Letter Sample #16 – You are unable to attend your friend’s birthday

GT Writing Task 1 (Letter Writing) Sample # 16

You should spend about 20 minutes on this task.

Your friend is celebrating his/her birthday soon and has invited you to the party. But you are unable to come because you are going to attend an important meeting that day.

Write a letter to your friend. In your letter:

• thank him/her for the invitation
• explain why you cannot come
• propose to meet on another day

Write at least 150 words.

You do NOT need to write any addresses.

Begin your letter as follows:

Dear ………….,

Model Answer 1:

Dear Aaliyah,

Thank you very much for inviting me to your birthday party. I still recall your last birthday celebration and this was a mesmerising occasion to meet your friends and family. I wish you a very happy birthday. Unfortunately, due to an important official meeting, I won’t be able to make it.

I cannot believe how fast time goes by. Your last birthday occasion seems had been just a few months ago! I wish I could have been present to wish your birthday in person this year as well. Unfortunately, my office is going to hold an annual board meeting and that usually takes the whole day. We invite some key personnel in the meeting and my presence is utterly important considering the role I play. There is no way I can skip the meeting or leave early. Regrettably, your birthday is on the same day.

I would, however, like to meet you next Saturday and give your birthday gift. Save my birthday cake until then.

I look forward to meeting you soon and wish you a very pleasant birthday.

Yours,

Stacy

Model Answer 2: 

Dear Jack,

Thank you a bunch for extending me the invitation to attend and celebrate your next birthday party which is supposed to be held next week, after five days from now.

But, unfortunately, as much as I would love to enjoy it, I just won’t be available at your party to wish you a very happy birthday on that occasion. I would need to attend a very important meeting in my office. In fact, starting the meeting after office hour at around 6:00 pm and finishing it around 9:00 pm would leave me very little time to reach you on time since it is a two-hour drive from my place.

Besides, given how I don’t really feel comfortable with driving fast late at night, I guess, I will just have to “toast” you another day. In fact, I would like to give you a treat, which you will never forget, at your favourite restaurant where you will get to enjoy your all-time favourite dinner with sirloin steak and mashed potatoes and then, of course, German chocolate cake for dessert! It’s a treat “until you are fully satisfied”!

Just let me know when you are ready for the treat!

Best wishes and advance happy birthday,

Jerry