Use the greeting, sign-off and paragraph plan below for this semi-formal letter, write it on a 20-minute timer, then compare it with a band-8 model letter.
You should spend about 20 minutes on this task.
You accidentally broke a window in your rented flat while moving furniture.
Write a letter to your landlord, Mr Harris. In your letter
Write at least 150 words.
You do NOT need to write any addresses.
Begin your letter as follows:
Dear Mr Harris,
GoPrep wrote this practice question in the style of the exam. It is not an official IELTS question.
A letter to a named person ends Yours sincerely, followed by your full name.
Spend the first few minutes planning, then write.
0 words of 150 minimum
Your answer stays on this page only. Copy it before you leave.
Write your own answer first, then compare: how it answers the exact question, what each paragraph does, and which phrases you could borrow.
Dear Mr Harris,
I am writing to tell you about an accident that happened in the flat yesterday and to apologise for it.
While I was moving a wardrobe from the bedroom into the living room, I turned a corner a little too quickly, and one end of the wardrobe hit the window. The glass cracked across the lower corner of the pane. Fortunately, no one was hurt and the frame is not damaged, but I know that the window needs to be replaced. I should have asked a friend to help me, or hired professional movers, and I regret my carelessness.
I am very sorry for the damage, and I realise that it is an inconvenience for you. I have taken photographs of the window, which I can send you if you wish to see them.
Of course, I would like to pay for the repair. If you give me the name of a glazier you trust, I will arrange the work, or I can pay you the cost directly. Please let me know the quickest way to resolve this.
Yours sincerely,
Ivan Kozlov
| Phrase | Meaning |
|---|---|
| I'm writing to say how sorry I am about | open an apology politely |
| I feel terrible about | express guilt |
| Please accept my apologies for | polite apology |
| I'd like to make it up to you by | offer to repair the situation |
| I hope you can forgive me. | ask for forgiveness |
Answer random Part 1, 2 and 3 questions on an exam timer.
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Compare an IELTS band with TOEFL, Duolingo and PTE scores and CEFR levels.
Look up the IELTS score a university asks for, with the source.