UAE – Latest IELTS Writing Task 1 & 2 – August 2024 (General Training)

Writing Task – 1 (A Letter)

You should spend 20 minutes on this task

You recently helped your company organize an event at a hotel. Write a letter to the hotel manager. In your letter:

• Provide details about the event
• Mention what you particularly liked about the hotel
• Suggest areas for improvement

Write at least 150 words, (You do NOT need to write any addresses).

Sample Answer

Dear Sir or Madam,

I would like to thank you for your great support in hosting an event for our organization at your hotel last week. “Radisson” hotel has enjoyed some great reputation over the years because of its great service, and this time it was no exception except for that the food quality, which, according to our participants, was not exactly what they expected.

I must mention that we liked pretty much everything about the hotel, including its hygiene and cleanliness, great customer service, large lounge area and high-speed internet service. We also liked the fact that the conference hall of your hotel, where we organized an all-day-long meeting without any trouble, was very spacious and comfortable with all kinds of modern facilities and amenities.

However, when it came to the food that we were served, I am afraid I cannot say the same, and some of our participants complained about it. Some of your items were not properly cooked. In fact, I felt like the food was cooked by some amateur chef. Besides, the Sensational Crispy Wrap, you served, tasted like it was heated in the microwave, and as a result, it tasted very stale. Anyway, without getting into any further details, I would like to ask you to tell your chefs to be a bit more careful about the food they serve to your valuable customers.

I am hoping that the food quality will improve in future. Wishing you a great day. 

Yours faithfully,

Johnson

Writing Task – 2 (An Essay)

You should spend 20 minutes on this task

Some people believe that old buildings, such as town halls and art galleries, should be restored, even though this can be costly. Others argue that governments should replace them with new, modern buildings.

Discuss both views and give your own opinion. 

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

Sample Answer

The debate over whether old buildings, like town halls and art galleries, should be restored or replaced with modern structures is a fascinating one. On one hand, preserving these historic sites can maintain cultural heritage. On the other hand, maintaining them can be costly, leading some to argue for new, contemporary buildings. Let’s look at both sides of the argument before sharing my own thoughts.

Supporters of restoring old buildings believe that these structures are more than just physical spaces—they are a piece of our history. For example, the restoration of historic landmarks like the Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris shows how preserving old buildings can maintain cultural identity and provide educational opportunities. These buildings often feature unique architecture and craftsmanship that new constructions can’t replicate. Plus, they can boost local pride and attract tourists, adding to their value.

On the flip side, maintaining old buildings can be expensive and sometimes impractical. Renovations to update safety features and comply with modern standards can cost a lot. New buildings often come with the latest energy-efficient technologies and can be designed to meet current needs more effectively. For instance, replacing an outdated library with a new one might offer better facilities and reduce long-term operational costs. This approach can also address contemporary issues like accessibility and environmental sustainability.

In conclusion, there are strong arguments on both sides. Restoring old buildings helps preserve cultural heritage and offers historical value, but it can be costly and sometimes impractical. On the other hand, new buildings provide modern amenities and can be more cost-effective in the long run. Personally, I think a balanced approach is best—preserve what’s truly significant, but don’t be afraid to replace what’s beyond repair or no longer serves the community well. This way, we respect our past while also planning for the future.