'm reaching out to share my excitement and to convince you to accompany me on my next visit.

One exhibit that stood out was the Victorian Era collection. The intricate clothing and authentic household items transported me back in time. I was particularly fascinated by an antique, brass telescope that once belonged to a renowned astronomer of the period. The level of craftsmanship was simply breathtaking.

Another highlight was the interactive science section. They have this augmented reality sandbox that projects geographical and topographical maps onto the sand. You can actually create your own landscapes! It's not only fun but incredibly educational, and I immediately thought of you and your love for innovative learning tools.

I believe you would enjoy this museum for its blend of history and technology. It's a place where the past meets the present in the most engaging way. How about we plan to visit next Saturday? It would be a great way to catch up and stimulate our minds.

Please let me know if you're free then or suggest a day that works better for you. I'm flexible and would love to share this experience with you.

Looking forward to your response.

Warm regards,

Adrianne Cortez

Useful expressions and vocabulary for Task 1:

1. Fascinating (adjective): Extremely interesting. Like discovering a new hobby that you spend hours on because it's so engaging.
2. Exhibit (noun): A display, often in a museum or gallery. Like an art collection shown in a museum, featuring works from different artists.
3. Enthralling (adjective): Captivating or very exciting. Like a gripping book that you can't put down because the story is so compelling.
4. Recommend (verb): To suggest something as worth trying or experiencing. Like suggesting a newly-opened restaurant to a friend based on your positive experience.
5. Insightful (adjective): Providing a deep and clear understanding of something. Like a documentary that offers a new perspective on a historical event.
6. Unique (adjective): Distinctive and unlike anything else. Like a handmade piece of jewelry that is one-of-a-kind.
7. Explore (verb): To investigate or travel to discover new things. Like visiting a new city and looking around its streets and landmarks.
8. Cultural heritage (noun phrase): The traditions, customs, and artifacts of a specific group. Like traditional festivals that celebrate a community's history and customs.
9. Arrange (verb): To plan or organize. Like setting up a meeting with colleagues to discuss a project.
10. Availability (noun): The state of being free to engage in an activity. Like having open dates to schedule a vacation.
11. Get back to me (phrase): To respond to someone at a later time. Like asking a coworker to reply with information once they have it.
12. Artifacts (noun): Historical objects from past civilizations. Like ancient pottery displayed in an archaeology museum.
13. Interactive displays (noun phrase): Exhibits that allow hands-on engagement. Like a science museum where visitors can conduct simple experiments.
14. Historical significance (noun phrase): The importance of something in relation to past events. Like a landmark known for its role in a significant historical moment.
15. Admission (noun): The fee for entry. Like the charge to enter a special exhibition at an art gallery.

Tips:

1. Paint a vivid picture of the exhibits: Start by describing the coolest things you saw at the museum. Use descriptive words to make your friend feel like they're seeing it with their own eyes. Talk about the colors, the shapes, or any awesome facts that made these exhibits stand out to you.

2. Connect the museum to your friend's interests: Think about what your friend loves and link it to the museum. If they're into history, art, or science, tell them how the museum has something amazing related to their hobbies. It's like telling them there's a treasure waiting for them to discover!

3. Propose a fun day out: Suggest a specific day to visit the museum together. It could be a weekend or a day off. Make it sound like an adventure you'll both remember. It's not just about the museum; it's about spending a great day together.

4. Be flexible with plans: After you've suggested a day, ask your friend to let you know if they're free. If they're not, be open to hearing their ideas for another day. It shows you really want to make this museum trip happen and that you value their time.

5. Keep the tone upbeat and friendly: Throughout your letter, stay positive and enthusiastic. Use words that show you're excited about the idea of going to the museum with them. It's like inviting them to share a slice of happiness with you!

Task 2

Band 5 Example Answer:

Some people believe that playing video games is not good for young people's growth. They say that when kids play too much games, they do not exercise their body. It is true because when you sit and play, you are not running or jumping. Also, they think it can make kids not social. When kids are always looking at a screen, they are not talking to people in real life. This can make it hard for them to make friends.

But other people say video games can be good for young people. They think it can help their brain to solve problems. Many games have puzzles or missions that make you think a lot. This can be good practice for the brain. Also, some games let you play with other people online. This can help kids learn to work as a team and talk to others.

I think video games can be both good and bad. It is like food. Some food is good for you and some is not. It is important to have a balance. If a kid plays games but also plays outside and talks to friends, it can be okay. I have seen my cousin, Alex, play games and he is very good at solving problems. But he also plays soccer and has many friends. So, I think it is okay to play video games if you do not do it too much and still do other things too.

Band 7 Example Answer:

Video games are a hot topic when we talk about young people's growth. Some folks argue that these games can harm kids, while others believe they can be helpful. Let's look at both sides before I share my view.

On one hand, people worry that video games might be bad for kids. They say that sitting for hours in front of a screen can make young ones lazy and hurt their eyes. Also, some games have violence or things not good for kids to see. Plus, playing too much can mean less time for homework or playing outside. My friend, Sarah, told me her brother used to play games all day and his grades at school went down.

