SAMPLE 1: You recently received a letter from a friend asking for your advice on whether to go to college or to try to get a job. You think he/ she should get a job. Write a letter to this friend. In your letter:
- say why she will not enjoy going to college
- explain why getting a job is a good idea
- Suggest the type of job that would be suitable.
20.02.2019 Amrita ( Former IDP writing examiner)
Sample Answer
Dear [Friend’s Name],
I hope this letter finds you well. I’ve carefully considered your dilemma about whether to attend college or dive into the workforce, and after weighing the pros and cons, I strongly lean toward the latter.
College, while valuable for many, may not be the right fit for everyone. If you’re not genuinely passionate about a specific field of study, the academic environment might become tedious and less fulfilling. The extensive commitment of time and money could lead to dissatisfaction, hindering your overall experience.
On the other hand, entering the workforce offers immediate exposure to real-world challenges and opportunities for personal and professional growth. You’ll learn practical skills, build a network, and gain valuable experience that employers often prioritize over degrees.
Considering your skills and interests, I’d recommend exploring entry-level positions in a dynamic industry. A role in digital marketing or content creation, for instance, could leverage your creativity and communication skills. This path provides a chance to learn on the job, discover your strengths, and decide if further education aligns with your long-term goals.
Ultimately, the key is to choose a path that aligns with your passions and goals, ensuring a fulfilling and rewarding journey ahead.
Best wishes, [Your Name]
SAMPLE 2: You have a problem with a recently hired employee in your workplace. Write a letter to the HR manager. In your letter:
- Describe the problem the new employee has caused
- Explain how other employees about the new employee’s conduct
- Say how you expect the HR manager to address the situation.
20.02.2019 | Pratistha ( IELTS trainer )
Sample Answer
Dear [HR Manager’s Name],
I trust this message finds you well. I am writing to bring to your attention a matter of concern regarding a recently hired employee, [Employee’s Name], in our department.
Over the past few weeks, it has become evident that [Employee’s Name] is struggling to adapt to the company’s workflow and expectations. There have been instances of missed deadlines, incomplete tasks, and a general lack of attention to detail. This not only affects [Employee’s Name]’s individual performance but has a cascading impact on the efficiency and morale of the entire team.
Moreover, several team members have expressed their concerns about [Employee’s Name]’s conduct. There have been reports of unprofessional behavior, such as inappropriate comments and a disregard for collaborative efforts. Such conduct is not aligned with our company values and creates a disruptive work environment.
I kindly request your intervention to address these issues promptly. This may involve a thorough assessment of [Employee’s Name]’s skills and understanding of their role, as well as providing additional training and support where necessary. Additionally, it would be beneficial to address the behavioral concerns through counseling or other appropriate measures to ensure a harmonious work environment.
I appreciate your prompt attention to this matter and trust that your expertise will guide us in resolving this issue effectively.
Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.
Sincerely,
[Your Full Name]
SAMPLE 3 :You work for an international company and you need some time off to attend a family celebration. Write a letter to the company’s manager. In your letter:
- give details of the celebration
- explain the reason why you need time off
- suggest a way to have your work done during that time.
20.02.2019 | Saumya ( Former British Council faculty)
Sample Answer
Dear [Manager’s Name],
I hope this message finds you well. I am writing to request some time off from work to attend a significant family celebration. My cousin’s wedding is scheduled for [date], and it holds immense cultural and personal importance for my family. Considering the unique circumstances, I am seeking your understanding and approval to take [number of days] off from work, starting on [start date] and returning on [return date].
I recognize the importance of my responsibilities at [company name], and I am committed to ensuring a smooth workflow during my absence. To mitigate any potential impact, I have already discussed my impending leave with my colleagues, and [colleague’s name] has kindly agreed to handle urgent matters in my absence. I will provide [colleague’s name] with detailed documentation outlining the current status of ongoing projects, key contacts, and any other pertinent information to facilitate a seamless transition.
I am confident that with the support of my colleagues and the preparations I will make beforehand, the impact on our projects will be minimal. I am more than willing to make myself available for any necessary handovers or briefings before my departure.
I appreciate your consideration of this request and would be happy to discuss any further details or arrangements needed to ensure the continuity of our work.
Thank you for your understanding.
Best regards,
[Your Full Name]
SAMPLE 4 :You currently live in a rental apartment, and the noise from your neighbours disturbs you. Write a letter to your landlord. In your letter
- describe how this situation affects you;
- explain what steps you have taken to address the problem;
- ask the landlord to take action to resolve the issue.
20.02.2019 | Arvind ( Senior IELTS trainer )
Sample Answer
Dear [Landlord’s Name],
I hope this letter finds you well. I am writing to bring to your attention a matter that has been affecting my living situation in the apartment at [your address]. Unfortunately, there has been an ongoing issue with excessive noise from my neighbors, particularly during [mention specific times, if applicable], which has become a significant source of disturbance.
The noise has been disruptive to my daily routines, making it challenging to concentrate on work and adversely affecting my overall well-being. Despite my efforts to address the matter directly with my neighbors, the situation has not improved, and I find myself in need of your assistance to find a resolution.
I have attempted to resolve the issue amicably by discussing it with my neighbors and, when necessary, reminding them of our shared living space and the need for mutual consideration. Regrettably, these efforts have not yielded the desired results, leaving me with no alternative but to seek your intervention.
I kindly request that you address this matter with the neighbors in question, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a peaceful living environment for all residents. Your involvement will be greatly appreciated in facilitating a resolution and ensuring a more comfortable living experience for all tenants.
