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Cambridge IELTS 15 General Training Writing

Four Writing tests with 8 officially scored candidate responses.

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4 tests · 8 scored samples

Cambridge IELTS 15 · General Training

Writing Test 1

Writing Task 1

Letter writing

Time
20 min
Minimum
150 words
Official Band
6.0

A friend of yours is thinking of going on a camping holiday for the first time this summer. He/She has asked for your advice.

Write a letter to your friend. In your letter

explain why you think your friend would enjoy a camping holiday

describe some possible disadvantages

say whether you would like to go camping with your friend this summer

You do NOT need to write any addresses.

Begin your letter as follows:

Dear …………………… ,

Response as published

259 words

Dear Emily,

I haven't seen you for a long time so Iam very excited to meet you. I know that you are thinking of going on a camping holiday this summer for the first time. Iam very happy about that and Iam always ready to give you some advice.

Camping holiday is a wonderful idea. Especially in this summer. I think that not only do you want to go camping holiday in summer but also a lot of people because that is the best time for people to enjoy the life after hard-working day. One of the most important reason why you should go camping is that you are able to see the views and meet a lot of people. That is a chance for you to understand more a lot of culture in our country which you have never known before. The other reason is that you can take part in some social activities which are very interesting. On the other hand, going camping in the summer has a lot of disadvantages. In the first place, it will have negative impact on your skin so you have to wear hat before going camping outside. Secondly, it is easy for you to be ill because the weather in summer is quite hot so you have to prepare medicines before. I would also like to go camping with you this summer because my holiday in summer is very long so I hope that you can go on a camping holiday with me.

Hope to meet you soon.

Your close friend

Writing Task 2

Essay writing

Time
40 min
Minimum
250 words
Official Band
7.5

In many countries today, crime novels and TV crime dramas are becoming more and more popular.

Why do you think these books and TV shows are popular?

What is your opinion of crime fiction and TV crime dramas?

Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.

Response as published

293 words

The reason behind the rising popularity of the crime novels and TV dramas, lies with the fact that the reality transmitted in the show/book, is our own. I am from Rio de Janeiro, a beautiful place with horrible people, and we know that what soap operas show, is not our reality. Sometimes happy endings only happen in fairytales, which leads me to “Tropa de Elite” (Elite Squad, roughly translated) and why it was a phenomenon.

The movie shows our dark side, the drug dealers with machine guns, the dangerous environment of the favelas and the corruption in our police forces. It shows that there is nothing glamorous about being poor in Brazil (an idea that has been growing lately). And that? We relate. We know the truth, and we want it to be seen and heard, even if it is a fiction vision of it.

this is where the fiction part enters. When we watch the brave policeman or the brilliant CSI save the day, it gives a slight comfort. We feel like someone can save us from our reality, someone can be our hero and get the job done. It is a rather gullible thought, but it is the truth. BOPE’s popularity (Rio de Janeiro’s elite police force) grew rapidly after the movie's success.

want to feel heard and to be saved, and in a mix of reality and fantasy, these books and shows do that. I, for example, love them and even considered to be a police officer. But after careful consideration, i gave up the idea, for i think the world’s salvation lies behind a pen or inside a book, and not on the tip of a machine gun. But there is nothing wrong to daydream on our favorite shows.

Cambridge IELTS 15 · General Training

Writing Test 2

Writing Task 1

Letter writing

Time
20 min
Minimum
150 words
Official Band
6.0

A museum near your home is looking for people to do part-time voluntary/unpaid work. You would like to do some voluntary/unpaid work at the museum.

Write a letter to the museum director to apply for the voluntary/unpaid work. In your letter

explain why you want to do voluntary/unpaid work at the museum

describe some skills and qualities you have that would be useful

give details of when you would be available for work

You do NOT need to write any addresses.

Begin your letter as follows:

Dear Sir or Madam,

Response as published

172 words

Dear Sir or Madam,

I saw an advert that said that people that want to do voluntary at this museum should contact you. That's why I am writing this letter!

