001 - Complaining to a Hotel

You recently stayed in a hotel in a large city. The weather was very unusual for the time of year
and the heating / cooling system in the hotel was quite inadequate.

Write a letter to the manager of the hotel. In your letter:

give details of what went wrong

explain what you had to do to overcome the problem at the time

say what action you would like the manager to take

You should write at least 150 words.

You do NOT need to write your own address.

Begin your letter as follows:

Dear __________

Dear Sir / Madam

I am writing in connection with my recent stay at the Four Seasons in London, England.
Unfortunately, due to a malfunctioning heater in my room, I spent three miserable nights at your
hotel from April 26 � 29, 2010.

When I arrived in London, there was an unexpected snowstorm. I understand it does not usually
snow inApril; however, when I got to my room, there was no heat. After complaining, a technician
was sent up, who informed me they had to install a new heating unit. When I asked to be moved
to another room, I was told the hotel was completely booked. Unfortunately, each night after
work I returned to discover the problem had not been rectified. Eventually, I spent three horribly
uncomfortable nights, wearing my coat to bed, wearing socks around the room and ending up
with a bad cold from the unheated room. I had no time to complain as I had to catch a flight home
right after my conference.

I am shocked by this terrible service. This is not what anyone expects for $400 a night! To
compensate me for this tremendous inconvenience, I ask that you refund my money right away
and offer me a free, more comfortable stay in one of your finer suites in the future. If not, I am
prepared to take my complaint to a higher authority.

I look forward to hearing from you at the earliest

Yours faithfully,Mr John McFee

002 - Explaining to a Bank
Below is a sample letter response to Task 1 of the General IELTS Writing Section. It is
a formal letter, which can be identified in several ways:
 the tone, which is formal and business-like and serious
 the use of Dear Sir / Madam
 the absence of contractions
 the use of formal expressions ("Thank you kindly in advance.")
 the closing salutation ( "Yours faithfully", etc.)
GENERAL WRITING TASK 1
You should spend about 20 minutes on this task.
You have received a letter from your bank, asking you to acknowledge receipt of a new bank
card. However, the card was missing from the envelope.
Write a letter to the bank's head office. In your letter:
 explain why you are writing
 express concern about the missing card
 ask them what they intend to do
Write at least 150 words.
You do NOT need to write any address.
Begin your letter as follows:
Dear __________
Dear Sir / Madam
I am writing in connection with a missing or stolen debit card from your bank. This
is an urgent matter as the bank card could prove dangerous in the hands of the
wrong person.
Just yesterday, I received a letter from your bank's head office. It stated that my
new bank card was enclosed and asked me to acknowledge receipt. However, when
the envelope arrived in my mailbox, it was in a tattered state. More importantly, the
debit card which was supposed to be included, was missing. I checked and
rechecked around the mailbox, but found nothing. I am concerned that someone
has gone through my mail and possibly stolen the card.
For this reason I request that you cancel the existing debit card immediately. The
debit card in question is related to my account number 64729401 at your Bay and
Bloor branch. After it has been cancelled, please arrange to send me a new one, as I
need to travel overseas next week and will need to carry the new bank card with
me.
Thank you kindly in advance,
Yours faithfully,
Ms Brenda Holster

