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General Training Task 1 — informal letter: Recommending a TV series to a friend. 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.
You have recently started watching a television series that you really enjoy. Write a letter to a friend.
In your letter, you should:
• Describe the TV series
• Explain why you like it
• Suggest why your friend should watch it too
| Letter type | Informal |
| Tone | Informal |
| Opening | Dear [First Name], |
| Closing | Can't wait to hear what you think! / Cheers, |
Dear Sarah,
I have been meaning to write for ages, but I have been completely absorbed in a new television series that I cannot stop thinking about — and I have a feeling you are going to love it just as much as I do. It is called The Night Manager, a gripping spy thriller set across several European cities, following a former soldier who infiltrates the inner circle of an arms dealer.
I like it because the plot is intelligent without being confusing, the cinematography is stunning, and the characters feel genuinely complex rather than one-dimensional. I have found myself staying up far too late binge-watching episode after episode, which rarely happens to me with anything on television.
I think you should watch it because you have always enjoyed suspenseful dramas with strong moral dilemmas, and this delivers exactly that. The entire first season is available on a streaming platform we both use, so you could start tonight. Let me know what you think once you have seen the opening episode!
Can't wait to hear what you think!
Strategy
Pure informal recommendation letter. Use enthusiastic, conversational language. Give a genuine description (genre + plot
summary) before explaining the personal appeal.
Common trap
Keep description concise — 2–3 sentences only. Examiners do not want a full plot summary; they want your
RESPONSE to it.
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