General Training - Model Answer (Task 1)

An English-speaking friend wants to spend a two-week holiday in your region and has written asking for information and advice. Write a letter to your friend.

In your letter:

• offer to find somewhere to stay
• give advice about what to do
• give information about what clothes to bring

Dear Gabriel,

I’m so happy that you finally decided to visit me in Istanbul in December. You mentioned that you will be bringing your girlfriend with you so I would like to suggest you stay in one of the cheap but comfortable hotels in the centre of the city which are close to all the major attractions.

Two weeks is more than enough time for you to see our fabulous city. In the old part of the city there are historical buildings, churches, mosques and museums such as Aya Sofya, the Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace and Basilica Cistern which are well worth a visit. You should definitely spend an afternoon at the Grand Bazaar and the Spice Bazaar. There are frequent ferries which allow you to explore the Bosphorus too. For a taste of modern Istanbul and the branded shopping district you can visit Taksim Square and Independence Avenue. Of course you will have to sample our traditional food and sweets as well.

December is a cold and wet month here so I suggest you bring plenty of warm clothes including gloves. The strong winds have been known to fill the streets with broken umbrellas so make sure you bring a strong one.

Looking forward to seeing you soon,

Emre Tonguç

Question taken from Cambridge Instant IELTS p.103