003 - Making Recommendations to a Magazine

Below is a sample letter response for Task 1 of the General IELTS Writing Section. It is
a formal letter, which can be identified in several ways:
 the tone, which is straightforward and direct
 the use of Dear Sir / Madam
 the absence of contractions
 the use of formal expressions ("I am writing in connection with...")
 the closing salutation ( "Yours faithfully", etc.)
WRITING TASK 1
You should spend about 20 minutes on this task.
You eat at your college cafeteria at lunch time every day.. However, you think it needs some
improvements. Write a letter to the college magazine. In your letter:
 explain what you like about the cafeteria
 say what is wrong with it
 suggest how it could be improved
Write at least 150 words.
Begin your letter as follows:
Dear __________
Dear Sir / Madam
I am writing in connection with our college cafeteria. Since almost every student
spends some time here every day, I believe it is in everyone's best interest to find
ways to improve the quality of this central eatery.
The cafeteria itself is modern, spacious and attractive. The newly painted murals of
the seaside give the seating area an open, airy, outdoor feeling which makes it very
pleasant to eat meals there. This is further enhanced by the large green plants and
flowing water fountains.
The main problem with the cafeteria is in the food served! First of all, there is a very
limited selection available. Each day offers up only standard North American fare of
hamburgers, hot dogs, chicken nuggets and french fries. Not only is this selection
unhealthy, but also uninteresting day in and day out. We have so many
international students on campus, it would be wonderful to have some curries,
burritos and falafel added to the menu. Secondly, since this is a student cafeteria,
prices need to stay low. We have unfortunately seen two price hikes in the last two
years.
I am sure if we offer a wider range of foods, at better prices, the cafeteria will
continue to run profitably as more students choose to eat there.
Yours faithfully,
Daniel Bernard

Sample Semi-formal Letters

Free Sample IELTS Letter -

004 - Requesting a Letter of Reference
WRITING TASK 1
You should spend about 20 minutes on this task.
You are applying for a job and need a letter of reference from someone who knew you when
you were at school.
Write a letter to one of your old teachers asking for a reference. In your letter:
 say what job you have applied for
 explain why you want this job
 suggest what information the teacher should include
Write at least 150 words.
Begin your letter as follows:
Dear __________
Dear Mrs Sweeney
How are you? I hope everything is fine at the school and that you have been well. I
still remember the dynamic way in which you taught grammar to me and all of the
teacher trainees in your English class. Thanks again for those important lessons.
I am writing in connection with a letter of reference that I need for a job that I
have applied for recently. As I am due to graduate next month, I have applied for a
position as an ESL teacher at a private language school in Tokyo, Japan. You might
remember my telling you how very much I looked forward to teaching and traveling
around the world. Now I have the chance. I am confident that I can make a
difference in the lives of students who need to learn English.
In the letter of reference, I would appreciate it if you could include information
related to my trustworthiness, my enthusiasm and my cross-cultural awareness
while in teacher training college. As the job is in Japan, they do not have the chance
to interview me and will base their decision largely on my letters of reference. I
would need to have the letter in two weeks, by July 1st.
Thank you kindly in advance,
Yours sincerely,
Grace Smith
Free Sample IELTS Letter -
005 - Requesting Accommodation
Below is a sample letter for Task 1 of the General IELTS Writing Section. It is a semi-
formal letter, which can be identified in several ways:
 the tone, which is a mix of formality plus warmth
 the use of the last names (Dear Ms Walker)
 the absence of contractions
 the use of formal expressions (I would appreciate it if...)
 the closing salutation (Yours sincerely)
WRITING TASK 1
You are going on a short training course at a college in Sydney, Australia. You need
somewhere to live while you are there.
Write a letter to the accommodation officer at the college. In your letter:
Write a letter to the accommodation officer at the college. In your letter:
 explain your situation
 describe the accommodation you require
 say when you will need it
Write at least 150 words.
You do NOT need to write any address.
Begin your letter as follows:
Dear __________
Dear Mrs Walker
I am writing in connection with my upcoming training course at your college in
Sydney, Australia. I will be there to attend the Brain- Based Learning program at
Victoria College for a period of three weeks from July 2st to July 22st, 2010. I am
hoping that you will be able to assist me with my accommodation arrangements.
As I am slightly older than most of the other participants, I would appreciate it if
you could find a private studio apartment for me, close to the college. It would be
ideal if I could walk to school each day, but if not, I would need access to public
transportation. I understand some of the events on campus finish quite late so I
would prefer not to walk in an unfamiliar neighbourhood after dark. In terms of the
apartment, all I require is a bed, a desk, a TV, an Internet connection, a kitchen and
a bathroom. My budget is around US $1000 for 3 weeks.
As I will be arriving on July 1st, I would need the apartment to be available from
that night until the day of my departure, which is July 23rd. My last night in the
apartment would be July 22nd.
Please let me know if you are able to find such an apartment and if not, please
suggest other suitable arrangements. I look forward to hearing from you,
Yours sincerely,
Jane Goodwin
(236 words)

