Sample response & feedback

Advice to a Friend on a First Camping Holiday

Question

View question5 sample responses · Bands 7.0–8.0

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 …………………… ,

Annotated response

9 correction notes

Dear Mayukh,

I am writing to share some suggestions that you asked for during your first camping trip this summer.

After working long hours for the last few months, I know you needed a break from your hectic schedule. The best way to do so is a camping trip . As you , I Rishikesh. The campsites there offer serene surroundings, with the backdrop of majestic mountains and the soothing sound of the river. Also, you can enjoy activities like river rafting, trekking, yoga, and meditation amidst nature.

However, there are some downsides to camping that you must be aware of. Firstly, outdoor activities like hiking, rock climbing, or swimming while camping carry risks of injury. Moreover, being outdoors increases the likelihood of encountering insects such as mosquitoes and ants, which can bite and cause discomfort. Additionally, camping involves limited comfort, as you have to sleep on the ground in tents or sleeping bags and have restricted access to modern conveniences.

Honestly, I am in desperate need of a break and would like to join you. So, if you are interested, let me know.

,

Kumar

Overall assessment

Why this response received Band 7.0

The letter is well organised and covers all three bullet points, linking the proposed destination to the friend’s interests and offering to join. Its personal details and clear paragraphing are strengths. The main weaknesses are unclear timing and sentence attachment near the opening, alongside a few expressions that sound unusually formal or literary for friendly advice.

IELTS criteria

How each score was decided

TA Task Achievement

7.0

The letter addresses all three bullets clearly with an appropriate friendly register, though some phrasing such as 'orophile' and the opening sentence slightly obscure the intended meaning.

CC Coherence and Cohesion

7.0

Ideas progress logically across paragraphs with well-managed linking ('However', 'Moreover', 'Additionally'), giving a clear overall progression.

LR Lexical Resource

7.0

Vocabulary is generally flexible and natural ('hectic schedule', 'serene surroundings'), but a few imprecise or showy choices affect accuracy.

GRA Grammatical Range and Accuracy

7.5

A good range of structures is used with generally strong control. The opening “After working” attaches to “I” instead of the friend, while “asked for during your first camping trip” blurs the timing of the request for advice.

More responses with feedback

View all 5 responses (7.0–8.0)