IELTS General Training Mock Test 1 - Writing

Dear Sarah, I hope this letter finds you well. I wanted to write to you about my recent stay at the Grand Hotel in Melbourne, which I think would be perfect for your upcoming trip to the city. The hotel is located in the heart of the Central Business District, just a short walk from the train station and within easy reach of Melbourne's main attractions. It's a modern, 15-storey building with comfortable rooms and excellent facilities. My room had a beautiful view of the city skyline, and the lobby area was spacious and welcoming. What impressed me most was the exceptional service provided by the staff. From the moment I arrived, everyone was friendly and helpful. The concierge went out of his way to recommend local restaurants and arrange transportation, while the housekeeping staff ensured my room was always immaculate. The breakfast buffet was outstanding, with both Australian and international options, and the restaurant staff were attentive without being intrusive. I would definitely recommend the Grand Hotel to you for several reasons. Firstly, its central location means you can easily explore the city on foot or by public transport. Secondly, the high standard of service makes you feel valued as a guest. Finally, the comfortable rooms and excellent facilities provide great value for money. I'm sure you'll have a wonderful stay there. Please let me know if you need any more details about my experience. Best regards, John

The debate about whether raising the minimum legal age for driving would improve road safety has been ongoing for many years. While I agree that age can be a factor in driving competence, I believe that other measures would be more effective in enhancing road safety. On one hand, there are valid arguments for increasing the minimum driving age. Younger drivers, particularly teenagers, often lack the maturity and experience to handle complex driving situations. Research shows that drivers aged 16-19 are statistically more likely to be involved in accidents due to risk-taking behavior and inexperience. By raising the minimum age to 18 or 21, authorities could potentially reduce the number of accidents involving inexperienced drivers. However, there are several drawbacks to this approach. Firstly, it would limit the mobility and independence of young people, particularly in rural areas where public transport may be limited. Secondly, it fails to address the root causes of road accidents, such as poor road design, inadequate driver training, and the influence of alcohol or drugs. Moreover, many accidents involve experienced drivers, suggesting that age alone is not the primary factor. In my opinion, a multifaceted approach would be more effective. Firstly, improving driver education and training programs would better prepare young people for the responsibilities of driving. This could include more comprehensive theory and practical training, as well as ongoing education about road safety throughout a driver's lifetime. Secondly, implementing stricter penalties for dangerous driving behaviors, regardless of age, would serve as a stronger deterrent. For example, harsh penalties for using mobile phones while driving or exceeding speed limits could significantly reduce accidents. Thirdly, infrastructure improvements such as better road design, increased use of speed cameras, and improved public transport systems could make roads safer for all users. Countries like the Netherlands have demonstrated that well-designed infrastructure can dramatically reduce accident rates. In conclusion, while raising the minimum driving age might have some benefits, it is not the most effective solution. A comprehensive approach addressing education, enforcement, and infrastructure would yield better results in improving road safety.