IELTS – Exam 1 – General Training Writing（IELTS GT 写作（Exam 1））

## IELTS General Training Writing Practice Test

Task 1

You should spend about 20 minutes on this task. Write at least 150 words.

After you finish, use the checklist to evaluate your writing task. Then, compare your task with the sample answer.

Your friend helped you prepare for an exam, and you have passed it. Write a letter to your friend.
In your letter,

• Thank your friend.
• Explain how your friend’s help was useful to pass the exam.
• Arrange to meet up with your friend sometime soon.

Begin your letter as follows:

Dear \_\_\_\_\_,

Sample answer

Dear Sarah,

I hope this letter finds you in great spirits. I’m writing to express my heartfelt thanks for all the support you gave me while I was preparing for my recent exam. I received the results yesterday, and I’m thrilled to let you know that I passed with flying colours!

Your assistance was invaluable to me during my study sessions. The insights and tips you gave me, especially on tackling the complex topics in biology, made a huge difference. Your approach to breaking down information into manageable bits made it easier for me to grasp the difficult concepts. I truly believe that without your help, achieving such a good score would have been impossible.

Since we haven’t seen each other much lately, I think we should meet up soon to celebrate this success together. How about we catch up over coffee this weekend? It would be great to relax and chat without any books or notes in front of us!

Thank you once again for everything, Sarah. I’m really looking forward to seeing you soon.

Warm regards,

Jessica

(179 words)

Checklist for Task 1

• Have you written at least 150 words?
• Have you covered all bullet points sufficiently?
• Have you written in a suitable format and tone (e.g., based on the recipient of the letter)?
• Have you started the letter as indicated in the question, e.g., Dear \_\_\_\_?
• Have you included the purpose of the letter and/or suggested outcome if required?
• Have you paraphrased to avoid using the same words and/or word order as in the question prompt?
• Have you checked for mistakes in grammar and spelling?

Task 2

You should spend about 40 minutes on this task. Write at least 250 words.

After you finish, use the checklist to evaluate your writing task. Then, compare your task with the sample answer.

Write about the following topic: Some people argue that adopting a four-day workweek would help increase employee productivity and well-being. Others believe that this change could harm business operations and economic stability.

• Discuss both sides and give your opinion.
• Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.

Sample answer

The debate over adopting a four-day workweek has been ongoing for some time. Some argue that reducing working days would boost employee productivity and well-being. However, it is believed by many that such a measure would hurt business operations and economic stability. In my view, the viability of a four-day workweek depends on the industry.

Supporters of the four-day workweek claim that it improves work-life balance, leading to higher job satisfaction and productivity. For example, a trial by Microsoft Japan saw a 40% increase in productivity when they implemented a shorter workweek. Advocates believe that more rest and less workplace stress lead to more efficient and happier employees, which in turn benefits the company.

However, opponents raise valid concerns about the practicality of this model, especially in certain sectors. They argue that industries reliant on daily human interaction, like retail and healthcare, might need help to maintain service levels with fewer working days. In addition, there is a worry that reducing workdays without cutting workloads could result in longer and more stressful hours per day, taking away the intended benefits. Economically, it has been observed  that a shorter workweek could reduce weekday consumer spending, negatively affecting small businesses and local economies.

In conclusion, adopting a four-day workweek offers clear benefits such as improved productivity and enhanced employee well-being. However, this model is less suitable for industries where the physical presence of employees is crucial, particularly in sectors that rely heavily on daily human interactions, such as retail and healthcare. With reduced working days, these industries could face difficulties in maintaining service levels and economic stability. Therefore, I believe a flexible approach that considers each sector’s unique needs would produce the best results.

(281 words)

Checklist for Task 2

• Did you take a few minutes before starting to write to analyze the task and plan your ideas, reasons, and examples?
• Have you determined your stance and consistently expressed your views clearly, supporting them with examples and evidence?
• Have you structured your ideas into well-focused paragraphs and used a variety of linking words to connect and sequence your ideas?
• Have you showcased a range of vocabulary and grammatical structures in your writing?
• Have you included a conclusion that reiterates your opinion where relevant?
• Have you thoroughly reviewed your work for common errors in grammar and spelling?

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