Task 1

Spend 20 minutes on this task. You have recently moved to a new city and joined a local sports club. However, there are a few things about the club that you are not happy with. Write a letter to the club manager. In your letter:
- Explain why you are writing
- Describe what you like about the club
- Talk about the things that you are not happy with
- Suggest ways the club can make improvements.
You should write at least 150 words.

Answers and Tips

Task 1

Band 5 Example Answer:

Dear Manager,

My name is Paul Smith. I am new in this city and I joined your sports club. I write this letter for some things in the club.

I like the club. It has many sports and I can play my favorite, basketball. The people are nice and I made friends. The gym is good too. I can exercise every day.

But, I am not happy with some things. The basketball court is not clean. It has dirt and it's not safe. The gym is very busy and I wait a long time to use machines. The locker rooms are small and not enough for all people.

I think you can make the club better. Please clean the basketball court every day. It will be safe for us. Maybe you can add more machines in the gym or make a schedule. Then, we don't wait too long. Can you make the locker rooms bigger? Or add more lockers?

Thank you for listening to me.

From,
Paul Smith

Band 7 Example Answer:

Dear Club Manager,

I am writing to you as a recent member of your sports club. After moving to this city, I was keen to join a local sports club to stay active and meet new people.

I must commend the club on its excellent facilities and the variety of sports available. The staff members are friendly, and the club has a great community feel, which I appreciate.

However, there are a few aspects that have been less than satisfactory. Firstly, the opening hours are quite restrictive, especially for those of us who work full time. Secondly, the club's cleanliness, particularly in the changing rooms, could be improved.

To enhance the club experience, I suggest extending the opening hours, perhaps opening earlier in the morning and closing later in the evening. This would provide more flexibility for members. Additionally, increasing the frequency of cleaning, particularly in high-traffic areas like the changing rooms, would greatly improve the overall hygiene of the club.

Thank you for considering my suggestions. I believe these changes could greatly improve the club's appeal and member satisfaction.

Kind regards,
Samuel Johnson

Band 9 Example Answer:

Dear Club Manager,

I am writing to share some observations and suggestions regarding our local sports club, which I recently joined after moving to this city.

I would like to begin by expressing my appreciation for the club's facilities. The equipment is top-notch, and the premises are well-maintained. The friendly and welcoming atmosphere created by the staff and members is also commendable. I am particularly impressed by the variety of sports and fitness programs available, catering to a wide range of interests and skill levels.

However, there are a few areas that I believe could benefit from improvement. Firstly, the club's operating hours seem to be quite restrictive, particularly during the weekends. This makes it difficult for those of us with demanding work schedules to fully utilize the facilities. Secondly, I have noticed that some of the more popular classes, such as yoga and spin, are often overbooked, leaving many interested members unable to participate.

To address these issues, I would like to propose a few possible solutions. Extending the club's operating hours, especially on weekends, would provide members with greater flexibility to plan their workouts. Additionally, increasing the frequency of popular classes or introducing a booking system could help ensure that all interested members have an opportunity to participate.

I believe these changes would greatly enhance the club's appeal and make it an even more valuable resource for the community. Thank you for considering my suggestions. I look forward to continuing to be a part of this vibrant club.

Kind regards,
John Smith

Useful expressions and vocabulary for Task 1:

1. Relocate (verb): This means to move from one place to another place.
2. Sports club (noun): This is a place where people go to play sports or do physical exercises.
3. Discontent (noun): This word means you are not happy or satisfied with something.
4. Club manager (noun): This is the person who is in charge of running the sports club.
5. Express dissatisfaction (phrase): This means to tell someone that you are not happy with something.
6. Commendable aspects (noun): These are the parts or things about the club that you think are good or praiseworthy.
7. Area of concern (noun): This is something that you are worried about or not happy with.
8. Improvements (noun): These are changes that make something better.
9. Suggest (verb): This means to offer an idea or a plan for someone to think about.
10. Enhance (verb): This word means to make something better or to improve it.
11. Address the issue (phrase): This means to deal with a problem or concern.
12. Propose modifications (phrase): This means to suggest changes that could make things better.
13. Facilities (noun): These are the buildings, equipment, and services provided for a particular purpose.
14. Inadequate (adjective): This word means not enough or not good enough.
15. Take into consideration (phrase): This means to think about or consider something or someone when you are making a decision.

Tips:

1. 1. Be Clear and Polite: Remember, you're writing a letter to the manager, so it's important to be polite and respectful. Start your letter by saying why you're writing. For example, you could say you've recently moved to the city and joined the club, but there are a few things you'd like to discuss.

2. 2. Be Positive: Even if you're not happy with some things, start by talking about what you like about the club. This shows that you appreciate the good parts and aren't just complaining. It's a good way to make the manager more open to your suggestions.

3. 3. Be Specific: When you talk about the things you're not happy with, be specific. Instead of saying "I don't like the facilities," say exactly what you don't like. For example, "The locker rooms are always messy" or "The gym equipment is old and needs to be replaced."

4. 4. Be Constructive: After you've explained what you're not happy with, suggest ways the club can improve. Don't just say "Fix it." Instead, offer ideas like "Could the locker rooms be cleaned more often?" or "Could we get some new gym equipment?"

5. 5. Be Concise: Keep your letter short and to the point. Don't ramble or go off-topic. Stick to the points you need to make: why you're writing, what you like, what you don't like, and how the club can improve. This will make your letter easier to read and understand.

Task 2

Band 5 Example Answer:

Many people think technology makes life easy. Others say it makes us lazy and dependent. Both sides have good points.

People who like technology say it helps a lot. For example, using a washing machine is easier than washing clothes by hand. It saves time and energy. Also, technology helps us to learn. We can use the internet to find information about anything. My friend, John, uses his computer to learn new languages. He says it is very helpful.

