Cambridge IELTS 18 General Writing Practice Test 1

IELTS Cambridge Book 18 General Training Writing Practice Test 1 with Sample Answers and Free PDF Download.

IELTS 18 General Training Writing Practice Test 1, Task 1

You should spend about 20 minutes on this task.

Your English-speaking friend has asked for your help with a college project they are doing about celebrating New Year in different countries.

Write a letter to your friend. In your letter:

• Say how important New Year is to people in your country.
• Describe how New Year is celebrated in your country.
• Explain what you like about New Year celebrations in your country.

Write at least 150 words.

You do NOT need to write any addresses. Begin your letter as follows:

Dear [Friend’s Name],

Sample Answer:

Dear Mia,

It’s great to hear from you! Your project sounds really interesting. I’d be happy to tell you about Tet in Vietnam.

Tet is short for Tết Nguyên Đán, and it’s our New Year according to the lunar calendar. It marks the first day of spring and usually falls in January or February. This festival is incredibly important to us as it’s a time for family reunions, and we also visit the graves of our ancestors. Tet is probably the biggest festival in Vietnam and is observed as a public holiday. We believe that if good things happen on the first day of the new year, the entire year will be full of blessings.

As a child, I loved Tet because I would receive a red envelope with money inside from the older members of the family. Now, I enjoy visiting friends and extended family during Tet week and indulging in the lovely candied fruits that are a tradition during this occasion.

I hope this helps. Let me know if there’s anything else you’d like to know.

All the best,
[Your Name]

Examiner’s Comments:

This response addresses all the bullet points. The candidate mentions the significance of New Year (Tet) and provides a brief overview of the celebrations, but could add more details about how it is celebrated. The tone is appropriate for a letter to a friend, and the response is well-structured with clear progression.

The vocabulary range is good, with some less common expressions and effective linking words. However, the sentence structure could be more varied, as many sentences start with “It’s.” Expanding the range of grammatical structures and cohesive devices would improve the response.

IELTS 18 General Training Writing Practice Test 1, Task 2

You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.

Write about the following topic:

Some people say that it is better to work for a large company than a small one. Do you agree or disagree? Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.

Write at least 250 words.

Sample Answer:

Job seekers often question whether it is better to work for a large or a small company. I would personally prefer to work for a larger company, but I’d like to consider the advantages and disadvantages of both.

In general, larger companies can support their employees more effectively because they have access to more resources. These could include higher salaries, end-of-year bonuses, and other perks such as excellent food services and even sports facilities. Large companies may also contribute more to your professional development by offering regular conferences and training courses.

The size of a large company also indicates its success, which often means greater stability. There is also a better chance for promotion and career development in companies with many departments and a larger management structure. However, advancement may not come easily because it is hard to stand out when many employees are vying for the same role.

In small companies, you may feel less like a number and that your efforts actually make a difference. You will also need to wear different hats, which helps you develop a skill set that might not be possible in a larger company. The downside is a higher chance of strained relationships because working in close proximity with the same small group of people every day can be challenging. Small companies can also be unstable. If they lose a large account or if consumer tastes change, your position could suddenly become precarious.

Based on the above, I’d say that the type of company you choose to work for depends on personal preference, but your future career prospects may be better in a large company.

Examiner’s Comments:

This response covers both aspects of the task, discussing the pros and cons of working in both large and small companies with good supporting details. The ideas are logically organized, and cohesion is well managed throughout.

There is a range of linkers and cohesive devices, making the essay easy to read. The vocabulary is strong, with some natural and sophisticated examples. The grammar is flexible and accurate, with a range of structures including modals and conditionals in complex sentences. Errors are rare, making this a good example of a high-level response.