B1 Intermediate Writing IELTS · General Training Social & culture About 20 minutes 1 question

An Apology to a Friend

About this practice test

Practise B1 English writing with an apology to a friend. Explain a missed celebration and suggest another way to spend time together.

What you’ll practice

Answering the task

Address the purpose, audience and every requirement.

Developing your ideas

Build clear paragraphs with relevant support.

Using language well

Choose precise vocabulary and varied, accurate sentences.

What to expect: 1 writing task. Write and save each response, then choose feedback for 25 coins. Sign in to receive feedback and unofficial practice band estimates. The practice timer allows 20 minutes.

Study the questions and tasks

Work through the material below, or start the interactive practice above to complete an attempt. Use the task instructions and the guidance at the end of the page to review your own response.

Practice level
B1. Try this level if you can follow the instructions and understand most of the language; choose an earlier level if you need more support.
Question formats
Writing response

How to approach this practice

Identify the purpose of the task and plan your main points before writing. For a visual task, compare the important features and use the supplied data accurately.

  1. An Apology to a Friend · Email / Letter

    Write your own response, addressing every part of the task.

    You were invited to your friend Sam's birthday celebration, but you could not attend. Write a letter to Sam. In your letter, apologise for missing the celebration, explain why you could not attend, and suggest another way to celebrate together. You do not need to write any addresses. Begin your letter: Dear Sam,

    Task requirements

    • Apologise for missing the birthday celebration.
    • Explain why you could not attend.
    • Suggest another way to celebrate together.

    Write at least 150 words. Suggested practice time: 20 minutes.

What to review next

Check every task requirement, paragraph organisation, word choice and sentence accuracy. Revise your response after reviewing any feedback you choose to request.

A focused practice result shows how you did on these tasks. Use several activities across skills to decide what to study next; one practice score does not certify an overall CEFR level.