Today, let’s talk about how to write an invitation letter. In the Cambridge IELTS practice tests, there aren’t many examples of invitation letters, and the ones available usually focus on describing an event and then extending an invitation as part of the letter.
For example, in General Training IELTS 6 Test B Task 1, the prompt is as follows:
You have just moved into a new home and are planning to hold a party. You are worried that the noise may disturb your neighbour.
Write a letter to your neighbour. In your letter
- introduce yourself
- describe your plans for the party
- invite your neighbour to come
In General Traning IELTS 7 Test B Task 1, there is another example:
Last month you had a holiday overseas where you stayed with some friends. They have just sent you some photos of your holiday.
Write a letter to your friends. In your letter
- thank them for the photos and for the holiday
- explain why you didn’t write earlier
- invite them to come and stay with you
And in General Traning IELTS 8 Test A Task 1, there is an similar exmaple:
You have recently moved to a different house.
Write a letter to an English-speaking friend. In your letter
- explain why you have moved
- describe the new house
- invite your friend to come and visit
Although these letters don’t have inviting as their main purpose, they give us a rough idea of how such tasks are structured. Additionally, we can also practice writing a complete invitation letter to better prepare for both the exam and real-life situations.
Now, let’s take General Traning IELTS 8 Test A Task 1 as an example to see how the examiner respond.
Sample Answer
Dear Dave,
I am writing to let you know that at last we have moved to a bigger house! We just couldn’t go on living in the two-bedroom bungalow now that the twins are growing up and the new baby has arrived. So we started looking and one thing led to another and finally here we are in our new home.
I’m sure you’ll like it. We have three bedrooms now, and a very modern bathroom and kitchen. The kids are happy because there is much more space with the big living room and the garden outside. But Michel is the happiest of all because he doesn’t need to do much decorating.
Why don’t you come round this weekend and see what you think of our new place? We would all love to see you and if the weather is good we can have a barbecue in the garden.
Our new address and phone number are below, so give us a call and let us know when to expect you. Lots of love,
Francoise
Overall Analysis
- Clear Introduction and Purpose: It opens with the exciting news of moving to a new house, immediately setting a friendly and engaging tone. It clearly addresses the recipient, Dave, and provides the main purpose of the letter, which is to inform him about the move and extend an invitation. This ensures the reader understands the context and intent right from the beginning.
- Detailed Description: The second paragraph offers a detailed description of the new house, including its features (three bedrooms, modern bathroom and kitchen, big living room, and garden). This not only informs the recipient about the new living situation but also creates a sense of excitement and interest. The mention of the kids’ happiness and Michel’s relief from decorating adds a personal touch, making the description more vivid and relatable.
- Warm Invitation: The letter transitions smoothly into the invitation by suggesting a visit over the weekend and mentioning a possible barbecue if the weather is good. This approach makes the invitation feel spontaneous and welcoming, enhancing the personal connection. The friendly tone (“We would all love to see you“) further emphasizes the warmth of the invitation.
- Practical Details and Closure: The letter concludes with practical details, including the new address and phone number, ensuring that Dave has all the information needed to arrange the visit. The closure with “Lots of love” reinforces the informal and affectionate tone of the letter, aligning with the personal nature of the communication.
IELTS Criteria Compliance
Let’s take a closer look at how this letter performs from an IELTS writing criteria perspective.
- Task Response (TR):
This letter effectively addresses the task by informing the recipient about the move and extending an invitation. It includes all the required elements of the task in a natural and engaging manner. - Coherence and Cohesion (CC):
It is well-organized, with a clear flow from introducing the new house to inviting the recipient for a visit. Each paragraph serves a specific purpose, and cohesive devices like “I’m sure you’ll like it” and “Why don’t you come round this weekend” help connect ideas smoothly. - Lexical Resource (LR):
The vocabulary used is appropriate and varied for an informal letter. Phrases such as “at last,” “big living room,” and “barbecue in the garden” effectively convey the excitement and personal touch. The language is warm and inviting, enhancing the friendly tone. - Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA):
It demonstrates a range of sentence structures, including complex sentences and conversational phrasing. The grammar is accurate, with correct use of tenses, punctuation, and sentence formation, maintaining a consistent informal tone.
One More Example
Here is an example of an invitation letter to illustrate how to craft one effectively.
Dear Emma,
I hope this letter finds you well. I’m excited to invite you to our annual summer garden party at our new house on Saturday, June 15th, starting at 3 PM. We recently moved to 123 Maple Lane, and we would be thrilled if you could come and see our new place.
We’re planning a fun afternoon with a barbecue, live music, and plenty of games for the kids. There will be a variety of delicious food and refreshing drinks, and we’re hoping for beautiful weather. It’s going to be a relaxed gathering with great food and even better company.
Please feel free to bring a guest, and let us know if you can make it by June 10th so we can plan accordingly. We look forward to catching up and enjoying a wonderful time together!
Best wishes,
Sophia
Key Takeaways
- Clear Purpose: Start by clearly stating the purpose of the letter. Whether it’s to invite someone to an event, visit a new home, or join a special occasion, make sure the recipient understands the main reason for the letter right away.
- Detailed Description: Provide relevant details about the event or situation. If inviting to a new home, describe the features and improvements. If inviting to an event, include specifics such as date, time, location, and any special arrangements. This helps the recipient understand what to expect and adds a personal touch.
- Warm and Friendly Tone: Use a warm, friendly tone to make the invitation feel genuine and engaging. Phrases like “We would love to see you” or “We’re excited to have you” create a welcoming atmosphere and enhance the personal connection.
- Practical Information: Include any necessary practical details such as address, contact information, and instructions on how to RSVP or get in touch. This ensures the recipient has all the information needed to respond and plan their visit.
- Appropriate Closure: End the letter on a positive note, reinforcing the invitation and expressing enthusiasm. Phrases like “Looking forward to seeing you” or “Hope you can make it” maintain the inviting tone. Use a suitable closing phrase, like “Best wishes” or “Lots of love,” depending on the formality of the letter.
