Model IELTS General Task 1 essay: Letter to an online store (Formal)

Oct 14, 2020 | IELTS, IELTS Test, IELTS Writing

Here is a model answer for a Formal IELTS Writing Task 1 letter.

This letter is likely to score from 8.5-9.0 on test day.

It follows this general template…

  1. Salutation
  2. 1st and 2nd Paragraph about bullet point 1
  3. 3rd Paragraph about bullet point 2
  4. 4th Paragraph about bullet point 3
  5. Sign off

The Question

You should spend about 20 minutes on this task.

You recently bought a chair from an online store. When it was delivered, you discovered the chair has several problems.

Write a letter to the owner of the online store. In your letter

  • describe the chair
  • explain the problems you have discovered 
  • say what you would like him/her to do

Write at least 150 words.

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

Dear Sir or Madam,

IELTS General Task 1 Formal Model Letter to an online shop by Andrew Turner @ EnglishWithAnExpert.com

The Answer

Dear Sir/Madam,

Several months ago, I purchased an office chair from your site. Having erected the chair, I discovered it was the wrong model and too small. I ordered the Goliath gaming chair upholstered in Napa leather and with doubly reinforced mechanisms. 

I had to purchase a pipe wrench and large rubber mallet to dismantle the chair – as per your instructions – and then repackage it for collection. This cost a significant amount of money and time. 

I finally received the correct model yesterday after another significant delay – but It seems you have sent me a showroom model. The upholstery has been damaged and is marked. It appears that the top coating of the Napa leather has been exposed to perspiration, causing a noticeable stain. The fabric on the underside of the chair is also torn. 

I would like you to note the above so that if a warranty issue arises in the future, it won’t be prejudiced by this damage. I would also appreciate the free delivery of your premium branded leather cleaner and microfibre cloth so I can endeavour to keep this chair in as good condition as possible.

Yours sincerely,

Andrew Turner

What Next?

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