You should spend about 20 minutes on this task.

A friend has invited you to a party, but you cannot attend.

Write a letter to your friend. In your letter include:

  • Apologies for not being able to attend
  • Why you cannot go
  • A suggestion for another time to meet

Write at least 150 words.

You do NOT need to write any addresses.

Begin your letter as follows:

Hi …,

 

Hi Chris,

I hope you’re doing well! Thank you so much for inviting me to your party next weekend; it sounds like it’s going to be an amazing time! Unfortunately, I’m really sorry to say that I won’t be able to make it.

The reason I can’t attend is that I’ve already committed to a work event that same day. My team is launching a new project, and I’ve been put in charge of the event, so I can’t miss it. Believe me, I’d much rather be celebrating with you and everyone else!

That said, I’d love to catch up soon and make it up to you! How about we grab lunch or a coffee sometime next week? I’m free on Wednesday and Thursday afternoons, so let me know if either of those days works for you.

Once again, I’m really sorry I can’t be there, but I hope you have an incredible time at the party! Looking forward to seeing you soon.

Take care,

Peter

165 words

 

Band Score:

  1. Task Achievement (9/9):

The letter effectively addresses all three bullet points from the prompt:

  • The writer apologizes for not being able to attend in the opening, expressing genuine regret.
  • The reason for the absence is clearly explained in the second paragraph, detailing the prior commitment to a work event.
  • The letter concludes with a suggestion for another time to meet, offering specific days and times to catch up.

Each point is expanded with relevant details, and the response is fully developed, making it a strong example of Task Achievement.

  1. Cohesion & Coherence (9/9):

The letter is logically structured, with each paragraph focusing on one aspect of the task (apology, reason, suggestion). Cohesive devices like “Unfortunately,” “The reason I can’t attend is that,” and “That said” are used effectively to connect ideas.

The flow of the letter is smooth, and there are no abrupt topic changes. The use of appropriate linking words and a clear structure ensures that the letter is coherent and easy to follow.

  1. Grammatical Range & Accuracy (9/9):

A wide range of sentence structures is used accurately throughout the letter:

  • “Thank you so much for inviting me to your party next weekend—it sounds like it’s going to be an amazing time!”
  • “The reason I can’t attend is that I’ve already committed to a work event that same day.”
  • “I’d much rather be celebrating with you and everyone else!”

Both simple and complex sentences are used appropriately, with no grammatical errors. The variety of tenses and sentence types demonstrates a high level of grammatical control.

  1. Lexical Resource (9/9):

The letter employs a good range of vocabulary suitable for an informal tone:

  • “Apologize,” “committed,” and “project” show precise word choice.
  • “Grab lunch or a coffee” and “make it up to you” are examples of natural, conversational phrases appropriate for a friendly letter.

There is no repetition of key words, and idiomatic expressions such as “make it up to you” add to the letter’s informal, friendly tone without being too casual or inappropriate.

 

Summary of Scores:

Criterion

Score

Task Achievement

9

Cohesion & Coherence

9

Grammatical Range & Accuracy

9

Lexical Resource

9

 

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