Free Sample IELTS Letter -

006 - Complaining to a Landlord
Below is a sample letter for Task 1 of the General IELTS Writing Section. It is a semi-
formal letter, which can be identified in several ways:
 the tone, which is a mix of formality plus warmth
 the use of the last names (Dear Mr Shah)
 the absence of contractions
 the use of formal expressions (I would appreciate it if...)
 the closing salutation (Yours sincerely)
WRITING TASK 1
You should spend about 20 minutes on this task.
You have been living in a rental apartment for the past year. Recently a new neighbour
moved in and has been making a lot of noise, which disturbs you.
Write a letter to the landlord. In your letter:
 explain the situation
 describe why it bothers you
 suggest a solution
Write at least 150 words.
You do NOT need to write any address.
Begin your letter as follows:
Dear __________
Dear Mr Shah
I hope you and your family are all well. I am writing in connection with a problem I
have with the new tenant, Jack, who has moved in downstairs. Unfortunately, his
habits and needs appear to be quite different from my own.
The issue is that Jack is a professional musician who plays his electric guitar late
into the night. I understand he is in a band and needs to practice; however, I think
he cannot do so in a residential building such as ours. As I mentioned to you when I
signed the lease to the apartment, I am a full-time writer who works from home.
For me, it is essential to have silence so I can concentrate on my work. With Jack
playing at all hours, I have been unable to get any of my writing done, except when
he is out. In some cases, I have even been forced to leave the apartment and work
at a nearby coffee shop or library as the guitar playing was causing such a
disturbance.
I would appreciate it if you could speak to Jack and ask him to turn down the
volume on his guitar or else to use headphones. I have spoken to him about it, but
to no avail. I will let you know as soon as the situation improves.
Thank you kindly in advance and please give my best regards to your family,
Yours sincerely,
Meg Snyder

Sample Informal Letters

Free Sample IELTS Letter -

007 - Thanking & Inviting a Friend
Below is a sample letter for Task 1 of the General IELTS Writing Section. It is
an informal letter, which can be identified in several ways:
 the tone, which is warm, easy-going and conversational
 the use of first names (Ajay, Sunita, Carol)
 the use of contractions (I've, don't, can't)
 the use of informal expressions ("Thanks", instead of "Thank you")
 the closing salutation ( "Warm wishes", instead of the more formal "Yours sincerely" or
"Yours faithfully")
WRITING TASK 1
You should spend about 20 minutes on this task.
Last month you had a holiday overseas where you stayed with some friends. They have just
sent you some photos of your holiday.
Write a letter to your friends. In your letter:
 thank them for the photos and for the holiday
 explain why you didn't write earlier
 invite them to come and stay with you
Write at least 150 words.
You do NOT need to write any address.
Begin your letter as follows:
Dear __________
Dear Ajay and Sunita,
Thanks so much for your kind letter and the lovely photos of my holiday in Mumbai.
Sorry for the delay in acknowledging your mail, but your package arrived just as I
was about to leave town on a business trip. I've just returned to Toronto today.
Looking at the photos brings back so many happy memories of the times we spent
together and the wonderful hospitality you extended to me. I felt completely
pampered by both of you! You surrounded me with warm friends, good food,
amazing sights, great shopping, unforgettable cultural events and laughter-filled
evenings. I would have been lost without you. I can't thank you enough.
These good memories gave me an idea. I know you've always wanted to visit
Canada. Why don't you plan a holiday and stay with me this summer? The weather
is great at that time of year, all tourist sites are open and I could take two weeks
off from work. Aside from seeing Toronto, we could drive to Niagara Falls, Thousand
Islands, Montreal, Ottawa and Quebec City. I would be thrilled if you could make it.
Thank you both again for the beautiful holiday and the photos which are already up
on my wall. Now, I'm looking forward to hearing from you.
Warm wishes,
Carol
(216 words)

