Advice on Moving to Halifax

The task

A friend who lives in another country has received a job offer in Halifax, where you have lived for several years. Your friend has asked for your advice before deciding whether to move. Write an email to your friend in about 150-200 words. In your email, do the following:

• Give your friend information about housing costs.
• Describe the weather and how to prepare for it.
• Recommend some things to do in their free time.

Length

150–200 words

Time

27 minutes

Question

11 of 15

Hi Arjun, Congratulations on the job offer! I'm thrilled you might be moving to Halifax, and of course I'm happy to share what I've learned in my five years here. First, housing. Rent has gone up a lot recently, so a one-bedroom apartment near downtown now costs around $1,900 a month. If you're willing to live in Dartmouth and take the ferry across the harbour, you could save a few hundred dollars. I'd suggest staying with me for your first couple of weeks so you can look at places in person before you sign anything. As for the weather, winters are long and wet rather than extremely cold, but the wind off the ocean can be very strong. Bring good waterproof boots and a warm, windproof jacket, or better yet, buy them here once you arrive. In your free time, you'll never be bored. There's a lovely waterfront boardwalk, lots of live music on weekends, and some beautiful hiking trails less than an hour away. You also have to try the seafood! Let me know when you decide. I can't wait to show you around. Cheers, Leah

Why this answer works

• Each bullet gets its own paragraph, signposted with "First", "As for the weather" and "In your free time", which makes the advice easy to follow.
• The housing advice is practical and specific, giving a rent figure, a cheaper alternative in Dartmouth and an offer to stay with the writer.
• The register is consistently friendly and natural, with contractions and exclamations, but the language stays clear and accurate rather than overly idiomatic.