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 have noticed a safety problem in the building where you work.
Write a letter to Mr Brooks, your manager. In your letter
Write at least 150 words.
You do NOT need to write any addresses.
Begin your letter as follows:
Dear Mr Brooks,
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 Brooks,
I am writing to bring a safety problem to your attention, which I believe needs to be dealt with urgently.
Over the past week I have noticed that the emergency exit on the first floor, near the printing room, is blocked by several boxes of paper and an old filing cabinet. The fire door cannot be opened fully, and the sign above it is hidden. Yesterday I tried to move the boxes, but they were too heavy for one person.
I am particularly concerned because around thirty people work on this floor, and in a fire, they would have only one other route out, which is on the far side of the building. A delay of even a minute could be serious, and an inspection might result in a fine for the company.
I suggest that the boxes be moved to the storage room in the basement and that the cabinet be removed. It might also be a good idea to remind everyone that the exit must always be kept clear.
Thank you for your attention to this matter.
Yours sincerely,
Hannah Cooper
| Phrase | Meaning |
|---|---|
| I am writing to inform you that | formal opening to give news |
| I would like to bring to your attention | tell someone about something important |
| Please be advised that | formal way of warning or informing |
| The following information may be of use to you. | introduce a list of facts |
| I hope this clarifies the situation. | polite closing after explaining |
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