Friend’s birthday - band 8
Dear Julie,
I hope you’re doing well. It’s been a long time since my last trip to Sydney with you and your family. I’ve heard you’re coming to my city in China just in a few days so that’s really fantastic news!
You can’t even imagine how excited I am about your visit! By the way, is that true that your birthday is going to take place on May 11th_just after you’ll arrive? It’s no doubt that we should do something memorable and definitely fun to celebrate your birthday!
As far as I know, you enjoy nature and prefer active time spending. In my opinion, we could get together with your friends and arrange a hiking trip to the mountains instead of usual celebration in a restaurant. Besides, I’ve got some tents and BBQ sets so we can even spend a night outside, fry sausages and marshmallows, sing songs and play volleyball.
Well, what do you think about this idea? I really wish to make your birthday special and extraordinary so you’ll have a lot of stories to share with your family when you’ll return to Australia. Anyway, it’s your day and the decision is totally up to you. If you hesitate even a bit about this, let me know as we can think of other options like having a dinner, going to the park or to the movie and so on.
I look forward to your positive response.
Best regards,
Polina
(237 words)
Task Achievement
This is a very good letter which covers all the parts of the question in an appropriate style and uses appropriate informal language. (8)
Coherence & Cohesion
The letter is well organised and easy to follow with some good linking expressions, although a little over formal in places. (7.5)
Lexical Resource
The range of vocabulary is good, with few errors and a suitable informal style. (8)
Grammatical Range & Accuracy
Grammar is mostly appropriate and accurate with just a few errors to take note of. (7.5)
Overall Comment - how to improve
This is a very good answer which covers all the parts of the task. There are very few mistakes but a wider range of grammatical structures would increase the band score.
