General Training Writing Task 1 · formal · complaint

Letter to building manager regarding bicycle parking issues: IELTS formal letter sample

An IELTS General Training Writing Task 1 formal letter with a Band 8 sample answer, why it scores well and the phrases worth borrowing for your own letter writing.
  • 189 words
  • Formal letters
  • Complaint
  • 20 minutes

The task

You recently started commuting to work by bicycle and discovered that there is a problem with bicycle parking near the building where you work.

Write a letter to the building manager. In your letter:

  • →explain the reason for using a bicycle to commute
  • →mention what problems you have encountered with parking
  • →what you recommend to solve the problems

Write at least 150 words. You do not need to write any addresses. Begin your letter: Dear ...,

Model answer

Band 8 sample letter

Band 8189 words. Names and details are invented; write your own.

Dear Mr. Henderson,

I am writing to express my concerns regarding the current bicycle storage facilities at the office complex. As a tenant in the building, I have recently transitioned to cycling to work to reduce my carbon footprint and improve my physical fitness.

Unfortunately, the existing parking area is entirely inadequate. The current racks are frequently overcrowded, leaving no space for my bicycle, which forces me to secure it to nearby railings. Furthermore, the area lacks proper overhead cover, leaving cycles exposed to the elements, and there is a noticeable lack of adequate lighting, which raises significant security concerns.

To address these issues, I suggest installing a larger, covered bicycle shelter that is equipped with secure, bolted-down racks. Additionally, installing motion-sensor lighting would greatly improve the safety of the area for employees arriving or departing during early morning or evening hours. Implementing a simple registration system for regular cyclists could also help manage the available space more effectively.

I hope you will consider these improvements to encourage more staff to adopt sustainable commuting habits. I look forward to hearing your thoughts on this matter.

Yours sincerely,

Arthur Pringle

Write your own and get a band

Answer this prompt in a timed General Training writing test and get a band for task achievement, coherence, vocabulary and grammar, with the sentences to fix.

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Examiner's view

Why this scores well

A Band 8 response clearly addresses all bullet points with specific, logical suggestions and maintains a consistently professional tone throughout. A common Band 6 error is failing to provide practical recommendations, instead focusing only on the frustration of the situation without proposing a resolution.

  • →Write to an organisation or someone you do not know: open with Dear Sir or Madam, close with Yours faithfully.
  • →If you know the person's surname, use Dear Mr or Ms and close with Yours sincerely.
  • →No contractions, no slang; polite indirect requests such as I would be grateful if you could.

6 phrases

Useful phrases from the letter

  • carbon footprint

    The total amount of greenhouse gases produced by someone.

  • inadequate

    Not enough or not good enough for a purpose.

  • exposed to the elements

    Unprotected from harsh weather conditions like rain or wind.

  • motion-sensor

    A device that activates when it detects physical movement.

  • sustainable

    Using methods that do not harm the natural environment.

  • transitioned

    Changed from one state or condition to another.

Frequently asked questions

Is this letter formal or informal?+

Formal. Write to an organisation or someone you do not know: open with Dear Sir or Madam, close with Yours faithfully.

How many words should an IELTS General Training letter be?+

At least 150 words, and 160 to 200 is the comfortable range. Spend about 20 minutes on it and leave 40 for Task 2, which carries twice the marks.

What does the examiner look for?+

A Band 8 response clearly addresses all bullet points with specific, logical suggestions and maintains a consistently professional tone throughout. A common Band 6 error is failing to provide practical recommendations, instead focusing only on the frustration of the situation without proposing a resolution.

Keep practising

More complaint letters

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