This article gives sixteen different possible good answers to IELTS General Writing tasks in which a formal letter is suitable, usually because you are writing to someone who you don’t know and/ or in which you are told to start with “Dear Sir or Madam,”. The letters have been written to give good options for starting and ending such formal letters, and a model for how polite and formal language such as long words and sentences can be used to show your range of language and so obtain a high IELTS score. The models are given in approximate order of how common those kinds of tasks have been in official practice test books. Note that these are all very high-level letters, so most candidates will be able to get the score they need with much simpler language, including more standard medium-formality phrases. There are also many more options than you will need for the one letter task that you will have to do in your next test. For example, you can use “Yours faithfully,” to end almost any of the letters.
This site also has similar informal letter model answers, and over 500 pages of photocopiable IELTS General and IELTS Academic Writing materials here: https://www.usingenglish.com/e-books/ielts-writing/
Model formal negative feedback letter
Dear Sir or Madam,
I am writing with regards to my company’s recent one-day meeting in your hotel.
In general, we were very satisfied with the venue. We would like to thank you for the great service, and to compliment you on the décor and equipment.
Despite our generally good impression of your facilities, there was one aspect which did not meet what we had expected. Unfortunately, the food had clearly been left uncovered and unheated for longer than is acceptable, since it had gone cold and in the worst cases was becoming discoloured.
In order to improve the food situation, my main recommendation would be to check with the participants exactly what time the food will be needed. In addition, some of the foodstuffs can be kept heated with hotplates, etc.
I hope this information is of assistance in improving your hotel. Should you require any further information, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Yours faithfully,
A Case (Mr)
Model formal complaint letter/ negative feedback letter
Dear Sir or Madam,
I am writing concerning the collection of trash in my district (Helltown).
Unfortunately, there are severe issues with the system for disposing of ordure. The main problem is that many of the rubbish bags left out at night have been torn apart by wild animals but by the time they are collected the next morning. Similarly, the recycling bins have often been messed up by people seeking things they can sell.
The difficulties described above cause great inconvenience for people in the neighbourhood, as we have to clear up the remaining mess. Moreover, the scattered garbage attracts disgusting pests.
To solve these issues, the rules should be changed so that rubbish is only put out in the mornings, not the previous night. Additionally, nets could be supplied to deter foxes and crows.
If you need further information on these problems and suggestions, please do hesitate to contact me.
Best regards,
A.M. Case (Mr)
Model formal letter of complaint
Dear Sir or Madam,
I am writing to you concerning a printer which I purchased from your store last month. I am afraid I have been having some issues with this machine.
The main issue with this printer is that after it jams it starts to print the previous job from the first page again. This means that I am given two or more copies of the same page.
In addition to the wasted time waiting for the printer to reach the missing page(s), there is an unfortunate waste of ink and paper. As these are expenses that I have to cover myself, I find myself having to work extra overtime to cover this expense.
The best way to solve this problem seems to be to provide a software update. If this is not possible, could you please supply a new printer at your earliest possible convenience?
Thank you in advance.
Sincerely,
Alex Case (Mr)
Model formal job application letter
Dear Mrs Barrett,
I am writing to you in order to apply for the position that you advertised on the Newtown supermarket noticeboard.
I think that I would be very suitable for this work, as I had a part-time job as a cleaner in my hometown for two years. This means that I can efficiently clean the house, make the beds, do the laundry, etc. I am also able to do basic maintenance like changing light bulbs.
I am interested in this work because it will use my skills and work experience. It will also give me an opportunity to speak English, which I am keen to practise.
I can start the job on any date from 17 July. However, I won’t be able to work on Mondays, as I am employed as a yoga instructor then.
If you have any questions about my application, you can phone me on 098 997 5412. I look forward to hearing from you.
Yours,
Alex Case
Model formal job application letter
Dear Mr and Mrs Jones,
I am writing to apply for the job of Hindi teacher that was advertised in the IHT last week.
I think that I would be a great candidate for this job, as I have considerable experience of both teaching Hindi and working with children. This includes three years in very similar jobs in the UK and Canada.