I would like to do voluntary work at your museum. I am keen on art and history, and especially I am keen on working with them. From what I kow, your museum is based on works of art that have fabulous history.

In the museum I could work as a guide. I already know some interesting information about the drawings that you have in the museum, but if there is something that I don’t know or something that needs improvement, I am opened to studying and developing my knowledge.

I really like working with other people and explaining things that they are interested in, and that is a good skill I guess for guiding.

I am free every Monday, Friday and Sunday from 3PM to 7PM.

I am waiting for your reply and I hope that you agree with my voluntary work.

Writing Task 2

Essay writing

Time
40 min
Minimum
250 words
Official Band
7.0

Nowadays many people complain that they have difficulties getting enough sleep.

What problems can lack of sleep cause?

What can be done about lack of sleep?

Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.

Response as published

324 words

In the modern world, it is argued that sleeping is not taking seriously as before. Some factors which influence this trend can be managed. This essay will discuss problems caused by lack of sleep and give possible solutions to avoid lack of sleep. It will outline the ineffeciency of human beings as a result of lack of sleep and point at the importance to reducing work overload to sleep well as well as mantaining diet, physical and mental health.

Lack of sleep can cause inefficiency in human beings which results in accidents. Fatigue and tiredness tend to overwhelm human beings when they lack sleeping. The body requires enough rest and when this is not permitted it will shut down anytime. Overworking causes body to be sore. A body which is sore from overworking might not get enough from a sleep but requires treatment. Accidents in roads and at work are sometimes a result of non sleeping people. When a body is sore performance is decreased. It is advised to take enough sleep in order to perform duties swiftly. Accidents causes serious damage in human life there it is encouraged to take enough sleep to avoid mishaps.

It is now an individual call to be responsible in doing what is best to avoid consequencies of not sleeping. Reducing work overload is of the solution to combat fatigue. It is not advisable to work overload as this causes the body to be sore. Healthy eating according to dieticians provide remedies to human health. This greatly constitutes to the communications of mind and body and work for those who are consistent on the practice. Normal hours of working time per day and correct diet is essential in mainting a wonderful balance in sleep and work.

In conclusion sleeping is essential. Work overloads should be reduced and deiting as well as physical health are encouraged. Governments and stakeholders must pernalise those who work overwork themselves by more tax.

Cambridge IELTS 15 · General Training

Writing Test 3

Writing Task 1

Letter writing

Time
20 min
Minimum
150 words
Official Band
7.0

A friend of yours is thinking about applying for the same course that you did at university. He/She has asked for your advice about studying this subject.

Write a letter to your friend. In your letter

give details of the course you took at the university

explain why you recommend the university

give some advice about how to apply

You do NOT need to write any addresses.

Begin your letter as follows:

Dear …………………… ,

Response as published

216 words

Dear William,

I hope this letter finds you well.

As per your request, regarding advice, I am writing you so that you can have some more information about the course, the university and the application process.

First of all, the course I studied was Intensive English, offered either in the morning or the evening. The one in the morning goes from 7 to 11am Monday to Thursday, on the other hand, the one in the evening is from 5 to 9pm on the same days. The whole course is 8 weeks. They are always taught by the best teachers, that’s really motivating.

As a second point, the university. It’s so organized! Besides, it’s near where you live so access is easy. The cost is something you can pay monthly and they give you different options. The university really cares for your learning process so they also offer a tutor to help you if needed. I really recommend you the institution.

In order to fullfill the application, you just have to call the number of registration office and the receptionist will ask you for the course code, whic is 139, and some personal details. She'll let you know when the course starts.

I hope you find it useful! Do not hesitate to contact me again.

Regards, Jeanine

Writing Task 2

Essay writing

Time
40 min
Minimum
250 words
Official Band
6.0

In the future, more people will choose to go on holiday in their own country and not travel abroad on holiday.

Do you agree or disagree?

Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.

