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General Training: Writing Task 1
Sample Answers
Letter of Complaint (Formal)
Watch the video lesson on how to write a formal letter of complaint.
Dear Sir/Madam,
I am writing to complain about the speakers that I purchased from your store on 2 October. When I attempted to use them, I detected a serious flaw.
Specifically, the problem that I noticed immediately was the sound quality. When I connected them to my laptop and played a song there was bass but not enough treble. I therefore consulted the user manual and tried to adjust the playback levels on the graphic equalizer but it made absolutely no difference.
I returned the speakers to your store on the following day, where your assistant tested them and she readily agreed there was a problem. She tried, for a considerable amount of time, to adjust the sound balance but was unable to improve the quality. Moreover, when she checked identical models, she found the same issue with them.
I am not satisfied with my purchase and strongly advise you to cease selling this particular model. I would like a full refund in the form of cash since that was my payment method.
Please give this matter your immediate attention.
Respectfully yours
Rose White
182 words
Letter of Request / Inquiry (Formal)
Dear Sir/madam
I am writing to inquire about your advertisement requesting volunteers to assist at a charity fun run at Harrison Park on 22 April in aid of cancer research.
First of all, I would like to explain the reason why I am interested in volunteering. Unfortunately, last year I lost my father to cancer. Therefore, I firmly believe that cancer research is a vital service that needs financing, whether it be from the government or private sector.
I would appreciate it if you could provide me with more details about what is involved in volunteering. Specifically, what are a volunteer’s duties and responsibilities and what hours are they expected to be available?
I can be contacted at any time on my mobile number or email which I have listed below. Alternatively, I can visit your office and speak with the organizing committee.
I look forward to your response.
Yours sincerely,
Kelly Thompson
151 words
Letter of Request / Inquiry (Informal)
Dear Mary
How are you? Hope you are keeping well. Just a quick note to ask you if you can do me a huge favour.
At the end of the month, I’m going to Ireland for my sister’s wedding. She’s finally marrying John after a 9-year engagement. I’ll be gone for 5 days and I was hoping you could look after my place while I’m away.
I know you haven’t been to my place yet so, I’ll text you the location. It’s the new block of flats on Elm Street, number 12A. It’s a one-bedroom place and the kitchen is well stocked with food and drink. Help yourself to anything and you’re most welcome to stay.
The main reason I’m asking for your help is my cat, Felix, needs looking after. His food is in the fridge and he’s properly house trained and friendly. You don’t even need to let him out at night.
Give me a call and let me know what you think.
All the best
Sarah
168 words
Letter of Request (Informal) PDF
Letter Giving Information (Informal)
Hi Faisal
How are you? Hope you’re doing well there in London. Just a quick note to tell you that I’m having a long weekend there soon and it would be great if we could hang out.
I booked the Thames Hotel for 4 nights from the 11th to 14th August. Sure, I know it’s a bit upmarket but after a year of non-stop work, I deserve some luxury and chill out time.
I reckon you’ve been there almost a year now so it’d be great if you can suggest some interesting places to check out. I remember you love the cultural stuff and I’m keen to visit some museums and galleries, if you know any good ones.
As you know, I’m a huge football fan so maybe we can catch a match together, as well as a West End show, if it’s not too expensive! Whatever you think let me know.
Hope to hear from you soon.
Take care.
Abdullah
159 words
Letter of Advice / Suggestions / Recommendations (Informal)
Dear Fatima,
Hi! How’s things? Congrats! Great to hear you’ve been offered a place at the college and in Australia! Sure, I can give you some advice on choosing between marketing and IT.
First of all, do you know anything about the college’s reputation when it comes to both these courses? If they’re famous for one or the other, then that should be a big factor in choosing, I guess.
To be honest, I don’t really know much about marketing. I’m hardly a specialist there and can’t really say much about it. But, as you know, I’m an IT graduate myself and since leaving college, I can tell you, I’ve had loads of attractive job offers. So, I really recommend IT.
Of course, technology is rapidly advancing with new, life changing, developments happening all the time. I’m sure that you’ll have a lot more career choices and offers after you graduate.
