Dear Sir/Madam,

I am writing to you as I have left my wallet on a train and would like it to be returned.
The wallet was left on the 5.48 pm train today on the City line travelling towards
Beachside.  I got on at City North and left the train at Downtown. I suspect the wallet
fell out of my coat pocket as I was getting off the train.
My wallet is made of black leather with the logo “Armani” embossed on the front.  It
contains some important documents such as my driving licence and credit cards, as
well as some family photographs that are of great personal value to me, in particular
one of my late mother.
I would be grateful if you would make enquiries into the whereabouts of the wallet and
keep it for me. I can collect the wallet at the railway lost property office at the
Downtown train station.
I look forward to hearing from you soon.
Yours faithfully,
Andrew Moreton

NO ADDRESS REQUIRED
Dear Sir/Madam,
I am writing to complain about the students who are renting your apartment which is
situated next to mine. They invite a large number of people to the apartment almost
every evening. The noise level is unacceptable and it continues until early in the
morning. What’s more, they persistently leave rubbish in the public areas of the
building. Although I have tried to talk to the students, they have been uncooperative
and the situation has not improved.
This situation is having a detrimental effect not only on the other occupants of the
building, but also on all of my family. I have to get up early to work, and I am
constantly tired from lack of sleep.  My son, who has exams soon, is finding it difficult
to concentrate at school because he is not getting enough sleep.
I would be grateful if you could talk to the students and convey my concern and
remind them of the noise regulations in the block. If the situation does not improve,
further action may be required.
I look forward to your cooperation in this matter.
Yours faithfully,
David Johnson
Dear Sir/Madam,
I am writing to express my disappointment at a delivery error from
your online supplier, and to request an immediate exchange of
goods.
I ordered an aqua blue coloured dress (reference number 0859368)
in size 10. However, the dress that was sent to me was a navy blue
colour and a size 16. I spent a great deal of time ensuring the
details on my order form were correct before I submitted it. 
This situation is frustrating, as I was planning to wear this outfit to
an important social occasion next Friday, 17 March, and have
bought a pair of shoes and accessories to match. These items do
not match the navy blue dress that has been sent.
I would like a replacement to be delivered well before this event.
Please ensure that you deliver the correct item to my home
address, by courier, within the next 24 hours.
I look forward to your prompt reply and a swift exchange.
Yours faithfully,
Susan Whitworth

Dear Sir/Madam,
I am writing to you to complain about a situation that came to light on my arrival at
Sydney Airport yesterday on Flight AZ457.
It appears that my luggage has been misplaced between Fiji, where I was on holiday,
and Sydney. Although I understand that luggage can be lost or re-directed, I would
like to express my frustration that I was not officially informed and was left waiting at
the carousel for my luggage to arrive before being informed of the loss. It took a total
of three hours of waiting and filling in forms before I was able to leave the airport.
There were several items of value in the suitcase, not least a certain amount of
valuable jewellery and some expensive perfume.  In addition, there were clothes
specifically bought for the holiday and certain souvenirs that are of sentimental value,
despite being of little monetary value. I enclose a list of items lost, together with an
estimate of their value, which I would like to be used as a basis for compensation.
Please contact me as soon as possible, so that we can arrange a satisfactory outcome. 
My email address is: [email protected]
Yours faithfully,
Gurjeet Singh
Dear Sir/Madam,
I am writing to you to register my interest in employment in your company.  I am
flexible regarding the possible position. In particular, I have a great deal of experience
in Sales and Marketing.

Dear John,
I received your letter today, and I am delighted to hear that you are able to come and
stay with us next week.  Drop me a line to let me know when I can pick you up – really
looking forward to seeing you!

Dear Sir/Madam,
I bought a washing maching from your shop last Monday and it has since stopped
working.  I am disappointed by the quality of the machine and I would like to have it
replaced as soon as possible.

A. I would ask you to accept my apologies for...

B. I would be happy to take part in...

C. I would be grateful if you could...

D. I would like to suggest that...

E. I am delighted/glad to hear that...

F. I must express my disappointment at...

G. I am sorry to inform you...

H. I would like to let you know....

I. I would be delighted if you could...

 J. I would like to express my interest in the position...

Dear Sir/Madam,

I am writing to enquire if you have some electrical items that I need to purchase. I have
tried to find these in the shops in my town but the options here are very limited and I
have not been able to find what I need.

