General Training Writing Task 1 · formal · complaint

Letter to the Editor Opposing Airport Expansion Plans: 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.
  • 196 words
  • Formal letters
  • Complaint
  • 20 minutes

The task

You are unhappy about a plan to make your local airport bigger and increase the number of flights. You live near the airport.

Write a letter to your local newspaper. In your letter:

  • →explain where you live
  • →describe the problem
  • →give reasons why you do not want this development

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

Model answer

Band 8 sample letter

Band 8196 words. Names and details are invented; write your own.

Dear Editor,

I am writing to express my strong opposition to the proposed expansion of Riverside International Airport and the subsequent increase in flight frequency. As a resident of the Oakhaven estate, located less than two kilometres from the main runway, I am deeply concerned about the implications of this development.

Currently, the noise pollution from existing traffic is significant, often disrupting sleep and daily activities. Increasing the number of flights will undoubtedly intensify this disturbance, making our residential area effectively uninhabitable during late-night and early-morning hours.

My primary objection stems from the inevitable decline in local air quality and the safety risks associated with higher traffic density. Furthermore, the increased ground traffic on our local access roads will exacerbate existing congestion, creating hazardous conditions for pedestrians. The character of our quiet community is at stake; we chose this location for its tranquility, which will be permanently destroyed by this industrial expansion.

I urge the planning committee to reconsider these plans and prioritise the well-being of the local community over commercial growth. We must seek sustainable alternatives that do not compromise the quality of life for those living under the flight path.

Yours faithfully,

Jonathan Sterling

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 fully addresses all three bullet points with a cohesive, professional tone and sophisticated vocabulary. The most common mistake for Band 6 candidates is failing to provide specific, logical reasons for their opposition, often relying on vague complaints instead of identifying clear impacts like air quality or traffic.

  • →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

  • subsequent

    happening after something else in a sequence

  • implications

    the possible effects or results of an action

  • intensify

    to become greater in strength or degree

  • exacerbate

    to make a bad situation even worse

  • tranquility

    a state of being calm and peaceful

  • prioritise

    to treat something as more important than others

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 fully addresses all three bullet points with a cohesive, professional tone and sophisticated vocabulary. The most common mistake for Band 6 candidates is failing to provide specific, logical reasons for their opposition, often relying on vague complaints instead of identifying clear impacts like air quality or traffic.

Keep practising

More complaint letters

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