Cambridge IELTS 18 General Writing Practice Test 4

IELTS Cambridge Book 18 General Training Writing Practice Test 4 with Sample Answers and Free PDF Download.

IELTS 18 General Training Writing Practice Test 4, Task 1

You should spend about 20 minutes on this task.

You recently attended a training course for your work. Your employer has asked you for your feedback on the training course.

Write a letter to your employer. In your letter:

• Remind your employer what the course was about.
• Explain why the course was useful to you in your work.
• Suggest why the course may not be suitable for some of your other colleagues.

Write at least 150 words.

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

Dear [Employer’s Name],

Sample Writing Answer:

Dear Ms. Karim,

Thank you once again for sending me to the Workplace Safety course. The training was invaluable, and I now feel significantly more confident in my ability to prevent accidents in our factory. During the course, we covered essential topics such as safe storage, maintaining clear access ways, and fire safety protocols.

I have already had the opportunity to apply the skills I learned. For instance, I recently identified and resolved two potential hazards: cables that posed a tripping risk and a large bin partially blocking an exit. These experiences have underscored the practical value of the training.

While I understand that newer employees have already completed this training as part of their orientation, I believe it would be beneficial for longer-serving staff to refresh and expand their knowledge. However, the course may not be necessary for colleagues who work in non-industrial roles, as the content is highly specific to factory settings.

Overall, it was a well-run course, highly relevant to our workplace, and I am grateful for the opportunity to attend.

Many thanks,
[Your Name]

Examiner’s Comments:

This is a good response to the task: it addresses all three bullet points, uses a suitable tone to communicate with an employer, and is presented in the correct letter format. There is clear progression throughout the letter, but more evidence could be provided to justify why the course might not be suitable for all colleagues. The use of cohesive devices is effective, though a wider range of linking expressions could further improve the response.

Vocabulary is used well, with effective collocation [prevent accidents | trip hazard | partially blocking]. Grammatical structures include both simple and complex sentences [started working with us | have been here longer], though most of the letter relies on past simple and present simple tenses.

To achieve the highest scores, the candidate could include a wider range of cohesive devices and grammatical structures. They could also improve the response by providing further suggestions on why the course may not be suitable for other colleagues. Overall, it is a good response.

IELTS 18 General Training Writing Practice Test 4, Task 2

You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.

Write about the following topic:

Some people dislike changes in their society and in their own lives and want things to stay the same.

Why do some people want things to stay the same?
Why should change be regarded as something positive?

Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.

Write at least 250 words.

Sample Writing Answer:

It is true that nothing in life is permanent except change. Changes in society and our own lives are inevitable. We all age, friends and family move away, and our employment situations can suddenly shift. Understandably, many people wish things could stay the same. In this essay, I will explore the reasons behind this desire and explain why embracing change can be beneficial.

Wanting to feel in control of our lives is perfectly normal. We often feel vulnerable when events in society occur that are beyond our control or when we cannot predict the outcome of a situation. The uncertainty caused by the COVID-19 pandemic is a prime example of this. Changes in our personal circumstances can also be difficult to accept. For instance, when a friend or family member moves away, we may experience a deep sense of loss. Ironically, even positive changes can bring uncertainty; for example, a promotion might lead to feelings of imposter syndrome and a fear of failure.

Despite these natural feelings, I believe it is important to embrace change. Since change is unavoidable, it is much better to accept reality than to be consumed by negative thinking. By maintaining a positive attitude, we may discover that change actually benefits us in the long run. Adapting to change also helps us develop resilience, a quality that enables us to turn obstacles into opportunities.

As highlighted above, sooner or later, we will all face change. While change can be unsettling, it is crucial to focus on the positive aspects of our circumstances. Doing so can help us unlock new opportunities we did not know were available to us.

Examiner’s Comments:

This essay is a high-level response that covers all aspects of the question. In the second paragraph, the reasons why people in society and individuals might resist change are well articulated. The third paragraph then provides clear reasons to suggest that, overall, embracing change is a positive process. The position is consistent, and the conclusion effectively ties both areas together for a strong finish.

Ideas are logically organized, and cohesive devices [Ironically | Despite these | As highlighted above | Doing so can] are used effectively. The paragraphing is well-managed, enhancing the essay’s clarity.

Vocabulary is natural and sophisticated [embrace change | deep sense of loss | consumed by negative thinking | develop resilience]. The sentence structure demonstrates full flexibility, with a wide range of complex examples within largely error-free multi-clause sentences.

To further improve the rating, the essay could include an example to illustrate why change should be seen as positive, particularly in the third paragraph. However, this is a very strong, high-level response.