Task 1

Spend 20 minutes on this task. Imagine that you have recently visited a new city for a short vacation. You enjoyed the trip so much that you want to write a letter to your friend to tell them about your experience.
In your letter, you must include the following details:
- The name of the city you visited and why you chose to go there
- A description of the places you went to and the activities you did
- The food you tried and your thoughts about it
- Why you would recommend this city to your friend

You should write at least 150 words.

Answers and Tips

Task 1

Band 5 Example Answer:

Dear Friend,

I recently went to Paris. I chose it because I love art and history. Paris is famous for these.

I visited many places. I went to the Eiffel Tower. It is very tall and beautiful. I also went to the Louvre Museum. I saw many famous paintings. I did a boat ride on the Seine River. It was fun.

I tried French food. I ate croissants for breakfast. They were very tasty. I also tried escargot. It is snails. It was strange but good. I liked the cheese and wine too.

I recommend Paris to you. It has beautiful places and good food. It is also very romantic. You can learn a lot about art and history. I think you will love it.

From,
John Smith

Band 7 Example Answer:

Dear Sam,

I've just returned from a short vacation in Barcelona, Spain. I chose it for its rich history and vibrant culture, and I was not disappointed.

I visited the famous Sagrada Familia and the Park Guell, both designed by Gaudi. I also strolled along Las Ramblas, a bustling street filled with shops and cafes. I even took a flamenco dance class, which was a lot of fun.

The food was incredible. I tried paella, a traditional Spanish rice dish, and tapas, small plates of various foods. I also had churros with thick hot chocolate, a popular dessert. It was all delicious and unlike anything I've ever tasted.

I would highly recommend Barcelona to you. The city has a great mix of history, culture, and modern amenities. Plus, the food is to die for. I think you would really enjoy it.

Best regards,
Alex

Band 9 Example Answer:

Dear Emily,

I am thrilled to share with you my recent escapade to the enchanting city of Barcelona. I chose this city for its rich cultural history, and the allure of its vibrant street life and stunning architecture.

The city is a feast for the eyes, with the stunning works of the architect Antoni Gaudí dotting the cityscape. I visited the Sagrada Familia, an awe-inspiring basilica, and Park Güell, a surreal park that offers panoramic views of the city. I also strolled down the bustling La Rambla, a tree-lined pedestrian street, and explored the Gothic Quarter, a maze of narrow medieval streets filled with trendy bars and clubs.

The local cuisine was a gastronomic delight. I savored the traditional paella, a saffron-infused rice dish with seafood, and the tapas, a variety of small savory Spanish dishes. The highlight, however, was the churros con chocolate, a popular dessert of fried dough served with a cup of thick, rich chocolate.

Barcelona's unique blend of history, art, culture, and cuisine left an indelible impression on me. I wholeheartedly recommend this city to you for its dynamic spirit and the warmth of its people. I am confident that you would relish the enriching experiences that this city has to offer.

Looking forward to hearing from you soon.

Best regards,
Oliver

Useful expressions and vocabulary for Task 1:

1. Enthralling (adjective): This means something is very exciting or interesting. You can use it to describe the city you visited.
2. Vibrant (adjective): This means full of energy and life. You can use it to describe the city or the activities you did.
3. Exquisite (adjective): This means extremely beautiful or delicate. You can use it to describe the places you visited or the food you tried.
4. Immerse oneself in (expression): This means to become completely involved in something. You can use it to describe how you explored the city or took part in the activities.
5. Authentic (adjective): This means genuine or real. You can use it to describe the food you tried.
6. Mouth-watering (adjective): This means delicious. You can use it to describe the food you tried.
7. Unforgettable (adjective): This means something that is so good or impressive that you will always remember it. You can use it to describe your overall experience.
8. Explore (verb): This means to travel around a place to learn about it. You can use it to describe what you did in the city.
9. Sample (verb): This means to try a small amount of food or drink to see what it is like. You can use it to describe how you tried different foods.
10. Highly recommend (expression): This means to suggest something very strongly because you believe it is very good. You can use it to tell your friend why they should visit the city.
11. Scenic beauty (expression): This means beautiful natural views. You can use it to describe the places you visited.
12. Cultural hub (expression): This means a place that is the center of cultural activities or events. You can use it to describe the city you visited.
13. Diverse (adjective): This means showing a lot of variety. You can use it to describe the city, the food, or the activities.
14. Unique (adjective): This means being the only one of its kind. You can use it to describe the city, the food, or the activities you did.
15. Engaging (adjective): This means interesting or enjoyable. You can use it to describe the activities you did.

