You recently bought a gift for a friend who has just had a new baby.
Write a letter to your friend. In your letter:
- describe the gift you have chosen
- explain why you selected this gift
- say when and how you will give the gift to your friend
📌 Note: This question appeared in the CD-IELTS Writing exam on 18 August, 2025 in Canada.
2025 IELTS Writing Task 2 Questions – Click to View All
Band 9 Sample Answer:
Dear Sarah,
I hope you and the little one are doing well. I just wanted to tell you how excited I was to buy a small gift for your newborn, and I can’t wait to give it to you in person.
I picked out a soft baby blanket set made of organic cotton. It’s in pastel shades, which I thought would be gentle on the baby’s eyes and suit both day and night use. The fabric is breathable and warm at the same time, so your little angel will stay comfortable no matter the season.
The reason I chose this particular gift is because I remember you telling me during your pregnancy that you wanted practical items rather than decorative ones. A blanket, in my view, is something you’ll use every single day, and it will hopefully remind you of the love and warmth from our friendship each time you wrap the baby in it.
I’m planning to stop by your house this weekend with the gift. It would be lovely to spend some time with you, meet the baby properly, and perhaps share a cup of tea if you’re not too tired. I’ll give you a call before I come, just to make sure it’s a convenient time.
Looking forward to seeing you soon,
Anna
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Band 9 Insights Based on IELTS Writing Band Descriptors:
Task Response
- Covers all three bullet points clearly: description of the gift, reason for choosing it, and when/how it will be given.
- Purpose is fully achieved: congratulating, explaining, and planning a visit.
- Clear progression and logical flow from one idea to the next.
Coherence and Cohesion
- Smooth organisation: greeting → description → explanation → arrangement → closing.
- Informal linking words used naturally: “I just wanted to tell you…”, “The reason I chose this particular gift…”, “I’m planning to stop by…”.
- Reference words like “this particular gift,” “it,” “the little one” help avoid repetition.
Lexical Resource
- Wide range of informal yet precise vocabulary: “soft baby blanket set,” “pastel shades,” “breathable,” “angel,” “wrap the baby in it.”
- Expressions of warmth and affection suitable for a friendly letter: “little angel,” “love and warmth from our friendship,” “can’t wait to give it to you.”
- Tone is perfectly informal, as required.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy
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Mix of sentence types:
- Complex: “The reason I chose this particular gift is because I remember you telling me…”
- Compound: “It would be lovely to spend some time with you, meet the baby properly, and perhaps share a cup of tea…”
- Grammar and punctuation are error-free.
- Natural contractions used sparingly (“can’t wait”) to keep an informal style.
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