But, some people think technology is bad. They say it makes us lazy and dependent. We use cars instead of walking. We use calculators instead of doing math in our heads. My cousin, Maria, thinks this is a problem. She says people should try to do things without technology sometimes.

I think both sides are right. Technology can make life easier. But, it can also make us lazy. We should try to use technology in a good way. We should not let it control our lives. For example, I use my phone to keep in touch with my family. But, I also make sure to spend time with them in person. I think this is a good balance.

In conclusion, technology has good points and bad points. It can make life easier, but it can also make us lazy. We should try to use it in a good way.

Band 7 Example Answer:

Technology has become an integral part of our lives and its influence cannot be overlooked. Some people believe that technology simplifies life, while others argue that it promotes laziness and dependence. Both views have valid points that merit consideration.

The proponents of technology argue that it has made life easier in many ways. For instance, the advent of the internet has revolutionized communication, making it possible to connect with people across the globe in real-time. Similarly, advancements in medical technology have improved healthcare delivery, saving countless lives. In my own experience, as a student, technology has been invaluable. Online resources and digital libraries have made information readily accessible, enhancing my learning experience.

On the other hand, critics argue that technology encourages laziness and dependence. They believe that people have become overly reliant on technology, to the extent that they struggle to perform even basic tasks without it. For example, many people find it difficult to navigate without GPS, or calculate simple sums without a calculator. This over-reliance on technology can be detrimental, as it may hinder the development of important life skills. Personally, I have observed this in my younger brother, who struggles with simple arithmetic because he is so used to using a calculator.

In my opinion, while technology has undoubtedly made life easier, it is important to use it judiciously. We should not allow technology to replace basic skills and abilities. Instead, we should use it as a tool to enhance our capabilities. It is also crucial to educate the younger generation about the importance of developing essential skills, rather than relying solely on technology.

In conclusion, while technology has its advantages and disadvantages, the key lies in finding a balance. We should embrace the benefits of technology, while also being mindful of its potential pitfalls.

Band 9 Example Answer:

The advent of technology has undeniably revolutionized our lives in countless ways. While some people believe that it has made life simpler and more convenient, others argue that it has fostered laziness and dependence. Both views hold merit and warrant exploration.

On one hand, technology has undoubtedly made life easier. It has streamlined many daily tasks, making them faster and less labor-intensive. For instance, online banking allows people to manage their finances without needing to visit a bank, saving both time and effort. Similarly, GPS technology has simplified navigation, reducing the likelihood of getting lost. In my own life, I have found that technology has greatly enhanced my productivity. As a student, I use various online platforms for research, which has made the process of gathering information much more efficient. Furthermore, technology has facilitated communication, enabling people to stay connected regardless of geographical distance. I regularly use video calling apps to keep in touch with my family back home, which would not have been possible a few decades ago.

However, the reliance on technology can also lead to laziness and dependence. Some people become so accustomed to the convenience of technology that they become less proactive and more reliant on it. For example, many people use calculators for simple arithmetic, which can lead to a decline in mental agility. Similarly, the use of spell-checkers can make people less vigilant about their spelling and grammar. In my own experience, I have noticed that I tend to rely on my phone for reminders and alarms, which has somewhat diminished my ability to remember important dates and appointments on my own.

In conclusion, while technology has undoubtedly made life easier in many ways, it is crucial to strike a balance. We should leverage the benefits of technology without becoming overly reliant on it. In my opinion, technology is a tool that can greatly enhance our lives, but it is up to us to use it wisely and responsibly. We should strive to maintain our mental and physical skills, while also taking advantage of the convenience and efficiency that technology offers.

Useful expressions and vocabulary for Task 2:

1. Reliance (noun): This means when you depend on something a lot. For example, if you always use your phone to check the time, you have a reliance on your phone.
2. Convenience (noun): This means something is easy to use or get to. For example, having a supermarket close to your house is a convenience.
3. Technological advancements (noun phrase): This means new things in technology that are better than the old ones.
4. Efficiency (noun): This means doing something in the best possible way, without wasting time or energy.
5. To foster laziness (verb phrase): This means to make someone lazy or not want to work hard.
6. Indispensable (adjective): This means something you can't live without, like water or food.
7. Dependency (noun): This is another word for reliance, when you need something too much.
8. Simplify (verb): This means to make something easier or less complicated.
9. Over-reliance (noun): This means relying on something too much, even when you don't need to.
10. Unproductive (adjective): This means not doing or creating anything useful.
11. Automate tasks (verb phrase): This means to have a machine or computer do a job instead of a person.
12. Life-changing (adjective): This means something that changes your life in a big way.
13. Innovation (noun): This means a new idea, method, or device.
14. Handy (adjective): This means useful or convenient.
15. Detrimental (adjective): This means something that is harmful or damaging.

Tips:

1. Understand the Question: Make sure you understand what the question is asking. You need to discuss both views - that technology makes life easier and that it can lead to laziness and dependence.

2. Plan Your Answer: Before you start writing, plan your answer. You could start by writing about the benefits of technology, then discuss the drawbacks, and finally give your own opinion. You should also think about examples from your own life or experiences that support your points.

3. Balance Your Answer: Try to give equal time to both views. Even if you strongly agree with one side, you still need to discuss the other side. This shows that you can see both sides of an argument.

4. Support Your Points: When you discuss each view, make sure you give reasons why people might believe that. Also, remember to use examples from your own life or experiences to support your points. This makes your argument stronger and more personal.

5. Give Your Own Opinion: After discussing both views, don't forget to give your own opinion. Make it clear what you think and why. This is your chance to show your ability to form and express your own thoughts.