General Training Writing Task 1 · formal · apology

Letter to Employer Explaining Delay in Starting Job: 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
  • Apology
  • 20 minutes
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The task

You were going to start a job next month, but you will not be able to.

Write a letter to your future employer. In your letter:

  • →explain the situation
  • →describe your problems
  • →tell them when you can start work

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 formally request a postponement of my start date for the Project Manager position, which was scheduled for the first of next month.

Unfortunately, an unforeseen family emergency has arisen that requires my immediate and full attention. My elderly father has suffered a sudden health complication, and due to current travel restrictions and care requirements, I must remain in my home country to assist with his recovery and manage his affairs for the coming weeks.

This situation is quite complex, as I am currently the primary point of contact for his medical team. Balancing these urgent domestic responsibilities with the professional dedication required for a new role would be impossible at this stage, and I would be unable to provide the level of commitment your company deserves.

I am confident that these issues will be resolved shortly. Consequently, I would like to propose a new start date of the 15th of next month. I remain incredibly enthusiastic about joining your team and hope this adjustment does not cause excessive inconvenience.

Thank you for your understanding regarding this sensitive matter.

Yours sincerely,

Jonathan Miller

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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 three bullet points with a professional, consistent tone and appropriate formal language. A common Band 6 mistake is failing to provide a specific new start date or using overly informal language that lacks the professional gravity required for a new employer.

  • →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

  • postponement

    arranging for something to happen at a later time

  • unforeseen

    not anticipated or predicted before it actually happened

  • complication

    a secondary disease or condition aggravating an existing one

  • domestic

    relating to the running of a home or family

  • enthusiastic

    showing intense and eager enjoyment, interest, or approval

  • inconvenience

    a cause of trouble or difficulty to someone

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 three bullet points with a professional, consistent tone and appropriate formal language. A common Band 6 mistake is failing to provide a specific new start date or using overly informal language that lacks the professional gravity required for a new employer.

Keep practising

More apology letters

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