The first item I need is an external Blu-ray drive, preferably Sony, and a Smartphone
with a 12 megapixel camera. I am also looking for a printer which combines copying and
scanning functions. If these items are available, could you please keep them for me at
the shop as I would like to collect them in person when I visit the town next week. I
would also like to know if it is possible to pay online with PayPal or by telephone with a
credit card, or if I can pay when I pick up the goods.

I would really appreciate it if you could reply to my enquiry as soon as possible.

Yours faithfully,

George Peterson

ear
Sir/Madam,

I am a regular customer in your shop. I am writing to

express my disappointment in the service I received
last week.

I went into your shop to purchase a microwave oven.

I am familiar with your shop and know that you
usually sell good quality merchandise and that you
have friendly and efficient service. I waited for ten
minutes to find a sales person to help me and when I
asked questions about the selection and prices of the
microwaves, the assistant (whose name was James)
did not know any of the answers and seemed
unwilling to find out. Eventually he went to answer
the phone and did not come back to help me. I finally
left the shop and purchased my microwave
elsewhere.
 I am surprised that you would employ a person this
unhelpful and uninformed. I would like to receive a
written apology from your store, preferably from the
sales assistant himself.

I would like to be confident that I can have a positive

shopping experience in your store next time. I look
forward to your reply.

Yours faithfully,

I am writing to complain about a toaster that I bought from your shop two weeks ago.

1. I am interested in applying for the job advertised on your website.

2. I would like to complain about the access to your museum. There is no ramp for
wheelchairs and the stairs are very steep, which makes it difficult for people
with mobility problems.
3. I am sorry to inform you that you have not been successful in your application
for the job. Your experience was insufficient and thus we were not able to
consider you.
4. I was delighted to hear that you are changing the timetable of the 345 bus. The
new timetable is much more suitable for me.
5. I am sorry that you can?t come to my party on Friday – I hope we can arrange
a time to meet soon.

A common instruction for the Task 1 letter is to request action.  The following phrases
can be used to form part of an appropriate request:

 I would be grateful if you could…

 Please ensure that you…
 I would appreciate a response…
 I would like…
 Could you please…?
 I'd be happy if you…
Verb tenses
What are the most common verb tenses in Writing Task 1?

Present simple: This is used for an action that is happening now, or a state that is
permanent. For example:

 My neighbours frequently hold noisy parties after 10 pm.

 I am surprised at the attitude of your shop assistant.
 The park provides children with a safe place to play.

Present continuous: This tense is used to describe what you are doing at the moment
of speaking as a continuing action which is normally temporary. For example:

 I am studying at Sydney College this term.

 We are working very hard to finish the project.

Present perfect: This is used when the event in the past has an effect on the present or
an event that is not yet finished. For example:

 I have worked hard on the project and it is almost ready.

 The Director has asked me to deliver a talk at your school.

Past simple: This is used when the action in the past has finished or to recount a
situation. For example:

 I waited in the shop for 10 minutes before I was served.

 I read your advertisement asking for a technician in the paper yesterday.

Present perfect continuous: This tense is used when a situation began in the past, and
is continuing. It often emphasises the amount of time that has passed. For example:

 I have been eating more fruit and vegetables in the past two weeks.
 I've been travelling to work by public transport since 2010.

Modal verbs: These are generally used in the ‘outcome’ section in order to show
obligation or suggestion. The modal verbs in English are: 

 can
 could
 may
 might
 will
 would
 must
 shall
 should
 ought to

For example:
  I would appreciate it if you could let me know by the end of the week.
 I think this problem should be solved within the next couple of days.

Dear Sir/Madam,
I am writing to complain about an electronic dictionary that I bought at one of your
branches in the city centre last week. 
For some reason, the dictionary that I was given does not provide me
with(blank)synonym options. This is a very important feature for me. The texts that I
translate are very field specific so I need a dictionary that can help me with this. Also,
I need to find specialised words within the medical field, and the dictionary is not
giving me this option either. This is quite frustrating because, as a professional
translator, I need to complete my translations in time in order to meet the deadlines
set by my clients. 
Therefore, I would like to ask you if you could replace the dictionary that I have now
with a new one.  An alternative solution would be to get a refund; however, this would
not be helpful as I am currently working on some texts. 
I look forward to hearing back from you soon with a good solution to this problem.

