Letter Sample #174 – A friend invited you to a home party but you missed it

GT Writing Task 1 (Letter Writing) Sample # 174

You should spend about 20 minutes on this task.

A friend of yours invited you to a home party he/she arranged. However, you have just missed this party. Now you want to apologise for not attending it.

Write a letter to your friend to apologise. In your letter,

• apologise to your friend
• explain why you did not attend the party
• say what you plan to do to make up for missing the party

Write at least 150 words.

You do NOT need to write any addresses.

Begin your letter as follows:

Dear ………………………,

Model Answer 1:

Dear Jennifer,

I’m writing this letter to apologize to you because I failed to attend the home party that you organized a few days ago. But, if an apology only is not enough, please allow me to explain to you why I couldn’t attend the party despite my best effort and intention.

The reason, I failed to attend the party, was that I got an upset stomach just hours before I was supposed to show up at your party. I know that I shouldn’t have tried so much of that “Spicy Thai Chicken Stir Fry”, cooked by my Aunt, on that day, but I guess that I just got a bit too greedy and failed, in the end, to curb up my desire for that delicious but spicy dish.

Now, you know that I can’t really do anything to undo the past actions, but I can certainly do something for you in the future to make up for the missing party. So, how about inviting you to one of the upscale restaurants in the town to try some of your favourite Japanese dishes next weekend?

Warm wishes,

Patricia

Sample Answer 2:

Dear Walter,

I hope this letter finds you well. I’m writing to apologize for missing your home party last weekend. I had been looking forward to attending it for weeks, but unfortunately, an urgent family matter came up that I simply couldn’t ignore.

I feel terrible that I wasn’t able to attend your party and show my support for you. I understand how much effort you put into planning the party and making it a success. Please know that it wasn’t my intention to let you down or hurt your feelings. I had to take my grandmother to hospital as her health suddenly deteriorated. I had been there all evening.

To make up for my absence, I would love to take you out for dinner this weekend. I know it’s not the same as attending your party, but it will give us a chance to catch up and celebrate your achievements. Alternatively, if you have any upcoming events or celebrations that I can attend, please let me know. I would be more than happy to join you and make it up to you.

Once again, I am very sorry for not being able to attend your party. I hope you can forgive me.

Warm wishes,

Ivan