Free Sample IELTS Letter -

008 - Describing a New Job
Below is a sample letter for Task 1 of the General IELTS Writing Section. It is
an informal letter, which can be identified in several ways:
 the tone, which is warm, friendly and conversational
 the use of first names (Eva, Brenda)
 the use of contractions (you've, wasn't)
 the use of informal expressions ("Sorry, but...", "how about you?")
 the closing salutation ( "Warm wishes", instead of the more formal "Yours sincerely" or
"Yours faithfully")
WRITING TASK 1
You should spend about 20 minutes on this task.
You have recently started work in a new company.
Write a letter to an English-speaking friend. In your letter,
 explain why you changed jobs
 describe your new job
 tell him / her your other news
Write at least 150 words.
You do NOT need to write any address.
Begin your letter as follows:
Dear __________,
Dear Eva,
How are you? I hope you've been well. Sorry for having been out of touch for a
short while. There have been some changes in my life and I wanted to let you
know the latest from my side.
The big news is that I have finally changed my job! Do you remember when you
were here on holiday, I always talked about how I hated my boring bank job?
Well, it was clear I needed a change. So, finally, I took a part-time TESL course
and trained to be an ESL teacher. Now I'm working full-time in a private
language school. I teach General English, Business English and IELTS. Each day,
I look forward to going to work. My students come from all over the world and I
love teaching them as well as learning from them.
Aside from that, I also moved to a new apartment near the school where I
work. It's small, but downtown, so I am right in the heart of the city, instead of
way out in the suburbs. Suddenly, there's so many fun things to do, in the
evenings too. I am a much happier person today because of these recent
changes.
So, how about you? I hope you'll have a chance to visit Canada again soon. In
the meantime, please write and let me know what's new with you.
Warm wishes
Kim
(226 words)

Free Sample IELTS Letter -

009 - Advising a Friend
Below is a sample letter for Task 1 of the General IELTS Writing Section. It is
an informal letter, which can be identified in several ways:
 the tone, which is very warm, personal and friendly
 the use of first names ( Julie, Irene)
 the use of contractions (I'm, you're, can't)
 the use of informal expressions (Thanks, Write soon)
 the closing salutation ( Warm wishes, instead of the more formal "Yours sincerely" or
"Yours faithfully")
WRITING TASK 1
You should spend about 20 minutes on this task.
An English-speaking friend wants to spend a two-week holiday in your region and has written
asking for information and advice. Write a letter to your friend. In your letter,
 offer to find somewhere to stay
 give advice about what to do
 give information about what clothes to bring
Write at least 150 words.
You do NOT need to write any address.
Begin your letter as follows:
Dear __________,
Dear Julie
Thanks so much for your latest letter. I'm really excited to hear that you're
planning to visit Toronto. It will give me a chance to take you around, as you did so
kindly for me when I was in Amsterdam last year.
Regarding your visit, I would be happy to help in any way possible. First, unless you
really like freezing weather, I suggest you come in the summer months of July or
August. Though most hotels are expensive at that time, we have some wonderful
guest suites available in our high-rise building, for only about $50 per night. They
are fully furnished studio apartments, with a kitchen, so you can have the option of
eating in. Just let me know your dates and I can make a reservation for you.
Summer is also the time when all the tourist sites are open. We can visit Centre
Island, Canada's Wonderland, Niagara Falls, the CN Tower, the Royal Ontario
Museum, the Science Centre and Thousand Islands. The weather should be warm
and comfortable, around 25 � 30 degrees Celsius, so bring your informal summer
clothes, a swimsuit and an umbrella too. We do get summer showers quite often.
I can't wait for you to come! Write soon with more details,
Warm wishes
Irene
(207 words)