Task 1

Spend 20 minutes on this task. You have recently attended a workshop related to your job. Write a letter to your colleague who could not attend the workshop. In your letter:- Explain why your colleague could not attend the workshop.
- Describe the main points of the workshop.
- Share what you found most useful from the workshop.
- Suggest how the knowledge from the workshop can be applied in your work.

You should write at least 150 words.

Answers and Tips

Task 1

Band 5 Example Answer:

Dear Colleague,

I hope you are feeling better now. I know you could not come to the workshop because you were sick. I am sorry for you.

The workshop was about our job. We learned about new ways to do our work. The main points were about teamwork, time management, and problem-solving. They told us how to work together, how to use our time well, and how to solve problems in our work.

The most useful thing for me was problem-solving. They showed us how to think about problems and find good solutions. I think this will help me a lot in our work.

I think we can use this knowledge in our work. We can work together better. We can manage our time better. And we can solve problems better. I think this will make our work better and easier.

I hope you get well soon. I will share more about the workshop when you come back.

From,
John Smith

Band 7 Example Answer:

Dear Emily,

I hope you're feeling better now. I understand that your sudden illness kept you from joining the workshop we had last week.

The workshop was mainly about enhancing our communication skills. We learned about active listening, effective feedback, and how to handle difficult conversations. The speaker also stressed the importance of non-verbal cues in communication.

The most useful part for me was the session on active listening. It taught us how to fully understand and respond to the speaker, rather than just waiting for our turn to talk. I believe this will help us in our daily interactions with clients and colleagues.

I think we can apply what we learned in many ways. For instance, using active listening can help us better understand our clients' needs. Also, knowing how to give and receive feedback can improve our team's performance.

I hope you'll be able to join us in the next workshop. Get well soon!

Best regards,
John Smith

Band 9 Example Answer:

Dear Emily,

I trust this letter finds you in good health. I understand that due to your recent illness, you were unable to attend the workshop on "Innovative Marketing Strategies" that we had both signed up for.

The workshop was a comprehensive exploration of contemporary marketing techniques. The main points revolved around the importance of social media marketing, the power of influencer marketing, and the significance of data analytics in understanding consumer behavior. The facilitator also emphasized the need for personalization in marketing strategies to better connect with the target audience.

What I found most useful was the practical demonstration of using data analytics tools. The facilitator showcased how these tools can provide valuable insights into customer preferences and purchasing patterns, which can help us tailor our marketing strategies more effectively.

I believe the knowledge gained from this workshop can be directly applied to our current project. For instance, we could leverage data analytics to better understand our target demographic and customize our marketing approach accordingly. Additionally, we could explore influencer marketing as a way to increase our brand visibility and reach.

I hope this summary proves useful to you. Once you're back in the office, we can discuss these strategies in more detail and see how we can integrate them into our work.

Best regards,
Oliver Thompson

Useful expressions and vocabulary for Task 1:

1. Recently attended (expression): This means you went to an event not too long ago.
2. Workshop (noun): A workshop is a meeting where a group of people engage in intensive discussion and activity on a particular subject.
3. Colleague (noun): A colleague is someone you work with.
4. Main points (expression): The most important ideas or pieces of information about something.
5. Useful (adjective): If something is useful, it can help you do or achieve something.
6. Knowledge (noun): Knowledge is information, understanding, or skill that you get from experience or education.
7. Applied (verb): When you apply something, you use it in a particular situation.
8. Unfortunate circumstances (expression): This means something bad or not good happened that was not planned or expected.
9. Insightful (adjective): If something is insightful, it gives you a clear, deep, and sometimes sudden understanding of a complicated problem or situation.
10. Implement (verb): To implement something means to take action or make changes that you have officially decided should happen.
11. Procedure (noun): A procedure is a way of doing something, especially the usual or correct way.
12. Beneficial (adjective): If something is beneficial, it has a positive effect or brings advantages or good results.
13. Enhance (verb): To enhance something means to improve it or make it better.
14. Hands-on experience (expression): This means you are actively doing something rather than just talking about it or studying it.
15. Practical application (expression): This means using what you have learned in a real situation.

Tips:

1. Understand the Task: Make sure you understand what the question is asking. You need to write a letter to your colleague who could not attend the workshop. You should explain why they couldn't attend, describe the main points of the workshop, share what you found most useful, and suggest how the knowledge can be used at work.

2. Plan Your Answer: Before you start writing, plan your answer. Think about what you're going to say for each point. This will help you stay organized and make sure you cover everything the question is asking.

3. Use Formal Language: Since you're writing a letter to a colleague, you should use formal language. This means no slang or informal words. You should also use complete sentences and proper grammar.

4. Be Detailed: Don't just say "the workshop was good" or "we learned a lot." Be specific about what you learned and why it was useful. This will make your letter more interesting and informative.

5. Review Your Work: After you finish writing, take a few minutes to review your work. Check for any spelling or grammar mistakes. Make sure you've answered all parts of the question and that your letter makes sense.

Task 2

Band 5 Example Answer:

Public transportation and private cars both have their own benefits. Some people say public transportation is good for our planet. Others say private cars are more handy. I will talk about both sides and share my thoughts.

Public transportation is good because it helps our environment. When many people use one bus or train, it means less cars on the road. Less cars means less smoke and less harm to our planet. For example, in my city, many people use the metro to go to work. This reduces the number of cars on the road and helps keep the air clean.

On the other hand, having a private car is more convenient. You can go anywhere, anytime. You do not need to wait for a bus or train. Also, you can carry many things in your car. For example, when I go shopping, I can buy many things and put them in my car. If I use public transportation, I can only carry a few bags.

