Sample response & feedback

Letter Advising a Friend About a University Course

Question

View question5 sample responses · Bands 7.0–8.0

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 …………………… ,

Annotated response

8 correction notes

Dear Ruhan,

I hope you’re doing great! I am excited to learn that you’re considering applying for the same course that I studied at university. I’d be happy to share my experience and offer some advice to help you with your decision.

I completed a "Media and Communications" degree at Goldsmiths, University of London, and it was an incredible experience. The course covered a wide range of topics, including Media Theory and Analysis, Journalism and News Reporting, Media Law and Ethics, Global Media and Communication and so on. The professors were knowledgeable and supportive, and the university had excellent facilities, including a well-stocked library and modern labs.

I highly recommend because of its strong academic reputation, great campus environment, and excellent career support services. The networking opportunities and industry connections also helped many of my classmates secure jobs right after graduation.

To apply, I suggest you start by checking the university’s official website for entry requirements and deadlines. Be sure to prepare a strong personal statement explaining why you’re passionate about this field, and gather any required documents, such as transcripts and recommendation letters.

If you have any questions or need help with your application, just let me know. I’d be happy to help!

Best wishes,

David

Overall assessment

Why this response received Band 8.0

The letter fully achieves its purpose, covering all three bullet points with relevant detail in a consistently friendly, appropriate tone. Organisation and language are both strong; the main limitation is that the advice and details are somewhat general rather than personalised or vividly developed.

IELTS criteria

How each score was decided

TA Task Achievement

8.0

The letter addresses all three bullet points from the prompt—course details, reasons for recommending the university, and application advice—with a clear purpose and an appropriately warm register throughout.

CC Coherence and Cohesion

8.0

Ideas progress logically across well-organised paragraphs, with smooth and accurate use of cohesive devices linking each stage of the letter.

LR Lexical Resource

7.5

Vocabulary is flexible and natural for an informal letter, with good topic-specific phrasing. General praise such as 'incredible experience' offers little detail, while 'excellent' is repeated for facilities and career support.

GRA Grammatical Range and Accuracy

8.0

Complex relative clauses, coordinated clauses and an introductory conditional are handled accurately. The sentences remain clear despite several long lists and combinations of ideas.

More responses with feedback

View all 5 responses (7.0–8.0)