There will be a traditional celebration in your country and you want to invite your friend from an English-speaking country.

There will be a traditional celebration in your country, and you want to invite your friend from an English-speaking country. Write him/her a letter and invite your friend, – explain what happens at the party, – describe the tradition and why it’s important in your country, – say why it is important for your friend to be there.

Dear Sam,

I hope you’re doing great! I’m really excited to invite you to celebrate Eid al-Fitr with my family and me this year in Malaysia. You’ve always been interested in experiencing new cultures, and this is the perfect opportunity!

Eid marks the end of Ramadan, the Islamic holy month of fasting. On this special day, we start with morning prayers at the mosque, dressed in traditional clothes. Then, we have a huge feast with dishes like lemang (sticky rice in bamboo) and rendang (spicy meat stew). Families and friends visit each other, exchange gifts, and give to the poor. The streets are full of lights, and there’s a joyful atmosphere everywhere!

This festival is very important to us because it’s not just about celebration—it’s about gratitude, forgiveness, and unity. After a month of spiritual reflection, Eid brings everyone together, regardless of background.

I think you’d love it for a couple of reasons. Firstly, you’ll experience true Malaysian hospitality—my family can’t wait to meet you. Secondly, It ties perfectly with your love for photography—the vibrant scenes are unforgettable.

Let me know if you can make it—I’ll help plan your trip. Really hope you can come!

With Love,

Betty

Band Score: 8.0-8.5
Task: Informal Letter (GT Writing Task 1)

Strengths:

✅ Task Achievement (9/9)

• The letter fully addresses all parts of the prompt:
  • Clear invitation to Eid celebrations.
  • Detailed explanation of traditions (prayers, food, cultural values).
  • Importance of the festival in Malaysia (unity, gratitude).
  • Personal reason for the friend to attend (photography, food, hospitality).
• The tone is warm and natural, fitting an informal letter to a friend.

✅ Coherence & Cohesion (8.5/9)

• Paragraphs are well-organized:
  1. Invitation + excitement.
  2. Description of Eid traditions.
  3. Cultural significance.
  4. Why the friend should come.
  5. Closing with a call to action.
• Linking words (Then, Because, Really hope) improve flow without sounding forced.

✅ Lexical Resource (8/9)

• Strong cultural vocabulary: Eid al-Fitr, Ramadan, lemang, rendang, gratitude, unity.
• Engaging phrases: “true Malaysian hospitality,” “vibrant scenes are unforgettable.”
• Minor improvement: Replace “huge feast” with “elaborate feast” for more precision.

✅ Grammar (8/9)

• Mostly accurate with a range of structures:
  • Complex sentences (After a month of spiritual reflection, Eid brings everyone together…).
  • Correct tenses and punctuation.
• One minor error: “You’ll taste the best food of your life” → “You’ll taste some of the best food…” (more natural).

Areas for Improvement (Band 9 Tips):

🔹 More Cultural Comparison

• Add a line like, “It’s similar to Christmas in its festive spirit but with unique traditions!” to help the reader relate.

🔹 Slightly More Formal Transitions

• While informal, phrases like “What’s more,…” instead of “Then,…” could enhance cohesion.

🔹 Stronger Closing

• Instead of “Really hope you can come!”, try: “I’d be thrilled if you could join us—let me know your thoughts!”