I hope you make a wise and happy choice. Please let me know how it works out.
Good luck
Courtney
169 words
Dear Jack
Thanks a lot for thinking about me when you booked tickets for the cup final. I really appreciate it.
I’m sorry to say I can’t make it to the match and I’m pretty disappointed about it. I hope you understand and accept my apology.
I can’t go because my company has scheduled a team building weekend that coincides with the date of the game. We’re all obliged to attend this gathering and it was booked months ago.
As for my ticket, I’ll ask my cousin if he wants to buy it. She’s a massive Arsenal fan and would love to go to the final. If she’s not interested, I’ll keep asking around until I find someone. In the meantime, you could try to get a refund for it through the ticket agent’s website or you could call their customer care number.
I’m sorry I can’t join you for the game. Enjoy the match!
All the best
Mike
157 words
Letter of Apology (Informal)
Letter of Apology (Formal)
Dear Sir or Madam,
I am writing concerning the IELTS Teacher Training Workshop that I am scheduled to conduct on 12 October at the Language Department.
I regret to inform you that I have experienced some personal problems and I will not be able to conduct the workshop as scheduled.
I have recently been experiencing some minor medical problems with my right foot and upon consultation with a specialist, I have been advised to undergo a minor surgical procedure. This procedure has been scheduled for 12 October and if I do not take advantage of this, the next available appointment is after 6 months.
I realize this will be inconvenient for you and the department. However, I would like to propose an alternative date for the workshop, namely 12 November. I will have recovered sufficiently from the surgery by this time.
Please accept my sincerest apology. I look forward to hearing from you.
Yours sincerely,
John Evans
153 words
Letter of Apology (Formal) PDF
Letter of Application (Formal)
Dear Sir / Madam,
I am writing to apply for the vacancy of website developer that your company has advertised in the Weekly Bugle.
At the moment, I am employed as a web developer for a local company that specializes in developing websites for local businesses. The job involves responding to enquiries from clients, conducting a needs analysis with them and designing sample sites for their approval.
During my employment with my current company, I have developed the skills of responding to customer needs and independent thinking. I am also flexible in that I am willing to relocate anywhere that your company might require.
According to my current contract, I am required to give one month’s notice if I intend to resign. However, I have a positive working relationship with the company CEO and I am confident we could come to an agreement if your company requires me to start in less than one month.
I look forward to your response.
Best regards
David Jones
161 words
Letter of Application (Formal) PDF
Letter of Gratitude / Thanks (Formal)
Dear Sir/Madam,
I am writing to express my appreciation for your advice and support during my participation in a recent English course at your academy.
My name is Mario Noya and I was one of the attendees of the Intensive English Course held last April. Specifically, it was the 4-week, 40-hour course taught by Ms. Jones and Mr. Buxton.
Shortly after this course, I took the Perth Technical College entrance test in English and I am delighted to say that I successfully passed it. Actually, this was my third attempt at this test and if I had failed again, I would not be permitted to retake it.
I firmly believe that my success is mostly due to the excellent tuition I received at your academy. Your tutors were incredibly professional and knowledgeable when identifying the language areas and skills I needed to work on.
Again, I would like to express my gratitude to you.
Yours sincerely,
Mario Noya
156 words
Hi John
How are you? It’s cool to hear that you’ll finally visit my country next month. It would be great to see you again and spend some time hanging out, and you’re welcome to stay with us.
You said in your message you’ll be attending an international conference. Is that the Climate Change Summit in Seoul? It’s been all over the news for days here but I haven’t been paying much attention, to be honest.
Would you like to stay at my place while you’re in Seoul? I have a 2-bedroom apartment and my young son can sleep with my wife and I. It would be no problem for us and we’d have more time to catch up.
We can also show you around the city in your spare time. There’s lots to see here like the Seoul Tower and Namdaemoon Market. Anyway, tell me what you think and hopefully, I’ll see you soon.
Hope to hear from you soon.
All the best
Park Joongo
165 words
Letter of Invitation (Informal) PDF
Letter of Invitation (Informal)
