IELTS Writing Challenge

Hello dear Chaibuddies! Preparing for IELTS? Try this writing exercise. If you want to learn more about IELTS exam, you can read my previous blog here and get tips to prepare for writing section.

So let's start with our practice. In actual exam, you will have 2 writing tasks - one of 20 minutes and the other of 40 minutes. Overall, this section is allotted an hour. Prepare yourself keeping those time limits in mind.

 Task Begins

The Unexpected Roommate! 

(Writing Task 1 - General Training - 20 minutes)

Imagine this: You've just moved into a new shared apartment. You were expecting to live with someone similar to yourself, but upon arrival, you discover your new roommate is completely different!

Your Challenge: Write a letter to a friend describing your new roommate and the unexpected challenges (or benefits!) of living with someone so different from you. Take no more than 20 minutes for the task.

Here are some prompts to get you started:

• Describe your initial expectations for your roommate and how they differed from reality.
• Explain some specific ways your lifestyles and personalities clash.
• Are there any unexpected benefits to having such a different roommate?
• How do you plan to overcome any challenges or adjust to living together?

Remember:

• Aim for a minimum of 250 words.
• Use a formal tone appropriate for a letter format.
• Include a clear introduction, body paragraphs with strong supporting details, and a concluding paragraph.
• Demonstrate a variety of vocabulary and grammatical structures.

Bonus Points:

• Use transition words and phrases to connect your ideas smoothly.
• Include a humorous anecdote about a situation that arose due to your differences.
• End with a positive outlook on your future living situation.

Example Response:

Dear Mate [Your Friend's Name],

I'm finally settled into my new apartment, and let me tell you, it's been quite the experience! Remember how we discussed wanting a roommate with similar interests and schedules? Well, the universe seems to have had other plans.

My initial expectation was to share my space with someone who enjoyed a clean and quiet environment, much like myself. I envisioned us studying together in the evenings and maybe even exploring the city on weekends. However, upon arrival, I was greeted by [Roommate's Name], a free spirit with a passion for heavy metal music and a seemingly endless supply of friends. Needless to say, our living styles have clashed a bit!

The most significant challenge so far is the noise level. [Roommate's Name] often has friends over late into the night, and their music preferences are, well, let's just say they're the opposite of calming background noise for studying. Additionally, keeping the apartment tidy has proven difficult. While I meticulously clean the kitchen after each use, [Roommate's Name] seems to have a more relaxed approach.

Despite the initial chaos, there have been some unexpected benefits. [Roommate's Name] is incredibly extroverted and has introduced me to a whole new group of people I wouldn't have met otherwise. They've also shown me a different way of approaching life, one that's a little less uptight and a lot more spontaneous. Who knows, maybe a little heavy metal won't hurt my studying after all! And I can sneak into the study-enclosure of my dormitory anytime 24x7 where I find my quiet zone. 

Moving forward, I plan to have an open and honest conversation with [Roommate's Name] about our living habits. For instance - knowing when his friends come over, I can adjust my sleep schedules accordingly. I'm confident that through clear communication and a bit of compromise, we can establish a system that works for both of us. Maybe we can even find a middle ground between my love for calm environment and classical music and their taste for heavy metal!

Overall, this unexpected living situation has definitely been an adjustment. While there are challenges, I'm also open to the potential for new experiences, learning new social skills and personal growth. I'll keep you updated on how things progress, and hopefully, next time we chat, I'll have a funny story to share about our clashing personalities (and maybe even a newfound appreciation for a different genre of music!).

Talk soon, 

[Your Name]