In my opinion, both public transportation and private cars are important. We need public transportation to protect our environment. But we also need private cars for convenience. I think the best solution is to use public transportation when we can, and use private cars when we need. For example, we can use public transportation to go to work, and use private cars for shopping or traveling. This way, we can enjoy the benefits of both and help our planet.

Band 7 Example Answer:

Public transportation and private cars both have their own benefits. On one hand, public transportation is often seen as a greener option. It uses less fuel per person compared to a car carrying only one or two people. This means less pollution is released into the air. For example, in my hometown, many people use the bus to go to work. This means less cars on the road and less smog in the air.

However, having a private car can be more convenient. You can go wherever you want, whenever you want. You don't have to wait for a bus or train. This can save a lot of time, especially for people who live far from public transportation. For example, my friend John lives in the countryside where buses are rare. He needs his car to get to work, go shopping, and visit friends.

In my opinion, both options have their place. If you live in a city with good public transportation, it can be a great way to reduce pollution and traffic. But if you live in a rural area or have a job that requires a lot of travel, a car might be necessary. Personally, I prefer to use public transportation when I can. I find it relaxing to read a book or listen to music during my commute. But I also understand why some people need their own cars.

In conclusion, public transportation and private cars both have their advantages. It's up to each person to decide what works best for them. But we should all try to make choices that are good for the environment whenever possible.

Band 9 Example Answer:

The debate about the use of public transportation versus private cars is a perennial one with both options presenting their own unique advantages. While some individuals argue that public transportation is more eco-friendly, others insist that the convenience of owning a car outweighs any potential environmental benefits. In my opinion, both perspectives have merit.

On one hand, public transportation is indeed beneficial for the environment. When a large number of people use buses, trams, or trains, the number of vehicles on the road decreases. This reduction leads to less traffic congestion and, more importantly, lower carbon emissions. For instance, in my hometown of Beijing, the government encourages citizens to use public transportation by offering discounted fares. As a result, the city has seen a significant decrease in pollution levels.

On the other hand, owning a car provides a level of convenience that public transportation often cannot match. With a private vehicle, one has the freedom to travel at any time without being restricted by public transportation schedules. Furthermore, cars are particularly useful for families with young children or for individuals living in areas where public transportation is not easily accessible. For example, when my friend John moved to a rural area, he found that having a car was essential for his daily commute as the local bus service was infrequent and unreliable.

In conclusion, while public transportation is a more environmentally friendly option, the convenience of owning a car cannot be overlooked. It is important to strike a balance between these two modes of transport. Perhaps, a solution could be to use public transportation for daily commuting and keep the use of private cars for special occasions or emergencies. This way, we can contribute to environmental conservation while still enjoying the convenience of private vehicles.

Ultimately, the choice between public transportation and private cars depends on individual circumstances and preferences. As a society, we should aim to develop and promote efficient public transportation systems while also encouraging responsible use of private vehicles.

Useful expressions and vocabulary for Task 2:

1. Public transportation (noun phrase) - This refers to shared transport services like buses, trains, and trams, used for traveling within and between cities.
2. Convenient (adjective) - Something that is easy to use or access, making tasks simpler. Like having a store close to your home.
3. Environmentally-friendly (adjective) - Actions or products that do not harm the environment. Like using reusable bags instead of plastic ones.
4. Carbon footprint (noun phrase) - The total amount of greenhouse gases produced by our actions, such as driving cars or using electricity.
5. Emissions (noun) - Gases released into the air, often from vehicles or factories, that can be harmful to the environment.
6. Commute (verb) - The journey made to and from work or school, usually on a regular basis.
7. Perspective (noun) - A particular attitude or way of viewing something. It's like looking at a situation from your own point of view.
8. Debate (noun) - A discussion where people express different opinions on a subject, often in a formal setting.
9. Counterargument (noun) - An argument made to oppose another argument, presenting an alternative viewpoint.
10. Vehicle congestion (noun phrase) - Heavy traffic leading to slow movement or blockage on the roads.
11. Public infrastructure (noun phrase) - Structures and facilities built by the government for public use, like highways, bridges, and public buildings.
12. Efficiency (noun) - The ability to accomplish a task with the least waste of time and effort.
13. Flexibility (noun) - The quality of being adaptable or variable. Like being able to adjust your plans easily.
14. Personal mobility (noun phrase) - The ability to travel independently, using personal or public modes of transportation.
15. Cost-effective (adjective) - Something that provides good value or return for the money spent. Like buying a product that lasts longer and works better for a reasonable price.

Tips:

1. Understand the Question: The first thing you need to do is understand the question properly. You are being asked to discuss the benefits of using public transportation and having a private car. You also need to share your own viewpoint on this. So, make sure you fully understand what you need to write about.

2. Plan Your Answer: Before you start writing, plan your answer. Think about the benefits of both using public transportation and owning a car. Also, decide what your own viewpoint is. Having a plan will make your writing clearer and easier to follow.

3. Use Examples: The question asks you to support your argument with reasons and relevant examples. So, when you talk about the benefits of public transportation or owning a car, make sure you give examples. These could be from your own life or observations. This will make your argument stronger.

4. Organize Your Writing: Make sure your writing is well-organized. You could start by discussing the benefits of public transportation, then move on to the benefits of owning a car. After that, you can share your own viewpoint. Make sure each point is in a separate paragraph. This will make your writing easier to read.

5. Check Your Work: After you have finished writing, check your work. Look for any spelling or grammar mistakes. Also, make sure you have answered the question fully and that your argument is clear. This will help you get a better score.