169 ielts essay samples

IELTS Letter
Most Common Letter Topics - (Formal)

1. 
   Asking for Information
   

You live in an English speaking country and you want to do some voluntary, unpaid work in a developing country. Write a
letter to a company called Cultural Expeditions, which organizes such trips. In your letter:
_e Explain why you want to do the voluntary work.

• 
  State what your skills and experience are.
  

_e Indicate where you would like to volunteer and for how long.
Begin your letter as follows: Dear Sir / Madam
You should write at least 150 words. You should spend about 20 minutes on this task.

2. 
   Applying for a Job
   

You have decided to apply for a job as a Spanish instructor that was advertised in the April edition of the magazine Teaching Professional. This ad was posted by Mr John Sullivan, director of the Spanish department at The Language Institute of Great Britain in London, England. In your letter to Mr Sullivan:

• 
  explain why you are writing
  
• 
  describe your qualifications and experience
  
• 
  explain how they can contact you
  

Write at least 150 words. You should spend about 20 minutes on this task.

3. 
   Making Suggestions
   

You eat at your college cafeteria every lunchtime. However, you think it needs some improvements. Write a letter to the college magazine. In your letter:
_e explain what you like bout the cafeteria

• 
  say what is wrong
  
• 
  suggest how it could be improved
  

Begin your letter as follows: Dear Sir / Madam
You should write at least 150 words. You should spend about 20 minutes on this task.

4. 
   Applying for a Job
   

You are looking for a part-time job. Write a letter to an employment agency. In your letter:

• 
  introduce yourself
  

_e explain what sort of job you would like
_e say what experience and skills you have
Begin your letter as follows: Dear Sir / Madam
You should write at least 150 words. You should spend about 20 minutes on this task.

5. 
   Complaining to a Bank
   

You have received a letter from your bank, asking you to acknowledge receipt of a new bank card. However, the card was missing from the envelope. Write a letter to the bank's head office. In your letter:

• 
  explain why you are writing
  
• 
  express concern about the missing card
  
• 
  ask them what they intend to do
  

Begin your letter as follows: Dear
You should write at least 150 words. You should spend about 20 minutes on this task.

6. 
   Informing an Airline
   

Last Tuesday you flew from New York to Paris. When you arrived home, you discovered that you had left your cabin bag on the plane. Write a letter to the airline. In your letter, you should explain:

• 
  where and when you lost your bag
  
• 
  what your bag looks like
  

_e what its contents were
Begin your letter as follows: Dear Sir / Madam
You should write at least 150 words. You should spend about 20 minutes on this task.

7. 
   Applying for a Job
   

You have seen an advertisement for part- time work in a hotel for three months over the summer. Write a letter to the manager. In your letter:

• 
  say what experience you have
  
• 
  ask what the work involves
  
• 
  enquire about conditions
  

Begin your letter as follows: Dear Sir / Madam
You should write at least 150 words. You should spend about 20 minutes on this task.

8. 
   Making Recommendations
   

You normally go shopping in the area where you live. However, you think some of the facilities for shoppers could be improved. Write a letter to your local newspaper. In your letter:

• 
  say in general what you like about shopping in your area
  
• 
  say what is wrong with the facilities
  
• 
  suggest how they can be improved
  

Begin your letter as follows: Dear Sir / Madam
You should write at least 150 words. You should spend about 20 minutes on this task.

9. 
   Applying for a Job
   

You would like a temporary job working
in the summer camp which runs sports and outdoor activities for children and young people next summer. Write a letter to the organizers of the summer camp. In your letter:
_e explain what sort of job you would like to do
• describe your personality
_e say what experience and skills you have
Begin your letter as follows: Dear Sir / Madam
You should write at least 150 words. You should spend about 20 minutes on this task.