Yours faithfully, 
Andrea Smith

To live a longer life has been a dream for countless years. With the development of
science and technology, it might be possible for people to live for one hundred and fifty
years in the near future. However, in my opinion, it may not be beneficial for people to
do so. (Introduction)
Undoubtedly, there are some major advantages for living a longer life. Firstly, people
could enjoy longer lives and do more of the things they want, such as trying different
lifestyles. They could spend more time with their family and even watch their children
grow to old age. (Personal benefits) In addition, people could contribute more if
they lived longer lives, especially scientists and other valuable members of society. For
example, if Edison had lived longer, he might have invented more things for us or
Mozart might have produced more wonderful music. (Benefits to jobs and careers)
Nevertheless, there could be many disadvantages if people lived for one hundred and
fifty years. Firstly, people might be unhealthy in their later years because their body
 organs are unable to deal with extreme age. Additionally, more people may suffer from
painful diseases such as arthritis. (Health risks) Another factor is that an increasing
older population would cause many problems for society. For example, it would place a
lot of pressure on the social welfare system, a situation already developing in
countries. (Risks to society)
In conclusion, I believe that the disadvantages for people living for one hundred and
fifty years far outweigh the advantages. Therefore, this development would be a
largely negative one for our society. (Conclusion)

Jane’s essay
The teenage years can be a wonderful yet difficult time in the lives of young people.
Those teenagers who break the law during their teenage years need to be treated
differently due to their age. This essay will argue for special treatment of teenage
offenders. (Introduction)
The most important consideration is that teenagers are young people with their entire
lives before them. Therefore, they need to be treated differently to adult offenders,
who may have been criminals for some time. Crimes committed by teenagers may not
have been intentional and may have resulted from negative influences, such as poor
parenting, drugs and alcohol or even from watching violent video games. Additionally,
young people may be under enormous pressure to do well at school. As a result, many
teenagers are stressed and may commit crimes without thinking fully about their
actions or the consequences. (Defending teenage criminals)
Finally, any harsh punishment such as sending teenage criminals to jail, could damage
their future opportunities. For example, if they are unable to find work once they have
left jail, they may return to a life of crime to survive. Therefore, we should give them
the chance to understand the effects of their wrong behaviour by treating them with
lesser punishment such as community service or rehabilitation classes to learn more
about right and wrong behaviour. (Alternative punishment)
In conclusion, I strongly believe that we should treat teenage offenders differently
from adult criminals. By doing this we can ensure that they do not remain criminals for
life. (Conclusion)

To live a longer life has been a dream for countless years. With the development of
science and technology, it might be possible for people to live for one hundred and fifty
years in the near future. However, in my opinion, it may not be beneficial for people to
do so. (Introduction)
Undoubtedly, there are some major advantages for living a longer life. Firstly, people
could enjoy longer lives and do more of the things they want, such as trying different
lifestyles. They could spend more time with their family and even watch their children
grow to old age. In addition, people could contribute more if they lived longer lives,
especially scientists and other valuable members of society. For example, if Edison had
lived longer, he might have invented more things for us, or Mozart might have
produced more wonderful music. (Pros)
Nevertheless, there could be many disadvantages if people lived for one hundred and
fifty years. Firstly, people might be unhealthy in their later years and may suffer from
 painful diseases such as arthritis. Additionally, there may be ethical questions involved.
Will everyone be able to live for this long – or only the citizens of developed countries?
Another factor is that an increasing older population would cause many problems for
society. For example, it would place a lot of pressure on the social welfare system – a
situation already developing in countries such as Japan. Finally, the overpopulation of
the earth could greatly damage the earth’s ecosystem and could lead to ecological
disaster. (Cons)

To live a longer life has been a dream for countless years. With the development of
science and technology, it might be possible for people to live for one hundred and fifty
years in the near future. However, in my opinion, it may not be beneficial for people to
do so. (Introduction)
Undoubtedly, there are some advantages for living a longer life. People could enjoy
longer lives and do more of the things they want, such as trying different lifestyles.
They could spend more time with their family and even watch their children grow to
old age. (Pros) However, we must also consider that these people may not be able to
enjoy their longer lives due to ill health and may suffer from painful diseases such
as arthritis. (Cons)
People could contribute more to society if they lived longer lives, although we have to
remember that this is not automatically the case. For example, Mozart could have
produced more wonderful music if he had lived longer, (Pros) but he might also have
produced some musical disasters as well. (Cons)
An increasing older population could provide great benefits to society by making
available highly skilled workers for a much longer time. This would strengthen the
economy as people would be able to delay their retirement and work
longer. (Pros) On the other hand, it would cause many problems for society. It would
place a lot of pressure on the social welfare system – a situation already developing in
countries such as Japan.(Cons)
In conclusion, I believe that the disadvantages for people living for one hundred and
fifty years far outweigh the advantages. Therefore, this development would be a
largely negative one for our society. (Conclusion)

