General IELTS Writing Task 1: Semi-formal Letter & Sample Answers

IELTS PRACTICE TASK 1

You should spend about 20 minutes on this task.

You are having some problems in the accommodation that you rent. Write a letter to the manager of the rental agency. In your letter

   introduce yourself

   explain what the problems are

   say what you would like the manager to do about the problems

Write at least 150 words.

You do NOT need to write any addresses. Begin your letter:

To The Manager

 

TASK 1   A Semi-formal Letter – Sample answer Band 8

To the Manager,

I am currently renting a property through your agency. The address is 28 Roberts Avenue, Barnley. I live in the upstair flat with the co-tenant Sarah Walker.

I am writing to you because there are a couple of problems in the flat that need some attention. Firstly, I think there must be a problem with the hot water system because sometimes we cannot get hot water from the shower or in the kitchen. This has happened for the last two weeks, and you can imagine how inconvenient is this. We also have a problem with the front door. It can be very difficult to push open and we do not want to force it.

I would be grateful if you could arrange for us a plumber to come and deal with the hot water system as soon as possible. We will also need a tradeperson to come and sort out the door. Please let me know when we can expect them.

Regards,

Emma Watts

(162 words)

 

Examiner’s comment:

Task Achievement: 9  The answer fully satisfies all requirements of the task.

Coherence and Cohesion: 8  Information and ideas are logically sequenced. Paragraphing is appropriate.

Lexical Resource: 8  A wide range of vocabulary is flexibly used so that precise meaning is clearly conveyed. There are a couple of minor spelling mistakes.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: 7  A variety of complex structures are used and there is generally good control of grammar and punctuation. A few errors are present but do not impede communication.