Response as published

271 words

Our world is fulled of amazing places and almost every people would to visit such ones. On holiday they are given this opportunity and people leave their country and travel. But what they will choose in the future?

In my opinion, most people will prefer to spend their holidays travelling. First of all, people are fed up with own country and they will be in the future, especially. They want to try and see something new. Secondly, travelling improves language skills, broadens the horizons, gives an opportunity to communicate with foreigns. People learn about culture, taste local food. Thirdly, they get an brilliant experience which they will never forget.

Nevertheless, it is believed that people will leave in own country. To begin with, there are a lot of places in their country which is worth to visit. People think that it is enough for them. There will be more entertainment and interesting places in the future than nowadays. Of course, people will not want to go far if they have everything what the need in own country. What is more, much money is spent on travelling, so people will save it and travel towns in their country only.

I do not agree with this opinion. I think, people will a lot of opportunities to earn money in the future as the world is developing very quickly. So they can afford travelling.

To sum up, travelling abroad on holiday has as many advantages as staying at own country. But I strongly believe that people should not afraid of leaving their country. I hope, they will search another places all over the world.

Cambridge IELTS 15 · General Training

Writing Test 4

Writing Task 1

Letter writing

Time
20 min
Minimum
150 words
Official Band
7.0

You have seen an advertisement from a couple, who live in Australia, for someone to teach their two children your language for a year.

Write a letter to the couple. In your letter

explain why you think you would be suitable for the job

say what else you could do for the family

give your reasons for wanting the job

You do NOT need to write any addresses.

Begin your letter as follows:

Dear …………………… ,

Response as published

221 words

Dear Sir and Madam,

I am a long standing Indian citizen who works as a professor in the Giujarat University, Gujarat, India. I am writing this to apply for a job at Hindi language teacher, what you are looking for your chids.

The foremost reason of applying for a job is I have done PhD in Hinda literature successfully from the reputed Giujarat Univerity of India. Besides this I am teaching the Hindi language professionally since last 15 years. I have a wide experience of teaching among different institutions and from the children to younger one. Considering all these factors I feel that I am a suitable candidate for this job.

Moreover, I can also teach the Hindi language to other family member if required so I can make you all aware about Indian culture and its traditions, as I have a vast knowledge of all that too.

As I already have so many years in my home country India, now I want to migrate to different nations of the world so I can learn about the people, their culture and traditions. I will also provide me the opportunity to gain knowledge and some invaluable experiences. I strongly feel that coming to Australia could be great opportunity for me.

In anticipation waiting for your positive response at earliest.

Yours faithfull,

Vipal

Writing Task 2

Essay writing

Time
40 min
Minimum
250 words
Official Band
6.5

In many countries, paying for things using mobile phone (cellphone) apps is becoming increasingly common.

Does this development have more advantages or more disadvantages?

Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.

Response as published

241 words

Technology nowadays is playing a major role in day-to-day life. It has made almost all activities very much easier. It has given us many benefits. One of the major benefits in today’s life is ‘Online Payment’. Today, I am going to highlight the positives and negatives of the same.

When the E-commerce websites were launched, people were very much pleased with the option of paying online, but they consider bit risky then. Net-Banking was not that very common. People were not able to believe or put trust Therefore, they preferred ‘Cash-On-Delivery’. But when gradually time passed, people were comfortable with the ‘Net-Banking’ option and they used it, without any fear. Then the concept of ‘E-wallet’ came which meant that the payments were made using the mobile phone apps. One such popular application now-a-days is ‘Paytm’. In this, you have to make your own account, and store some amount of money from Bank-Account. This is like a wallet where you directly pay your day-to-day transactions using this. This is increasingly becoming common from a small shops to big transactions. Each and every people are aware with this, specially after the demonetisation, where the major concept was going ‘cash-less’.

People generally don't see this as an disadvantage, unless and until the application is leaking same details of users, as is not registered or not reputed. So, we can say that 9 out of 10 people are agreed and comfortable excluding its negative element.