10. 
    Complaining about a Product
    

You live in a small university town. Last week, you drove to a big city about two hours away to buy a new laptop at a good price. You worked on the laptop all week and finished writing a long assignment that is due shortly. However, this week, the laptop doesn't even switch on. Write to the store. In your letter:

• 
  tell the store where you live & what happened
  
• 
  explain the problem with the laptop
  
• 
  state what action you would like the store to take
  

Begin your letter as follows: Dear
You should write at least 150 words. You should spend about 20 minutes on this task
Sample Letter - Formal (Complaining to a Hotel)-Task 1
Sample Letter 1
You should spend about 20 minutes on this task.
You recently stayed in a hotel in a large city. The weather was very unusual for the time of year and the heating I cooling system in the hotel was quite inadequate.
Write a letter to the manager of the hotel. In your letter:

• 
  give details of what went wrong
  
• 
  explain what you had to do to overcome the problem at the time
  
• 
  say what action you would like the manager to take
  

You should write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write your own address.
Begin your letter as follows:
Dear
Dear Sir / Madam
I am writing in connection with my recent stay at the Four Seasons in London, England. Unfortunately, due to a malfunctioning heater in my room, I spent three miserable nights at your hotel from April 26 - 29, 2010.
When I arrived in London, there was an unexpected snowstorm. I understand it does not usually snow inApril; however, when I got to my room, there was no heat. After complaining, a technician was sent up, who informed me they had to install a new heating unit. When I asked to be moved to another room, I was told the hotel was completely booked.
Unfortunately, each night after work I returned to discover the problem had not been rectified. Eventually, I spent three horribly uncomfortable nights, wearing my coat to bed, wearing socks around the room and ending up with a bad cold from the unheated room. I had no time to complain as I had to catch a flight home right after my conference.
I am shocked by this terrible service. This is not what anyone expects for $400 a night! To compensate me for this tremendous inconvenience, I ask that you refund my money right away and offer me a free, more comfortable stay in one of your finer suites in the future. If not, I am prepared to take my complaint to a higher authority.
I look forward to hearing from you at the earliest,
Yours faithfully, Mr John McFee (236 words)
Sample Letter 2
You should spend about 20 minutes on this task.
You have received a letter from your bank, asking you to acknowledge receipt of a new bank card. However, the card was missing from the envelope.
Write a letter to the bank's head office. In
your letter:

• 
  explain why you are writing
  
• 
  express concern about the missing card
  
• 
  ask them what they intend to do
  

Write at least 150 words.
You do NOT need to write any address. Begin your letter as follows:
Dear
Dear Sir / Madam
I am writing in connection with a missing or stolen debit card from your bank. This is an urgent matter as the bank card could prove dangerous in the hands of the wrong person.
Just yesterday, I received a letter from your bank's head office. It stated that my new bank card was enclosed and asked me to acknowledge receipt. However, when the envelope arrived in my mailbox, it was in a tattered state. More importantly, the debit card which was supposed to be included, was missing. I checked and rechecked around the mailbox, but found nothing. I am concerned that someone has gone through my mail and possibly stolen the card.
For this reason I request that you cancel the existing debit card immediately. The debit card in question is related to my
account number 64729401 at your Bay and Bloor branch. After it has been cancelled, please arrange to send me a new one, as I need to travel overseas next week and will need to carry the new bank card with me.
Thank you kindly in advance, Yours faithfully,
Ms Brenda Holster
(172 words)
Sample Letter 3
You should spend about 20 minutes on this task.
You eat at your college cafeteria at lunch time every day.. However, you think it needs some improvements. Write a letter to the college magazine. In your letter:
_e explain what you like about the cafeteria
• say what is wrong with it
suggest how it could be improved
Write at least 150 words. Begin your letter as follows: Dear
Dear Sir / Madam
I am writing in connection with our college cafeteria. Since almost every student spends some time here every day, I believe it is in everyone’s best interest to find ways to improve the quality of this central eatery.
The cafeteria itself is modern, spacious and attractive. The newly painted murals of the seaside give the seating area an open, airy, outdoor feeling which makes it very pleasant to eat meals there. This is further enhanced by the large green plants and flowing water fountains.
The main problem with the cafeteria is in the food served! First of all, there is a very limited selection available. Each day offers up only standard North American fare of hamburgers, hot dogs, chicken nuggets and french fries. Not only is this selection unhealthy, but also uninteresting day in and day out. We have so many international students on campus, it would be wonderful to have some curries, burritos and falafel added to the menu. Secondly, since this is a student cafeteria, prices need to stay low. We have unfortunately seen two price hikes in the last two years.
I am sure if we offer a wider range of foods, at better prices, the cafeteria will continue to run profitably as more students choose to eat there.
Yours faithfully, Daniel Bernard
IELTS Letter Topics - Semi- Formal