Thank you for your prompt attention to this matter, and I am hopeful that, with your assistance, we can create a more harmonious living environment.
Sincerely,
[Your Full Name]
SAMPLE 5 :You have moved to another city but your bank has your old address and continues to send all communication there. Write a letter to your bank branch. In the letter, mention:
- Where have you moved to?
- What problem are you facing regarding the bank’s communication?
- What you want them to do regarding old communication already sent to the wrong address?
20.02.2019 | Amrita ( Former IDP writing examiner)
Sample Answer
Dear [Manager’s Last Name],
I trust this letter finds you well. I am writing to inform you of my recent change of residence and to address an issue regarding the communication sent to my old address.
I have recently relocated to [New City], and my new address is [New Address]. Despite updating my contact details through the online banking portal and submitting a change of address form, I have noticed that all bank communications are still being sent to my previous address. This has caused inconvenience as I am no longer able to receive essential documents and updates in a timely manner.
I kindly request your prompt attention to update my address in the bank’s records to reflect my current residence. Additionally, I would appreciate it if you could take the necessary steps to rectify any previous communications that may have been sent to my old address. This includes ensuring that any future correspondence, such as statements and official documents, is directed to my current address.
I understand the importance of accurate communication and appreciate your assistance in resolving this matter promptly. If any further information is required, please do not hesitate to contact me at [Your Phone Number] or [Your Email Address].
Thank you for your attention to this matter, and I look forward to a swift resolution.
Sincerely,
[Your Full Name]
SAMPLE 6 :You are a member of a sports centre and you have noticed a problem which has not been fixed for some time. Write a letter to the manager of the gym. In your letter
- tell the manager about the problem
- explain how this issue is affecting your experience at the gym
- tell the manager what you would like to happen
20.02.2019 | Saumya ( Former British Council faculty)
Sample Answer
Dear [Manager’s Last Name],
I hope this letter finds you well. I am writing to bring to your attention a matter that has been affecting my experience at the gym and, I believe, that of other members as well. There has been a persistent issue with [describe the problem, e.g., malfunctioning equipment, broken facilities, cleanliness concerns] that, despite being reported earlier, has not been resolved.
This issue is impacting the quality of my workouts and the overall experience at the gym. The inconvenience caused is affecting not only my routine but also that of fellow members who rely on the gym’s facilities. As a dedicated member of [Gym Name], I value the importance of a well-maintained and functional environment for achieving fitness goals.
I kindly request your immediate attention to address and rectify the mentioned problem. It would greatly enhance the overall satisfaction of the members and contribute to a positive gym atmosphere. I understand that maintenance challenges can arise, but a timely resolution would significantly improve the gym experience for all.
Thank you for your understanding and prompt action on this matter. I look forward to seeing positive changes at the gym soon.
Sincerely,
[Your Full Name]
SAMPLE 7 :You recently took a trip with a taxi company. The driver behaved in an unacceptable way and you had a lot of problems. You complained to the company but no one has replied to your complaint. Write a letter to the taxi company. In your letter
- say why you are writing and how you feel
- explain what happened
- tell them what you would like them to do.
20.02.2019 | Pratistha ( IELTS trainer )
Sample Answer
Dear Sir/Madam,
I hope this letter reaches you well. I am writing to express my deep concern and disappointment regarding a recent experience I had with one of your taxi services. Despite filing a complaint through your designated channels, I have not received any response, and the matter remains unresolved.
On [Date], I engaged one of your taxis (Vehicle Number: [Vehicle Number]) for a trip from [Pickup Location] to [Drop-off Location]. Regrettably, I encountered a series of issues during the journey that compelled me to file a complaint. The driver displayed unacceptable behavior, including [describe the unacceptable behavior, e.g., rudeness, reckless driving, violation of traffic rules], which not only made the trip uncomfortable but also raised serious concerns for my safety.
In addition to the driver’s behavior, there were other problems such as [mention any additional issues, e.g., vehicle condition, cleanliness] that further marred the overall experience. I believe such conduct is not reflective of the standard of service expected from your reputable company.
I am writing to formally request a thorough investigation into this matter and a detailed response to my initial complaint. I trust that your company values customer feedback and takes appropriate measures to address such incidents promptly. It is my expectation that corrective actions will be taken to ensure that no other passenger experiences similar distress in the future.
I appreciate your prompt attention to this matter and look forward to a timely resolution. Should you require any additional information, please do not hesitate to contact me at [Your Phone Number] or [Your Email Address].
Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.
Sincerely,
[Your Full Name]
SAMPLE 8 :You have recently missed a project deadline which resulted in your company losing an important client. Write a letter to your manager. In your letter
- apologise for what happened
- explain why you missed the deadline
- tell him/her how you will avoid this situation in future.
20.02.2019 | Arvind ( Senior IELTS trainer )
Sample Answer
Dear [Manager’s Last Name],
I hope this letter finds you well. I am writing to extend my sincere apologies for the recent project deadline miss, resulting in the unfortunate loss of a key client for our company. I understand the gravity of this situation and the repercussions it holds for our team and the organization.
The delay occurred due to a combination of unexpected challenges in the project’s execution phase. We encountered unforeseen technical complexities that required additional time for resolution. Despite the team’s concerted efforts, we were unable to meet the client’s expectations within the initially agreed-upon timeframe.
I take full responsibility for this lapse and understand the significance of our client relationships. To prevent a recurrence of such incidents, I am committed to implementing certain measures.
I appreciate your understanding and am open to discussing further actions to mitigate the consequences of this incident.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Full Name]