Use the greeting, sign-off and paragraph plan below for this 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 borrowed several books from a library and returned them two months late.
Write a letter to the head librarian. In your letter
Write at least 150 words.
You do NOT need to write any addresses.
Begin your letter as follows:
Dear Sir or Madam,
GoPrep wrote this practice question in the style of the exam. It is not an official IELTS question.
A letter that begins Dear Sir or Madam ends Yours faithfully, 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 Sir or Madam,
I am writing to apologise for returning five books to your library two months after the due date. I know this must have caused inconvenience, as other readers may have been waiting for them.
The books were borrowed in January, just before I had to travel abroad urgently to look after my grandmother, who was seriously ill. I intended to renew them online, but my internet access was unreliable during my stay, and afterwards I simply lost track of time. I realise that this is not an excuse, and I deeply regret it.
I have now returned all the books, and I can confirm that they are in good condition. I understand that a fine will be charged for the late return, and I am happy to pay it in full. I could do so in person at the front desk when I next visit, or I can transfer the money if you tell me the amount and your account details.
Once again, please accept my sincere apologies. I assure you that in future I will return my books on time.
Yours faithfully,
Chen Wei
| Phrase | Meaning |
|---|---|
| I am writing to apologise for | formally say sorry for something |
| Please accept my sincere apologies. | a strong, polite apology |
| I deeply regret any inconvenience this may have caused. | say you are sorry for the trouble |
| To make up for this, I would like to offer | suggest compensation |
| I assure you that this will not happen again. | promise to prevent a repeat |
Answer random Part 1, 2 and 3 questions on an exam timer.
Average your four skill bands, rounded the way IELTS rounds them.
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.