Tips:

1. Plan Out Your Letter: Before you start writing, think about the main points you need to cover. This will help you to make sure you don't leave anything out. You can even jot down some notes or a quick outline to help you remember.

2. Be Specific: When you're talking about the city, the places you visited, and the food you tried, try to give as many details as you can. Instead of just saying you went to a museum, say what kind of museum it was and what you saw there. If you tried a new food, describe what it looked like, how it tasted, and how it was different from what you usually eat.

3. Use Descriptive Language: To make your letter more interesting, use words that paint a picture in your friend's mind. Instead of saying a building was big, say it was towering or massive. Instead of saying a food was good, say it was delicious or mouth-watering.

4. Share Your Feelings: Don't just say what you did, also tell your friend how you felt. Were you excited to try a new food? Did you feel peaceful when you visited a beautiful park? Sharing your feelings will make your letter more personal and engaging.

5. Make a Clear Recommendation: At the end of your letter, make sure to clearly state why you think your friend should visit the city. Maybe they would love the food, the scenery, or the activities. Whatever the reason, make sure it's clear and convincing.

Task 2

Band 5 Example Answer:

Many people have different thoughts about money. Some people think having a lot of money makes life easy. Other people think having too much money can make problems. I will talk about both ideas and share my own thoughts.

Firstly, having a lot of money can make life easy. If you have a lot of money, you can buy anything you want. For example, you can buy a big house, a nice car, and go on many holidays. You can also help other people. My friend John has a lot of money. He always helps people who do not have money. He also buys many things for himself. He seems very happy.

On the other hand, having too much money can make problems. If you have too much money, people might want to take it from you. You might also become lazy because you do not have to work. My cousin Paul has a lot of money. He does not work and he is always bored. He also has problems with his friends because they always want his money.

In my view, it is good to have money but not too much. If you have money, you can buy things and help people. But if you have too much, you might have problems. I think it is important to work hard and earn money. It is also important to help others. This makes me feel happy and satisfied. I do not want to have too much money because I do not want to have problems. I want to have enough money to live a good life and help others.

Band 7 Example Answer:

It is a common belief that having a large amount of money can simplify life, while others argue that excessive wealth can lead to complications. Both viewpoints have their merits and drawbacks.

On one hand, having a lot of money can indeed make life easier. With ample financial resources, one can afford high-quality education, healthcare, and a comfortable lifestyle. For example, my friend, John, who is a successful businessman, can afford to send his children to the best schools and universities. He also has the means to travel and experience different cultures, which can enrich one's life. Furthermore, money can provide a safety net in case of emergencies, reducing stress and anxiety about the future.

On the other hand, excessive wealth can bring about its own set of problems. It can lead to isolation as it becomes difficult to distinguish between genuine relationships and those driven by financial gains. My cousin, Lucy, who inherited a large fortune, often complains about the difficulty of finding true friends. Additionally, wealth can sometimes lead to complacency and lack of motivation to work hard and achieve personal growth. Lastly, managing a large amount of wealth can be stressful and time-consuming.

From my perspective, while money can certainly make life more comfortable, it is not the ultimate key to happiness or a trouble-free life. It is essential to strike a balance and not let wealth control one's life. The value of genuine relationships, personal growth, and peace of mind should not be underestimated. In conclusion, it is not the amount of wealth one possesses, but how one manages and utilizes it, that determines the quality of life.

Band 9 Example Answer:

The concept of wealth and its impact on life is a topic that elicits diverse viewpoints. Some individuals believe that possessing substantial wealth simplifies life, while others argue that excessive affluence can lead to complications. I will discuss both perspectives before sharing my own stance.

