General Training Writing Task 1 · formal · complaint

Formal complaint to cruise provider regarding holiday disappointment: IELTS formal letter sample

An IELTS General Training Writing Task 1 formal letter with a Band 8 sample answer, why it scores well and the phrases worth borrowing for your own letter writing.
  • 185 words
  • Formal letters
  • Complaint
  • 20 minutes

The task

You have taken a cruise on a holiday and have been disappointed with the experience.

Write a letter to the cruise provider. In your letter:

  • →what went wrong
  • →how you felt about it
  • →what do you want to be done about it

Write at least 150 words. You do not need to write any addresses. Begin your letter: Dear ...,

Model answer

Band 8 sample letter

Band 8185 words. Names and details are invented; write your own.

Dear Customer Relations Team,

I am writing to express my profound dissatisfaction with the 'Mediterranean Explorer' cruise I recently completed between 10th and 17th August.

Several aspects of the trip were unacceptable. Firstly, my cabin remained uncleaned for three consecutive days despite multiple requests to the housekeeping desk. Furthermore, the main dining room failed to accommodate my pre-booked dietary requirements, resulting in limited meal options throughout the voyage. Finally, the advertised excursion to the Amalfi Coast was cancelled without notice or an alternative arrangement.

These failures significantly marred what was intended to be a celebratory holiday. I felt ignored by the staff, whose dismissive attitude towards these legitimate concerns was unprofessional. The lack of organisation turned a relaxing getaway into a stressful experience, leaving me deeply frustrated.

Given the substantial cost of this holiday, I find the service provided to be well below the standard promised in your promotional materials. I am requesting a partial refund of twenty per cent of the total booking price as compensation for these inconveniences. I look forward to receiving your prompt response regarding this matter.

Yours faithfully,

Julian Thorne

Write your own and get a band

Answer this prompt in a timed General Training writing test and get a band for task achievement, coherence, vocabulary and grammar, with the sentences to fix.

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Examiner's view

Why this scores well

A Band 8 response fully addresses each bullet point with specific, realistic details while maintaining a professional and consistent tone throughout. The most common Band 6 error is failing to clearly state the desired outcome or providing vague complaints without sufficient context.

  • →Write to an organisation or someone you do not know: open with Dear Sir or Madam, close with Yours faithfully.
  • →If you know the person's surname, use Dear Mr or Ms and close with Yours sincerely.
  • →No contractions, no slang; polite indirect requests such as I would be grateful if you could.

6 phrases

Useful phrases from the letter

  • profound dissatisfaction

    a very strong feeling of being unhappy

  • marred

    spoiled the quality or appearance of something

  • dismissive

    showing that something is not worth considering

  • voyage

    a long journey involving travel by sea

  • inconveniences

    trouble or problems that cause minor annoyance

  • promotional materials

    advertisements used to sell a specific product

Frequently asked questions

Is this letter formal or informal?+

Formal. Write to an organisation or someone you do not know: open with Dear Sir or Madam, close with Yours faithfully.

How many words should an IELTS General Training letter be?+

At least 150 words, and 160 to 200 is the comfortable range. Spend about 20 minutes on it and leave 40 for Task 2, which carries twice the marks.

What does the examiner look for?+

A Band 8 response fully addresses each bullet point with specific, realistic details while maintaining a professional and consistent tone throughout. The most common Band 6 error is failing to clearly state the desired outcome or providing vague complaints without sufficient context.

Keep practising

More complaint letters

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