General Training Writing Task 1 · formal · request

Letter to Property Agency Requesting Early Lease Termination: 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.
  • 184 words
  • Formal letters
  • Request
  • 20 minutes
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The task

You are renting a flat from an agency. Your contract was for one year but you need to leave the flat two months early.

Write a letter to the agency. In your letter:

  • →introduce yourself
  • →ask to leave the flat before the contract finishes
  • →explain why you need to break the contract

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

Model answer

Band 8 sample letter

Band 8184 words. Names and details are invented; write your own.

Dear Mr. Henderson,

I am writing regarding my tenancy at 42 Oakwood Apartments, which I have occupied under a twelve-month agreement since last September. My current contract is scheduled to conclude in three months' time.

I am writing to formally request permission to terminate my lease two months earlier than the agreed date. Ideally, I would like to vacate the premises by the end of next month. I understand that this deviates from our signed contract and I am prepared to assist in any way possible to ensure a smooth transition, including facilitating viewings for prospective tenants.

This request is necessitated by an unexpected career development. My employer has recently offered me a permanent transfer to our regional office in Manchester, which requires me to relocate by the first of the month following next. While I have thoroughly enjoyed my time in this flat, this professional opportunity is one I cannot decline.

I would appreciate it if you could inform me of the necessary procedures to settle this matter. Thank you for your time and professional consideration of my situation.

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

The response achieves Band 8 by addressing all bullet points with a clear, professional tone and sophisticated vocabulary suitable for a formal request. A common Band 6 mistake is failing to provide a specific, plausible reason for leaving, or using informal language that undermines the formal nature of a contractual request.

  • →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

  • tenancy

    The period of time during which one rents property.

  • terminate

    To bring something to an end or conclusion.

  • deviates

    Departs from an established course or set plan.

  • necessitated

    Made something necessary as a result or consequence.

  • relocate

    To move to a new place and establish residence.

  • consideration

    Careful thought or attention given to a matter.

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?+

The response achieves Band 8 by addressing all bullet points with a clear, professional tone and sophisticated vocabulary suitable for a formal request. A common Band 6 mistake is failing to provide a specific, plausible reason for leaving, or using informal language that undermines the formal nature of a contractual request.

Keep practising

More request letters

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