As well as teaching Hindi, I could use the skills I gained working in kindergartens to keep the children entertained with games, sports and other fun activities. I would also be happy to prepare their lunches.
In addition to providing me with further work experience, this position would allow me to explore Australia for the first time. It would also allow me to visit some friends who have already moved there.
If you need any further information, please do not hesitate to contact me. I look forward to hearing from you.
Yours sincerely,
Alex Case
Model formal application letter (for a volunteer position)
Dear Sir or Madam,
I am writing in order to apply for the position of volunteer in your museum.
I am particularly interested in this position because I would like to work in a museum in the future. This would therefore be the perfect way to get relevant work experience to help me apply for related courses and full-time jobs.
I think that I would be a good match for this position. One reason is that I have studied the history of this town in some detail, and so should be able to answer most visitor questions. As I renovate old pottery in my free time, I am also used to handling the kinds of fragile goods that museums tend to have.
I am available for work straightaway. I can work any day of the week, for up to three days a week.
I look forward to hearing from you soon.
Best regards,
A. Case (Mr.)
Model formal suggestion letter to a publication
Dear Sir or Madam,
I am writing in order to suggest a book which has been a major influence.
My suggestion is the book Harold and the Ten Beans. It is an inspiring true story of a young disabled man who changed the lives of the people in his village with his determination and kindness.
This book has had a great effect on me. The first consequence of reading it was that I started writing similarly inspiring stories, in my case as picture books. The other was that it made me donate to charities helping villages like Harold’s.
I think this book could have a big positive impact on others if it was better known. This is because it deals with topics which most people know little about.
I hope you can consider this book for inclusion in your article. If you need more information about this title, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Sincerely yours,
Alex Case
Model formal giving opinions letter to a publication
Dear Sir or Madam,
I am writing to you in connection with an article on the appearance of high streets. Although the article makes some good points, there are also some parts which I think could be looked at a different way.
Starting with the opinions I support, there being too many similar shops in this country is certainly true. I can also see why the writer said that local festivals could be made more distinctive.
However, my hometown Seatown is a good example of how communities can make their towns unique. The council has redesigned the pavements, flower boxes, etc, so they reflect the history of this old fishing village, leading to a look that is different from anywhere else I know.
After reading my letter, I hope the writer would be interested in a tour of this special place, which I would be very happy to give.
Yours faithfully,
Alex Case
Model formal correction letter to a publication
Dear Sir or Madam,
I am writing in order to correct some information on Hampton which you published last month.
According to the article, our Green Man Festival has only gone on for five years. In reality, this is a revival of a festival that ran in our town for at least 600 years. Similarly, it is true that there is only one hotel in Hampton, but you ignored the many B&Bs and Airbnb properties which are available.
Although these may seem minor points, I believe they could have a big impact on whether people choose to visit Hampton. This is important because a rise in tourism is our chief plan for boosting the economy.
Given what I have written above, I hope that you can write a short correction in the next issue of your magazine. In addition, you should correct the online article straightaway.
Thank you in advance.
Yours faithfully,
Alexander Case
Model formal opinion letter
Dear Sir or Madam,
I am writing to share my opinions on the money you have decided to utilise for good causes. While there are advantages to both suggested uses, I believe that one is clearly better.
The main argument in favour of giving money to the kids’ team is that it will contribute directly to our part of town. Moreover, it will help deal with the recent problem of idle youngsters.
Turning to gigs out in the open-air, this would assist with bringing outsiders into the area. This could lead to not only increased income for local businesses but also more prestige for our borough.
Although both are very worthy causes, it is my belief that concerts would bring more benefits overall. The chief argument for this is simply that it would bring money in from elsewhere.
If you require any further information on my views, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Yours faithfully,
A.M. Case (Mr)
Model formal opinions letter
Dear Sir or Madam,
I am writing concerning your plans to shut the East Grange centre. I am strongly opposed to this plan, for the reasons outlined below.
