Below you will find a model answer for a semi-formal General IELTS Task 1 letter. A semi-formal letter is usually written to someone whose name you know, but on a professional basis.
It is important when answering the question that you pay equal attention to each of the bullet points. If you answer one of the bullet points in a sentence or less – this will restrict your score.
The best approach is usually to devote one paragraph to each bullet point.
Here is the template followed when answering this month’s question…
Salutation
1st paragraph – answering the first bullet point
2nd paragraph – answering the second bullet point
3rd paragraph – answering the third bullet point
Sign off
The Question
You should spend about 20 minutes on this task. Write at least 150 words.
A cleaner recently completed a one-off clean of your home, but you are not happy with the result.
Write a letter to the cleaner. In your letter
• describe the work that was done
• explain why you are not happy with the work
• say what you want the cleaner to do
Write at least 150 words.
You do NOT need to write any addresses.
Begin your letter as follows:
Dear …………… ,
The Answer
Dear Ms. Müller,
I’m writing regarding the cleaning work for which I hired you yesterday. We had agreed that you would deep-clean the entire house in preparation for the end of our tenancy agreement, including all carpets, surfaces, windows and kitchen appliances.
However, I returned home to find that the house has not been cleaned to a satisfactory standard. There remains dust on the windowsills and grease around the hobs, and the bathroom appears not to have been touched at all. Please find enclosed some photographs of the areas which have been neglected. Given the considerable amount I paid you for this work – in advance – this isn’t acceptable.
I would like you to return tomorrow and complete the job, taking particular care to ensure that the living room, kitchen and bathroom are free from dirt, as would be expected from any professional cleaner. If this issue isn’t resolved by Friday, I won’t hesitate to take the matter further.
Kind regards,
David Bailey
What next?
If you would like to answer the same question and receive feedback, purchase one of our Writing Correction Packages.
If you would like to watch a video about how to write IELTS General Task 1 letters, visit this page.