Examiner Comments
This letter adopts a friendly and informal tone, which is appropriate for a personal letter to a friend.
The writer uses expressive language to convey excitement about the trek and gratitude for the guidebook which adds a personal touch to the letter.
The inclusion of specific details about the trek, such as the Annapurna Circuit mention, the weather, and encountering charming villages makes the letter more vivid and engaging.
The use of exclamation marks appropriately conveys enthusiasm and excitement contributing to a natural and overall positive tone which is used consistently throughout.
Appropriate cohesive devices are used effectively in this letter.
The letter is arranged into distinct paragraphs and ideas flow logically.
Throughout the letter, the writer uses a wide range of more informal linking words naturally which helps the reader follow the ideas.
This letter contains a wide range of appropriate vocabulary which is used accurately and contributes to the overall friendly tone. There are no spelling errors.
Some examples of appropriate vocabulary are:
I just got back: I just got back from an amazing holiday trekking in Nepal!!
I’m so excited to tell you: I’m so excited to tell you that I spent three weeks doing the Annapurna Circuit Trek as you recommended!
Breathtaking scenery: Some of the trek was very difficult because we had to climb quite high and had some issues with altitude sickness, but the feeling of achievement and the breathtaking scenery was an incredible experience!
One of the best things I’ve ever done: It was truly one of the best things I’ve ever done and your book was one of the main reasons for this so I can’t thank you enough!
I’ve got so much to tell you: I’ve got so much to tell you about the trek and it’d be great to compare stories since you’ve done it yourself!
This letter uses advanced grammar structures which contribute to the overall fluency, expressiveness, and variety of the language used overall.
- Complex sentence structure: Some of the trek was very difficult because we had to climb quite high but the feeling of achievement and the breathtaking scenery was an incredible experience.
- Exclamatory sentences: I’m doing great – I just got back from an amazing holiday trekking in Nepal!!
- Use of intensifiers: I just wanted to write and thank you for the guidebook you lent me; it was invaluable!
- Conditional structure: Let me know if you’re up for it…
- Modal verbs: I’d love to take you out for a meal to say thanks properly.
Useful Vocabulary
Using “I hope you’re well” is a friendly and polite way to start a conversation. It shows you care about the other person’s feelings and sets a positive tone for the discussion.
I hope you’re well!
The phrase “I’m so excited to tell you” is used to show that you’re really looking forward to sharing something important or interesting with someone. It grabs their attention and builds anticipation for what you’re about to say.
I’m so excited to tell you that I spent three weeks doing the Annapurna Circuit Trek as you recommended!
The phrase “we even saw” suggests that what was seen was surprising or notable among other things.
We even saw two snow leopards playing on the side of a mountain one night which was just magical!
Altitude sickness happens when someone goes to high elevations too quickly. It’s caused by the body struggling with less oxygen and lower air pressure.
Some of the trek was very difficult because we had to climb quite high and had some issues with altitude sickness, but the feeling of achievement and the breathtaking scenery was an incredible experience!
“Breathtaking scenery” means a view that is so incredibly beautiful or stunning that it leaves a strong impression on you.
Some of the trek was very difficult because we had to climb quite high and had some issues with altitude sickness, but the feeling of achievement and the breathtaking scenery was an incredible experience!
“Feeling of achievement” means the satisfaction and pride you feel after accomplishing something significant.
Some of the trek was very difficult because we had to climb quite high and had some issues with altitude sickness, but the feeling of achievement and the breathtaking scenery was an incredible experience!
“Thanks to” means because of or due to.
Thanks to your guidebook I was able to find some trekking paths all the way round the circuit which many others did not know about.
“Charming” means having an attractive or pleasing quality.
In this way, I could avoid the jeep roads that other trekkers were using (and complaining about!) and get to see many charming villages where locals invited me in for tea or to stay overnight.
“I can’t thank you enough” means I’m extremely grateful.
It was truly one of the best things I’ve ever done and your book was one of the main reasons for this so I can’t thank you enough!
“Let me know if you’re up for it” means tell me if you’re interested or willing to do it.
Let me know if you’re up for it, I’d really love to see you!!
“Take care” means look after yourself.
Take care.