Thanks for Watching My Cat

The task

While you were away on a two-week trip, your neighbour fed and looked after your cat. During that time, something unexpected happened in your home, and your neighbour dealt with it. Write an email to your neighbour in about 150-200 words. In your email, do the following:

• Thank your neighbour for what they did.
• Describe the unexpected problem and how your neighbour helped.
• Offer to do something for your neighbour in return.

Length

150–200 words

Time

27 minutes

Question

13 of 15

Hi Gloria, I just wanted to send you a proper thank-you for taking care of Mochi while I was in Mexico. Feeding her twice a day for two whole weeks was a lot to ask, and she clearly enjoyed your company, because she has been sitting by your door ever since I got back! Your text about the furnace really surprised me, since it was serviced only last fall. If you hadn't noticed how chilly the apartment felt during that cold snap and called the repair company, the pipes could easily have frozen. I can only imagine how expensive that would have been. I'm also grateful that you moved Mochi's bed next to the space heater until the technician arrived. I'd really like to return the favour. If you and Frank go away this summer, I would be happy to water your plants and collect your mail for as long as you need. In the meantime, I brought back some vanilla and chocolate for you, and I'd love to invite you over for dinner next weekend. Thanks again for being such a wonderful neighbour. Warmly, Nadia

Why this answer works

• The thanks is specific (feeding the cat twice a day for two weeks) and personal, with a light, friendly detail about the cat waiting by the neighbour's door.
• The second paragraph uses a third conditional ("if you hadn't noticed ... the pipes could easily have frozen") to explain the problem, showing accurate complex grammar.
• The offer in return is concrete and generous (plant watering, collecting mail, a dinner invitation), fully covering the third bullet in a warm, neighbourly tone.