IELTS Letters – Band 9

This is a model response to a Writing Task 1 topic from High Scorer’s Choice IELTS Practice Tests book series (reprinted with permission). This answer is close to IELTS Band 9.

Set 4 General Training book, Practice Test 16

Writing Task 1

You should spend about 20 minutes on this task.

You recently travelled by train on a long journey and you experienced various problems. Write a letter to the train company’s head office.

In your letter,

– give the details of your journey, including the date, time and where you sat
– explain the problems that happened and express your dissatisfaction
– ask about what action will be taken to improve the service

You should write at least 150 words.

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

Dear Sir / Madam,

Sample Band 9 Letter

Dear Sir / Madam,

Last week on the twenty-first of May, I travelled from Rome to Berlin as a passenger on the train Express 302, presumably under your management. I experienced several inconveniences and problems throughout the long and strenuous journey, and I would like to make an official complaint.

Firstly, the train was delayed one hour due to a malfunction with the doors. In addition to this, the train had to stop several times throughout the trip for a lengthy amount of time due to other technological problems. As a result, I arrived in Berlin three hours later than initially planned, which drastically changed my personal schedule. Secondly, the train was severely overbooked, and I was switched from first class to second class, where I was made to sit among a loud and obnoxious family. Contrary to what was advertised, there was no Internet available, and I was unable to complete some important business. Finally, when I went to complain calmly about the situation, the on-train personnel were unnecessarily rude.

I hope that you can appreciate that I have had a terrible experience with your company, and I look forward to reading in your reply about what action you intend to take.

Yours faithfully,

John Davies

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This is a model response to a Writing Task 1 topic from High Scorer’s Choice IELTS Practice Tests book series (reprinted with permission). This answer is close to IELTS Band 9.

Set 3 General Training book, Practice Test 15

Writing Task 1

You should spend about 20 minutes on this task.

You would like to borrow a good camera from a friend. Write a letter to your friend.

In your letter,

– ask your friend if you can borrow the camera
– explain why you want to borrow the camera
– say when you want it and when you will return it

You should write at least 150 words.

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

Dear Roy,

Sample Band 9 Letter

Dear Roy,

I am participating in a theatre event at college next week and have been designated the photographer’s role. I know that you have a single-lens reflex camera of very good quality and would like to ask you if I may borrow it for this event.

The event is next Saturday and Sunday, as there are two performances, and I will be sitting in the audience and going around to get close-ups of the actors. I would need the camera from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. If you are happy to leave the camera with me overnight, that would be easier. I promise to take good care of it and lock it away as soon as I am otherwise engaged. I can return the camera to you either on Sunday evening or Monday morning, depending on what suits you best.

Please tell me as soon as possible if you are willing to lend me your camera, as I need to tell my teachers if I will be taking part in the event.

Regards,

Bill

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