IELTS General Writing Task 1 – Informal You moved to a new city. Write a letter to a friend describing your new place and inviting them to visit. | LangorAi.com
IELTS General Writing Task 1 – Informal You moved to a new city. Write a letter to a friend describing your new place and inviting them to visit. | © LangorAi.com
IELTS General Writing Task 1 – Moving to a New City Letter

IELTS General Writing Task 1 – Moving to a New City

You moved to a new city. Write a letter to a friend describing your new place and inviting them to visit.

Model Answer (Band 8–8.5)

Dear Jamie,

I hope everything is going well back home. I wanted to share some exciting news with you—I have finally settled into my new city, and it already feels surprisingly familiar and welcoming.

My apartment is on the sixth floor of a modern building not far from the river. From my balcony, I can see cyclists passing by and small cafés lining the street below. The neighbourhood is lively during the day yet peaceful at night, which is exactly what I was hoping for.

What I enjoy most is how easy it is to get around. There is a tram stop right outside my building, and within fifteen minutes I can reach the city centre, museums, and even a beautiful public park where people picnic every weekend.

I would absolutely love for you to come and visit once you are free. You could stay with me, explore the city together, and relive some of our old adventures in a brand-new place.

Let me know if the idea appeals to you. I am genuinely looking forward to seeing you again soon.

Best wishes,
Arman

Analytical Review – Strengths, Weaknesses & Improvements

1. Strengths
  • Warm, natural informal tone fully appropriate for writing to a close friend.
  • Strong descriptive details such as “sixth floor,” “balcony,” “tram stop right outside”.
  • Clear paragraph purpose: news → description → transport → invitation.
  • Natural inviting expressions like “I would absolutely love for you to come and visit”.
2. Weaknesses
  • The exact time of the visit is not specified.
3. Recommended Improvements
  • Add a suggested month or holiday period to strengthen the invitation.
  • Include one emotional memory to deepen personal connection.
4. Stronger Synonyms & Useful Collocations
  • surprisingly familiar → unexpectedly comfortable
  • lively → vibrant, energetic
  • get around → move around easily, commute effortlessly
  • relive old adventures → revisit shared memories
5. How to Reach a Higher Band
  • Use one advanced conditional sentence related to travel plans.
  • Add a future plan with a specific time reference.
  • Maintain this natural balance between description and invitation.