On one hand, having a lot of money undeniably makes life easier in many aspects. For instance, it provides financial security, allowing individuals to afford necessities and luxuries without worrying about their budget. Wealth can also open doors to quality education, better healthcare, and opportunities for travel, which can enrich one's life experiences. My friend, Michael, who is a successful entrepreneur, is a living example of this. His wealth has allowed him to provide a comfortable life for his family, and he has the freedom to pursue his passions without financial constraints.

On the other hand, an abundance of wealth can indeed bring about problems. It can lead to isolation as people may become suspicious of others' intentions, fearing they are only interested in their money. Furthermore, wealth can sometimes lead to a lack of motivation, especially among the younger generation who inherit their family's wealth and do not feel the need to work hard or achieve anything on their own. For example, I once read about a wealthy businessman, Mr. Smith, whose children led aimless lives due to their inherited wealth. They lacked ambition and were often entangled in legal troubles.

In my perspective, wealth is a double-edged sword. While it can provide comfort and security, it can also lead to problems if not managed wisely. The key lies in maintaining a balance and not letting wealth dictate one's life. It is essential to remember that money is a tool to enhance life, not a measure of happiness or success. Personally, I strive to achieve financial stability to live comfortably, but I also value the importance of hard work, personal achievements, and maintaining genuine relationships.

In conclusion, while wealth can make life easier in many ways, it can also bring about problems if it leads to isolation or a lack of motivation. It is, therefore, essential to manage wealth wisely and maintain a balanced perspective towards it.

Useful expressions and vocabulary for Task 2:

1. Affluent (adjective): This means very rich, having more money than is necessary for daily life.
2. Simplify (verb): To make something less complicated or easier to understand. It's like organizing information into clear, concise points.
3. Complications (noun): Problems or difficulties that make a situation harder. It's like encountering unexpected challenges in a project.
4. Prosperous (adjective): Being successful, especially in terms of wealth. It's similar to achieving great success in a career.
5. Materialistic (adjective): Caring a lot about physical possessions and wealth, often more than other values. It's like prioritizing material goods over experiences or relationships.
6. Burdened (verb): Being heavily loaded with problems or responsibilities. It's like having to manage multiple challenging tasks at once.
7. Extravagant (adjective): Spending much more money than necessary. It's like going on a shopping spree without considering the budget.
8. Corrupt (adjective): Engaging in dishonest or unethical activities, often for personal gain. It's like manipulating rules for one's own advantage.
9. Generosity (noun): Willingly giving or sharing with others. It's like donating to charity or helping those in need.
10. Social status (noun phrase): Your position or rank within society. It's like being recognized for your professional achievements or social contributions.
11. Financial security (noun phrase): Having enough money to live comfortably and handle emergencies. It's like having savings for unexpected expenses.
12. Charitable (adjective): Giving aid to those in need, whether through donations or volunteering. It's like supporting community welfare programs.
13. Assume responsibility (verb phrase): Taking charge of a duty or role. It's like stepping up to lead a project or task.
14. Exert influence (verb phrase): Using your power or authority to affect change. It's like using your position to implement new ideas or policies.
15. Acquire wealth (verb phrase): Gaining a significant amount of money, often through work or investments. It's like successfully growing a business or investment portfolio.

Tips:

1. Understand the Question: Make sure you understand what the question is asking. In this case, you need to discuss both the view that having a lot of money makes life easier and the view that too much wealth can bring problems. You also need to share your own perspective.

2. Plan Your Answer: Before you start writing, plan out your answer. Decide what points you're going to discuss for each view and what your own perspective is. Also, think about any personal experiences or examples you can include to support your points.

3. Structure Your Answer: Your answer should have a clear structure. Start with an introduction where you briefly explain what you're going to discuss. Then, have one paragraph for each view and another one for your own perspective. Finish with a conclusion that sums up your points.

4. Use Clear and Simple Language: You don't need to use fancy words to get your points across. Just use clear and simple language that is easy to understand. Make sure your sentences are not too long or complicated.

5. Check Your Work: After you've finished writing, take a few minutes to check your work. Look for any spelling or grammar mistakes and make sure your answer is clear and makes sense.