Letter of complaint
The Letter of Complaint is one of the common types of tasks in IELTS General Writing Task 1. In this task, candidates will be given a specific situation or problem, and their task is to write a letter expressing dissatisfaction and suggesting solutions or making specific requests.
- Prompt: Candidates will receive a prompt with information about the situation or issue to complain about. The prompt typically includes elements such as the recipient of the letter, the situation, and detailed information related to the issue.
- Purpose of the letter: Candidates need to write a letter in the correct format and according to the requirements of the prompt. The purpose of the letter is to clearly and logically present dissatisfaction with the issue, provide detailed information about the situation, and suggest solutions or make specific requests.
- Format: A letter of complaint typically includes the following sections:
- Greeting: Start the letter with an appropriate greeting such as “Dear Sir/Madam”.
- Introduction: State the purpose of writing the letter and introduce the specific issue you want to complain about.
- Body: Present the reasons for your dissatisfaction and provide detailed information about the situation. Candidates should use transition sentences to organize their ideas logically and clearly.
- Conclusion: Suggest solutions or make specific requests regarding the issue and end the letter with a thank-you note and an appropriate farewell greeting.
Note that the prompt requires a minimum of 150 words. Candidates should pay attention to ensure that they express their opinions fully and comply with the requirements.
- Evaluation: The test will be evaluated based on the clarity and logic of the opinions, the ability to use appropriate language and vocabulary, as well as accurate sentence structure and grammar.
📌Task:
You recently took a flight with an airline, but your baggage was lost during the journey, causing significant inconvenience. Write a letter of complaint to the customer service department of the airline. In your letter:
- Describe the details of your flight and the lost baggage.
- Explain how the loss of your baggage has affected you.
- Request assistance in locating and delivering your baggage, as well as compensation for any necessary purchases made due to its absence.
Sample Essay:
Dear Sir/Madam,
I am writing to express my dissatisfaction with my recent flight on September 28, 2023 with your airline. Regrettably, my checked baggage was lost, causing significant inconvenience.
On September 28, 2023, I traveled from London Heathrow Airport to New York John F. Kennedy International Airport on flight number GA456. However, upon arrival, I discovered that my baggage, identified with tag number GA789012, was missing. The loss of my baggage has disrupted my travel plans and inconvenienced me greatly. It contained essential items, including clothes and personal belongings, which are necessary for my stay at 456 Elm Street, New York, NY 10001. Consequently, I had to purchase replacements, resulting in unexpected expenses.
I kindly request your immediate assistance in locating and delivering my baggage to me. Moreover, I would appreciate compensation for the expenses incurred due to its absence. I trust that your customer service department will prioritize this matter and provide a prompt resolution. I look forward to your response regarding the status of my baggage and the necessary steps being taken to remedy this situation.
Thank you for your attention to this matter. I anticipate a swift resolution that reinstates my confidence in your airline’s services.
Yours faithfully,
Maria Webster.