On the other hand, there are benefits to video games. They can teach kids how to solve problems and think quickly. Many games need players to make fast decisions and this can help kids' brains get better at thinking. Also, games can be a way for kids to relax and have fun after a long day at school. I've seen my cousin, Alex, play puzzle games and I noticed he got better at solving math problems too.

In my opinion, video games are not all bad or all good. It's about balance. If kids play in moderation and pick the right games, they can learn and have fun. But, it's important they don't play too much and still do other activities like sports or reading. I think video games can be a part of growing up, just like any other hobby, as long as kids and parents make smart choices about it.

Band 9 Example Answer:

Video games have become a staple in modern entertainment, especially among the youth. Some argue that these games hinder young people's development, while others believe they can be beneficial. Let's delve into both perspectives before I share my personal stance.

Critics of video games often point out that excessive gaming can lead to a sedentary lifestyle, which is detrimental to physical health. Young individuals might become more prone to obesity and other health issues due to long hours spent in front of screens with minimal physical activity. Furthermore, there is a concern about the potential for violent games to foster aggression in impressionable minds. For instance, a study by Anderson and Bushman in 2001 suggested a correlation between violent game exposure and aggressive behavior. Additionally, the addictive nature of some games can lead to social isolation, as players might prioritize gaming over interactions with family and friends.

On the flip side, proponents of video gaming argue that it can have several positive effects on young people. Games can improve cognitive skills such as problem-solving, strategic thinking, and spatial awareness. For example, puzzle games like "Tetris" or strategy games like "Starcraft" require players to think critically and plan ahead, which can translate into real-world skills. Moreover, multiplayer games provide a platform for socialization and teamwork, as players collaborate and communicate to achieve common goals. A friend of mine, Marcus Tan, developed leadership skills by organizing gaming sessions and leading his team in "League of Legends" tournaments.

In my opinion, video games are not inherently harmful; it is the lack of moderation that leads to negative consequences. When played responsibly, video games can be a source of learning and enjoyment. I've seen my younger cousin enhance his reading skills and historical knowledge through games like "Assassin's Creed," which intertwines gameplay with historical events. It is crucial, however, for parents and guardians to monitor the content and the amount of time spent on gaming to ensure a healthy balance.

In conclusion, while there are valid concerns about the impact of video games on youth, they also offer opportunities for positive growth. It is the responsibility of the individual and those around them to ensure that gaming remains a beneficial part of their development.

Useful expressions and vocabulary for Task 2:

1. Detrimental (adjective): Harmful or causing negative effects. Like smoking being detrimental to lung health.
2. Enhance (verb): To improve or make better. Like upgrading software to enhance computer performance.
3. Cognitive skills (noun phrase): Mental abilities related to learning, thinking, and problem-solving. Like using cognitive skills to plan a complex project at work.
4. Social interaction (noun phrase): Engaging and communicating with others. Like collaborating with colleagues in the office.
5. Isolation (noun): Being alone or separated from others. Like working remotely leading to a feeling of isolation from the team.
6. Aggression (noun): Hostile or violent behavior. Like experiencing aggression in a competitive business environment.
7. Proponents (noun): Supporters or advocates of a particular idea or cause. Like proponents of renewable energy advocating for solar panels.
8. Opponents (noun): Individuals who are against a certain idea or policy. Like opponents of a new construction project in a community.
9. Hand-eye coordination (noun phrase): The ability to coordinate visual perception with hand movement. Like needing good hand-eye coordination for tasks like typing or sewing.
10. Obesity (noun): Excessive body weight that may impact health. Like sedentary lifestyles contributing to obesity.
11. Multi-tasking (noun): Performing multiple tasks simultaneously. Like answering emails while attending a webinar.
12. Virtual worlds (noun phrase): Digital environments often experienced in gaming or simulations. Like exploring virtual worlds in VR technology.
13. Real-world skills (noun phrase): Practical abilities used in everyday life. Like managing finances or basic cooking.
14. Excessive (adjective): More than necessary, often to a problematic degree. Like excessive screen time impacting sleep patterns.
15. Striking a balance (verb phrase): Finding a middle ground between two extremes. Like balancing work and personal life for overall well-being.

Tips:

1. Look at both sides: Think about why some people might say video games are bad for kids, like maybe they think it stops them from playing outside or doing homework. Then, consider the good stuff, like how games can help with problem-solving or making friends online. You need to talk about both in your essay.

2. Organize your thoughts: Make a little plan on paper. Write down the main points for 'video games are bad' and 'video games are good.' This will help you stay on track and make sure you don't forget anything important when you're writing your essay.

3. Give real examples: When you make a point, back it up with an example. You could talk about a news story, something from a book, or even something that happened to you or your friends. This makes your essay stronger because it shows you know what you're talking about.

4. Write clearly: Use words that you know well and keep your sentences short and sweet. This isn't the time to try out fancy new words you're not sure about. You want the person reading your essay to understand your points without getting confused.

5. Review your essay: After you finish writing, go back and read what you wrote. Look for any spelling mistakes or sentences that don't sound right. Make sure you've answered the question fully and that your opinion is clear to the reader. A quick check can make your essay much better!