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General Training Task 1 — request letter: Friend looking after your house and pet while on holiday. This page gives the exam question and a band 9 model answer, with the tone, opening and closing lines that suit the letter. Aim for at least 150 words in about 20 minutes.
A friend has agreed to look after your house and pet while you are on holiday. Write a letter to your friend.
In your letter:
• Tell your friend how to look after your pet
• Explain what to do if there is a problem with the house
• Say how you will show your gratitude when you return
| Letter type | Request |
| Tone | Informal |
| Opening | Dear [First Name], |
| Closing | So grateful — can't wait to see you! / Take care, / Love, |
Dear Rachel,
You have no idea how much it means that you are willing to do this for me — I wanted to write everything down so you feel fully prepared!
Milo, my cat, is fed twice a day — a quarter of a pouch at breakfast and half in the evening — and his food is in the cupboard left of the fridge. Clean his litter tray every other day, and he enjoys a short play session in the evening with the feather toy on the bookshelf. The vet's number is on the fridge magnet.
If there is a problem with the house, contact my neighbour, Mr. Davies, on the number on the kitchen counter. He has a spare key and can help with anything urgent. For less serious issues, just message me and I will reply when I can.
When I return, I am taking you to that Thai restaurant you love — my treat, as a proper thank you!
So grateful — can't wait to see you!
Strategy
Practical informal letter. Give SPECIFIC pet care instructions (feeding times, walks, vet's number). For bullet 2, give one clear
emergency contact + what to do in common scenarios (leaking tap, power cut).
Common trap
Bullet 3 (showing gratitude) should be specific — not just "thank you so much" but "I'll take you out for that
dinner at your favourite restaurant as soon as I'm back."
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