General Writing Sample Task 1 #66
You should spend about 20 minutes on this task.
You are studying a short course in another country. Your accommodation was arranged by the course provider. There is a major problem with the accommodation.
Write a letter to the course provider. In your letter,
- say what the problem is
- describe the accommodation you thought you were getting
- ask the provider to solve the problem
Write at least 150 words.
You do NOT need to write any addresses.
IELTS Tip
A common problem in GT Task 1 is that candidates use a strange mix of
formal and informal language. In formal letters, they may include inappropriate
informalities; in informal letters they may suddenly be too formal, usually
including a memorised chunk. This mix confuses the reader and affects the
candidate’s score in Task Fulfilment.
Related Topic:
Writing a letter
Model answer
Dear Mr Watterson,
My name is Andrew Fish, and I am taking an eight-week intensive English course at
Oxford House College. My company is paying for my tuition, and I am using my summer
vacation to study. It is expected I will pass an English Proficiency Test as a result,
and be transferred abroad. Therefore, it is rather important to me that I am able
to study in the best environment.
I am staying in Phoenix Hostel on campus. While my room is pleasant and the facilities
are very good, the hostel is extremely noisy. When I organised my accommodation,
I was assured I would be staying only with post-graduate or intensive-course students.
However, most of the people in this hostel are doing summer-school courses due to
academic failure, and they are all under 22. It seems to me they are enjoying one
long party: certainly no one observes light out or turns down music despite being
asked to.
I wonder if I may be moved to a hostel which is more conducive to serious study,
or I may use the remainder of my accommodation fee to go towards payment for a hotel.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Yours sincerely,
Andrew Fish
(204 words)