Write a letter to a company, an official or a friend, covering three points in the right tone.
20 minutes 150–250 words
What the examiner wants
Write a letter that covers all three bullet points, in the right tone for the reader (formal, semi-formal or informal).
Structure, paragraph by paragraph
1
Greeting and purpose (1-2 sentences)
Dear Mr Smith (formal), Dear Anna (informal). Say straight away why you are writing.
2
Bullet point 1
One paragraph for the first point, with a specific detail (a date, a place, a problem).
3
Bullet point 2
One paragraph for the second point. Explain, do not just mention it.
4
Bullet point 3 and closing
Cover the last point, then close politely: "I look forward to hearing from you" (formal) or "Can't wait to see you" (informal). Sign off to match: Yours sincerely / faithfully, Best wishes.
Paraphrasing the question
Do not copy the bullet points. "Describe the problem" becomes a sentence about the actual problem.
Decide the tone from the reader: a manager or company is formal, a friend is informal.
Keep the tone the same from the greeting to the sign-off.
Swap words for synonyms: "people think" becomes "many argue", "children" becomes "young learners".
Change the word form: "the growth of online shopping" becomes "online shopping has grown".
Change the sentence structure: switch active to passive, or start from a different part of the idea.
Never copy the prompt word for word. Examiners ignore copied language when counting your words and it lowers your vocabulary score.
Keep the meaning identical. A paraphrase that changes the meaning answers the wrong question.
The question says
Describe the problem with the equipment.
You write
Unfortunately, the blender stopped working after only two days: the motor makes a loud noise but the blades do not turn.
Useful phrases
I am writing to complain about / enquire about...
I would be grateful if you could...
Unfortunately, ...
I was wondering if you could...
Thanks so much for... / It was great to hear from you.
I look forward to hearing from you. / Yours sincerely,
Sample questions
1.You recently bought a piece of equipment for your kitchen, but it did not work. Write a letter to the shop manager. In your letter: describe the problem with the equipment; explain what happened when you tried to get it fixed; say what you would like the shop manager to do. Write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write any addresses. Begin your letter as follows: Dear ...,
2.You are going to another country to study. You would like to do a part-time job while you are studying. Write a letter to an employment agency. In your letter: give details of your study plans; explain why you want to get a part-time job; suggest how the employment agency could help you. Write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write any addresses. Begin your letter as follows: Dear ...,
3.A friend has agreed to look after your house and pet while you are on holiday. Write a letter to your friend. In your letter: give contact details for when you are away; give instructions about how to care for your pet; describe other household duties. Write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write any addresses. Begin your letter as follows: Dear ...,