IELTS General – Writing Task 1

Question 1

You recently stayed at a hotel and were disappointed by the quality of the service you received. Write a letter to the hotel manager.

In your letter:

• Explain the problems you had during your stay.
• Describe why this experience was disappointing.
• Say what you would like the hotel to do to compensate you.

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Dear Sir / Madam,

I recently stayed at your hotel from 22nd December, 2024 to 24th December and, unfortunately, I was dissatisfied with the service provided. Firstly, I encountered a long delay during check-in, which took over 45 minutes due to understaffing. Additionally, my room was not adequately cleaned, with dust on surfaces and hair in the bathroom, which made my stay uncomfortable.

This experience was particularly disappointing because I had chosen your hotel based on its positive reviews and reputation. I was expecting a higher standard of service, but the issues I faced affected my ability to relax and enjoy my stay.

To address this, I would appreciate a partial refund for my stay or a discount on a future booking as compensation for the inconvenience caused. I hope you take these matters seriously to ensure better service for future guests.

Yours faithfully,

Margarette.

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Question 2

A reporter complained about a new TV program that you like. Write a letter to the newspaper editor.

• Describe your point of view.
• Say what you like about the show and why.
• Ask the newspaper to take some action.

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Dear Mr Bradshaw,

I am contacting you regarding the article where you unfairly criticised Top Gear, namely Jeremy Clarkson. Understandably Mr Clarkson is not everyone’s cup of tea, however publicly complaining then lambasting him and the show is unfair. Their difference of opinion is under no circumstances an excuse to write a letter of complaint.

Personally I feel that the show’s ingenuity largely stems from the fact that their presenters are occasionally controversial and honest. This is unlike the modern TV shows which are bland, politically correct and just lacking any entertainment value for my liking.

I would be very grateful if you could in future editions of your newspaper ‘The Echo’ only publish positive articles about the programme. Failing this small request could you please refrain from any undue negative press.

Kind Regards,

Worthington.

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Question 3

You ordered an item from an online store and it has arrived damaged. Write a letter of complaint to the retailer.

In your answer:

• Explain why you are unhappy.
• Request a refund.
• Make arrangements to return the damaged item.

Subject: Complaint Regarding Damaged Item and Request for Refund

Dear Sir / Madam,

I am writing to express my disappointment with the condition of the item I received from your online store.

I placed an order for a silver anklet for my daughter on 24th January, 2025, and it was delivered yesterday. Unfortunately, upon opening the package, I noticed that the item was damaged, specifically, some of the bells were found missing and there is a crack in the middle of one of the anklets. Besides, the silver finishing is found very poor for both the items.

This situation has caused me considerable inconvenience as my daughter was looking forward to using the anklet for the wedding of my cousin which we have been waiting for a long time. I had high expectations given your reputation for quality and reliable service.

Given the state of the item, I request a full refund for my purchase. Additionally, I would appreciate guidance on how to return the damaged product. Please let me know if there is a specific procedure I need to follow, such as arranging a pick-up or shipping the item back to your warehouse.

Attached to this letter, you will find photographs of the damaged product and a copy of my receipt for reference. I look forward to a prompt resolution of this matter. Kindly confirm the next steps at your earliest convenience.

Thank you for addressing my concerns.

Yours faithfully,

Mr Peter

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Sample Task 1

You have eaten at a restaurant and it was such a terrible experience that you have decided to inform the manager by letter of what happened and that you want your money back.

Things to include:

• You need to be concise but explain what happened.
• No one responds to insults.
• What do you want to happen?
• You want to be taken seriously.

Sample Task 2

Your next-door neighbour owns a small dog that barks throughout the day and the night. Write a letter to your neighbour requesting that something be done about the dog.

Include in your letter:

• Your reason for writing.
• What you would like to happen.
• A nice, respectful style.

Sample Task 3

You ordered an item from an online store and it has arrived damaged. Write a letter to the retailer to complain.

In the letter:

• Explain why you are unhappy.
• Request a refund.
• Make arrangements to return the damaged item.

Sample Task 4

You have recently moved to a new city. Write a letter to your friend about your new home. In your letter:

• Describe your new home.
• Explain why you moved to this city.
• Invite your friend to visit.

Sample Task 5

You recently bought a product, but it arrived damaged. Write a letter to the company. In your letter:

• Explain what the product is.
• Describe the issue with the product.
• Say what you would like the company to do.

Sample Task 6

You are experiencing noise from your neighbor’s house at night. Write a letter to your neighbor.

In your letter:

• Explain the problem.
• Describe how it affects you.
• Suggest a possible solution.

Sample Task 7

You recently visited a restaurant and were dissatisfied with the service. Write a letter to the manager.

In your letter:

• Describe what happened.
• Explain why you were dissatisfied.
• Suggest what the manager should do to improve the service.

Sample Task 8

Your friend is thinking about learning to drive and has asked for your advice. Write a letter to your friend.

In your letter:

• Explain why a driving license is useful.
• Give advice about learning to drive.
• Suggest the best places to learn.

Sample Task 9

You accidentally damaged something that belongs to your neighbor. Write a letter to apologize.

In your letter:

• Explain what happened.
• Apologize for your actions.
• Offer a solution to fix the problem.

Sample Task 10

You are hosting a party and would like to invite a friend. Write a letter to your friend. In your letter:

• Explain the purpose of the party.
• Give details about the date and time.
• Tell your friend why you want them to come.

Sample Task 11

You are applying for a new job and need a reference letter from your previous employer. Write a letter to your former manager. In your letter:

• Remind them who you are and when you worked with them.
• Explain why you need the reference.
• Provide details about the job you are applying for.

Sample Task 12

You recently purchased an item online, but it arrived late and damaged. Write a letter to the company. In your letter:

• Describe the item and the issues with it.
• Explain how the delay and damage have affected you.
• Say what you want the company to do.

Sample Task 13

A friend recently helped you with an important task. Write a letter to thank them. In your letter:

• Explain how their help was valuable to you.
• Share what you have achieved as a result of their help.
• Offer to return the favor in the future.

Sample Task 14

You want to attend a course at a local college but need more information. Write a letter to the college. In your letter:

• State the course you are interested in.
• Ask about the course content and duration.
• Inquire about the fees and application process.

Sample Task 15

You recently used a service and have some suggestions for improvement. Write a letter to the service provider. In your letter:

• Describe the service you used.
• Explain what you think could be improved.
• Suggest how these changes could benefit both the service and its users.

January 27, 2025