General Training Writing Task 1 · semi-formal · request

Letter to landlord requesting urgent property repairs: IELTS semi-formal letter sample

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

The task

Your rental accommodation was recently damaged due to bad weather.

Write a letter to the landlord and. In your letter:

  • →explain what caused the damage
  • →why do you need them to fix the problem right away
  • →what needs to be done to fix 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 8192 words. Names and details are invented; write your own.

Dear Mr. Henderson,

I am writing to inform you about some significant damage to the property at 14 Oak Street, which occurred during the severe storms that swept through the area last Tuesday night.

Unfortunately, a large branch from the oak tree in the front garden fell onto the roof during the gale-force winds. This impact has caused a breach in the tiling, which has led to substantial water leaking into the master bedroom ceiling.

It is imperative that this is addressed immediately, as the plaster is becoming saturated and there is a high risk of electrical shorts in the overhead lighting fixtures. Furthermore, the persistent moisture will undoubtedly lead to mould growth if the roof is not sealed promptly, which would be detrimental to both the property structure and my health.

I would appreciate it if you could arrange for a professional roofer to inspect the damage and replace the broken tiles as soon as possible. Additionally, the ceiling will likely require drying out and repainting once the leak is fully rectified to prevent any permanent staining.

Thank you for your prompt attention to this urgent matter.

Yours sincerely,

Julian Thorne

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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 clearly addresses all three bullet points with specific, logical details while maintaining a consistently professional semi-formal tone. A common Band 6 mistake is failing to provide a logical reason for the urgency, instead simply stating the landlord must fix it without explaining the potential consequences like mould or electrical hazards.

  • →Write to someone you know but not closely, such as a manager, landlord or neighbour, using their title and surname.
  • →Polite and friendly at once: a few contractions are fine, slang is not. Close with Yours sincerely or Kind regards.
  • →State the purpose in the first two sentences; small talk costs words you need for the bullets.

6 phrases

Useful phrases from the letter

  • gale-force

    extremely strong winds capable of causing damage

  • breach

    a gap or break in a solid surface

  • saturated

    thoroughly soaked with water or other liquid

  • detrimental

    tending to cause harm or negative effects

  • rectified

    corrected or put right a bad situation

  • imperative

    of vital importance and needing immediate attention

Frequently asked questions

Is this letter formal or informal?+

Semi-formal. Write to someone you know but not closely, such as a manager, landlord or neighbour, using their title and surname.

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 clearly addresses all three bullet points with specific, logical details while maintaining a consistently professional semi-formal tone. A common Band 6 mistake is failing to provide a logical reason for the urgency, instead simply stating the landlord must fix it without explaining the potential consequences like mould or electrical hazards.

Keep practising

More request letters

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