Band 9: Write an informal letter to your friend, describing your recent experience at a local event or festival. In your letter, include: 1. The event or festival you attended. 2. What activities or performances took place. 3. Your feelings about the event. 4. Invite your friend to attend the event with you next time.

Dear Vy,

How are you? I hope you’re doing well! I’m writing this letter while the Ok Om Bok Festival is happening here in Tra Vinh. It’s also called the Moon Offering Festival of the Khmer people, and it’s one of the most exciting times of the year in my hometown.

The festival takes place on the full moon night of the tenth lunar month. People celebrate it to thank the Moon God for good weather and a good harvest. Right now, the whole city is full of lights, colors, and happy sounds.

There are many interesting activities going on. This morning, people gathered by the river to watch the Ngo boat race. The long, colorful boats moved so fast, and everyone was cheering loudly. Tonight, there will be the moon offering ceremony, where people prepare bananas, coconuts, sweet potatoes, and sweet rice flakes to offer to the Moon. Later, we will release lanterns into the sky and onto the river, and I can already imagine how beautiful it will look under the bright full moon.

I feel so happy and proud to see everyone enjoying this traditional festival together. The atmosphere is really lively and warm, and it makes me love my hometown even more.

You should definitely come to Vinh Long next year to join the festival with me! I’m sure you’ll love the boat races, the lanterns, and all the traditional Khmer food. It’s such a special experience that I really want to share with you.

Please write back soon.

Best,

Lam