My family and other contacts are typical in using the centre regularly for exercise and other classes. Additionally, most of us also utilise it for special occasions such as anniversary parties.
Having such as venue is absolutely essential for people in the local area because similar locations such as church halls have already closed down over the last decade. Furthermore, transport connections to similar places are poor.
Deciding to close the doors of this vital local facility will lead to a further loss of the community spirit that has already been reduced by gentrification. It would also hit us in the pocket as we would have to pay for more expensive spaces and transport there.
I hope you will reconsider your plans after hearing objections like those above.
Sincerely,
Alex Case (Ms)
Model formal positive feedback letter to an educational institution
Dear Sir or Madam,
I am writing in order to give some feedback on your short cookery course, which I did last month.
Overall, I had a really good time on the course. I was particularly into the part on combining unusual ingredients. I also got a lot out of the lessons on planning courses so that they make a satisfying whole meal.
To prove how much I gained from doing this course, I can share that I have started cooking almost every day at home, including inviting friends round to eat. Furthermore, I have got my first part-time job in a kitchen, two days a week.
I and others I talked to had such a good experience that we would like to study with your further. I therefore suggest that you start an advanced level course.
I hope this feedback is useful to you. If you have any questions, please contact me.
Best regards,
Alex Case
Model formal positive feedback letter
Dear Mr Jones,
I am writing to thank you for your recent performance in Thatch City, which I attended and really enjoyed.
Your performance was one of the best I have ever seen. In particular, I was very impressed by your vocal range. I was also amazed by how you and the backing singers did such impressive choreography while you sang.
I am also a singer and dancer, so I was very inspired by seeing you do both. In my own performances, I am also trying to put together traditional culture from my culture and more recent international forms like rap and EDM. Like you, I also sometimes slow things down with time at a keyboard.
It would really help me if you could suggest some things that helped you develop your style. I’d be especially interested to hear if you had a teacher who you could recommend.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Best regards,
Alex “Funkster” Case
Model formal positive feedback letter
Dear Sir or Madam,
I am writing to thank you for the great experience that we had in your restaurant on Saturday.
We were the party of twenty five who you very kindly sat near the fountain in the courtyard. Although the meal started at six o’clock, we were still there celebrating when you closed past midnight.
This event was incredibly important for us, as it was for the retirement of our company’s founder. He was finally passing the baton to his son after half a century of amazing management of this vital part of our community.
In addition to the delicious but healthy food in your establishment, we were also highly impressed by the staff. All the waiting and kitchen staff were not only efficient but also personable beyond the call of duty.
Once again, thank you for your assistance in this wonderful evening. I hope your restaurant will still be there when I retire.
Sincerely,
Alex Case
Model formal getting lost property back letter
Dear Sir or Madam,
I am writing regarding some official papers which I believe were left in your hotel the day before yesterday.
My company had a sales conference in the event room called “The Diamond Business Suite”, so the documents are most likely to be in that location. However, we also used the café in the basement, so that is another possible place.
The papers have a very high level of importance due to having been signed by all the CEOs of the twelve group companies. This means that it would take a great amount of time and effort to replace them.
I would be very grateful if you could check with your staff whether anyone has seen one of these watermarked papers or the thick blue folders that contained them. If that is unsuccessful, it would also be worth searching the rubbish.
Thank you in advance for any assistance you can provide in this matter.
Yours faithfully,
Alex Case
Model formal insurance claim letter
Dear Sir or Madam,
I am writing to claim for a lost object which is covered by travel insurance from your company.
The object that I would like to claim for is an antique camera from the 1930s. It is covered in zebra skin, which is very unusual and so makes it particularly valuable.
This camera was unfortunately lost when I was visiting a temple. One of the monkeys in the temple grabbed the camera and quickly ran away with it into the surrounding jungle.
As it seems very unlikely that the camera will be found, I would like you to pay me the value of the missing camera so I can buy a replacement. According to an auction website which I checked yesterday, the current value is $1,500.
If you need any further information about the camera, please contact me. I look forward to hearing from you soon.
Best regards,
Alex Case (Mr)