In the IELTS Writing test, you might be asked to write one of three types of letters: formal, informal, or semi-formal. Below is a formal question, along with a breakdown and tips for answering it.
Task 1 Question
You should spend about 20 minutes on this task. Write at least 150 words.
You recently purchased a piece of furniture online, but it arrived damaged. Write a letter to the store explaining the situation. In your letter:
- Describe the damage to the furniture.
- Explain how this has inconvenienced you.
- State what action you would like the store to take.
You do NOT need to write any addresses.
Begin your letter as follows:
Dear Sir or Madam,
Understanding the Question
This is a formal letter where you need to complain about a damaged product. The key to answering such questions is addressing all three bullet points clearly. Missing any part will affect your Task Achievement score, limiting you to at at most a band 5.0.
Since this is a formal letter, start with Dear Sir/Madam and maintain a polite but firm tone throughout. A variable tone will also damage your score. This would, for example, mean that you should not wish them a wonderful day.
Ensure your letter is at least 150 words to meet the requirements. A longer letter will not lose marks (although you will be losing time for checking for mistakes), but a shorter letter is likely to lose marks.
Key Tips for Writing a Formal Complaint Letter
- Be Polite but Firm:
Use respectful language but clearly state the issue. This ensures professionalism while emphasising the importance of your concern. - Follow the Question’s Structure:
Address all bullet points in the task: describe the issue, explain its impact, and state what action you expect. Missing any part may lower your score. - Stay Within the Word Count:
Aim for 150-180 words. This demonstrates precision and ensures you fully answer the task without being too brief or overly detailed. - Use Clear Paragraphing:
Organise your letter into logical sections for clarity. Typically, an IELTS Task 1 letter will have around 3 paragraphs.
Model Answer
Dear Sir/Madam,
I am writing to express my dissatisfaction with a dining table I purchased from your online store. Upon unpacking, I noticed a significant crack running through the centre of the tabletop, and one of the legs was loose and unstable. This damage makes the table unusable.
This situation has caused considerable inconvenience. I purchased the table specifically for a family gathering, but due to its condition, I had to rent a replacement table at additional cost. Furthermore, the damaged table is occupying space in my home, which I cannot use effectively.
I kindly request that you arrange a replacement table to be delivered as soon as possible or provide a full refund. Additionally, I would appreciate it if you could arrange for the damaged item to be collected at no cost to me.
Please confirm how you intend to resolve this issue within the next five working days.
Thank you for your attention to this matter.
Yours faithfully,
Alex Jenkins
Why This Letter Works
- Formal Tone: The letter uses polite yet professional language, suitable for a business context.
- All Bullet Points Covered: It describes the problem, explains its inconvenience, and requests specific actions (replacement or refund).
- Conciseness: At 155 words, the letter is clear and to the point, addressing the reader’s expectations without unnecessary details.
Practice Makes Perfect
Writing formal letters can be challenging, but with regular practice, you’ll improve your ability to stay on topic and meet the IELTS requirements. Try writing your own response to this question, then compare it to the model answer above.
If you’d like feedback on your writing, book a lesson with us today.
Additional Resources
More Helpful IELTS Links
Check out our reading list of the best IELTS Books