1. 
   Arranging Accommodation
   

You are being sent on a one month work assignment in San Francisco, California. You need a place to stay while you are there. Write a letter to the Maury Samson Real Estate Agency. In your letter:

• 
  explain the situation
  
• 
  describe the kind of accommodation you would like
  
• 
  provide the dates you will need it
  

Begin your letter as follows: Dear Mr
Samson,
You should write at least 150 words. You should spend about 20 minutes on this task.

2. 
   Asking for Permission
   

You are studying overseas. You need to return to your country before the end of the semester for a family event. Write a letter to your supervisor. In your letter:

• 
  Request time off
  
• 
  Explain why you need to leave early
  
• 
  Reassure him I her that your studies will not suffer
  

Begin your letter as follows: Dear Mr I Ms

3. 
   Complaining to a Landlord
   

You have been living in a rental apartment for the past year. Recently a new neighbour moved in who has loud parties several times a week. Write a letter complaining about this to the landlord. In your letter:

• 
  explain the situation
  
• 
  describe why it bothers you
  
• 
  suggest a solution
  

Begin your letter as follows: Dear Mr I Ms
You should write at least 150 words. You should spend about 20 minutes on this task.

4. 
   Making a Suggestion
   

You exercise regularly and have been a member of many different gyms. Recently, you moved into a new neighborhood and joined a new gym. You have noticed that people at this gym do not bother to wipe down the machines after use and often leave dirty towels on the benches in the change rooms. Write to Mr Koto, the manager. In your letter:

• 
  explain who you are
  
• 
  describe the problem exactly
  

_e make suggestions to improve the gym
Koto,
You should write at least 150 words. You should spend about 20 minutes on this task.

5. 
   Booking Accommodation
   

You are going to take a short holiday in Singapore and you want to rent a holiday apartment while you are there. Write to the tourist information office. In your letter:

• 
  explain what you need
  
• 
  say when you plan to be there
  

_e ask for information about prices
Begin your letter as follows: Dear Mr I Ms
You should write at least 150 words. You should spend about 20 minutes on this task.

6. 
   Explaining to a Neighbour
   

You are having a graduation party next
Saturday night. You have invited 50
people to celebrate at an outdoor barbecue evening, which may continue into late into the night. Write a letter to your elderly neighbour. In your letter:

• 
  explain what will be happening
  
• 
  offer your apologies in advance
  

_e invite her to join the celebration
Begin your letter as follows: Dear Mr I Ms
You should write at least 150 words. You should spend about 20 minutes on this task.

7. 
   Asking for permission
   

You are supposed to hand in a mid-term project for your psychology class by November 1st. However, your brother is getting married in Hawaii at the same time and the entire family is traveling there for the occasion. You would like an extension on the due date for submitting the project. Write to your professor. In your letter:

• 
  explain the situation
  

_e remind the professor of your fine academic record to date

Begin your letter as follows: Dear
You should write at least 150 words. You should spend about 20 minutes on this task.

8. 
   Making a Suggestion
   

You live in a high-rise building, which has a communal laundry room. There are many washers and dryers there, but even more residents. Sometimes people don't come in time to empty the machines and other residents have to wait for a washer or dryer. You think the building management should purchase 10 extra laundry baskets and make them available for such times, so the machines can be freed up. Write to the Property Manager, Mrs Williams. In your letter:
_e explain how long you have been a resident

• 
  describe the problem
  

_e propose your solution
Begin your letter as follows: Dear Mrs
Williams
You should write at least 150 words. You should spend about 20 minutes on this task.

9. 
   Asking for Permission
   

You have received a job offer for a position you have wanted for a long time. You are expected to start on July 1st. However, you can only start a week later due to personal reasons. Write a letter to
Mr Jackson, your new boss. In your letter:
_e show your enthusiasm for the job offer

• 
  explain the problem
  

_e suggest what you can do
Begin your letter as follows: Dear Mr
Jackson,
You should write at least 150 words. You should spend about 20 minutes on this task.