In conclusion, I believe that the disadvantages for people living for one hundred and
fifty years far outweigh the advantages. Therefore, this development would be a
largely negative one for our society. (Conclusion)

Jin Tao’s essay

To live a longer life has been a dream for countless years. Yet if science delivers th
development to humankind, it could prove to be a disaster for life on earth. This es
argue that living a longer life is a negative development for both individuals and for
a whole. (Introduction)
Those people who support the idea of living a longer life argue that there are signif
advantages such as more time for a quality lifestyle and for achieving personal go
(Argument against Jin Tao’s viewpoint) However, in my view there are other
important issues such as poor quality of life due to ill health and limited world reso
which need to be considered. (Argument to support Jin Tao’s viewpoint)
For individual quality of life, living for one hundred and fifty years might be more o
than an advantage. If people lived to an extreme age, their body organs could sta
deteriorate and they may feel unhealthy for many years. They may also have to li
long periods of illness such as arthritis, which is common among older people. (Ar
to support Jin Tao’s viewpoint)
Liability (noun) – something or someone that causes danger, a problem or difficul
New shoes are a liability on a long walk because they can make your feet sore.
Deteriorate (verb) – to become worse.
Her eyesight may deteriorate as she gets older.
From a more practical point of view, problems could occur when increasing number
people begin to rely on the welfare system. We have already seen a preview of th
happening in Japan, where a small number of young people have to pay more and
to support an increasing older population. In addition, there could be a serious de
world resources if people lived longer. As it is, there is barely enough water for th
population of the world. (Arguments to support Jin Tao’s viewpoint)
Therefore, I strongly agree with the statement that living for one hundred and fifty
would be a negative and dangerous development for both individuals and for our pl
(Conclusion)
Sample answer (Body only)

Firstly, everyone would have to agree that the Internet appears to make communication
between people much easier than it was in the past. Before, it was difficult to find out
information about organisations and current events. Now, most organisations have their
own web-sites and events are constantly updated on the Internet. This has meant that
information – and therefore communication – has become a lot easier. [FOR]

In the past, the only way people could communicate in writing with other people was by
sending letters and telegrams. Now, with the invention of internet-based email,
communication is fast and cheap. Taking advantage of this development means that
people can keep in touch on a more regular basis. [FOR]

Some people might say that the development of Internet and email has meant that
people spend too much time at their computer screens and do not have the amount of
personal contact with other people that they used to enjoy.  [AGAINST] However, I
would argue that this development has only changed the form of our communication with
others - from a spoken to a more written type of communication. [FOR]

Since its invention, the Internet has affected the way people communicate. Some
argue that its influence on the way we communicate is largely negative. However, I
believe that the Internet has greatly increased the possibilities for
interaction. (Introduction)
Some people say that even though so much information is available through the
Internet, nobody is really processing all this information. (Argument
AGAINST) Nevertheless, everyone would have to agree that the Internet appears to
make communication between people much easier. In the past, it was difficult to find
out information about organisations and current events. However, in modern society
most professional organisations have their own websites and events are constantly
updated on the Internet. This has meant that receiving information has become a lot
easier.(Argument FOR)
Before the Internet age, the only way people could communicate in writing with others
was by writing and sending letters. Now, with the invention of internet-based email,
communication is fast and cheap. Taking advantage of this development means that
people can keep in touch on a more regular basis. (Argument FOR) Although this has
meant that users now spend long periods of time in front of their computer screens
and may not be involved in as much spoken communication as before, (Argument
AGAINST) I would argue that the Internet has actually increased the amount of
communication between people – it is only that the means of communication has
changed from more spoken language to written communication. (Argument FOR)
In summary, it can be seen that the Internet has had a positive effect, giving people
the opportunity to communicate more easily and frequently with others. (Conclusion)

To live a longer life has been a dream for countless years. However, if this dream
becomes a reality the government could face many problems in providing basic
services. This essay will look at this problem and suggest how governments can
manage a much larger population of older people in the future. (Introduction)
The reality of people living longer is already with us in countries such as Japan. The
Japanese live longer than any race on earth and already this is causing problems
because it usually is left to the government to support older people after they retire
from work. If people lived for one hundred and fifty years it would place great pressure
on taxpayers. Also, in health and education services, governments would be forced to
spend large amounts on hospitals and education services for the elderly. (Problems)
However, practical solutions to these problems could be found. Governments could
increase the retirement age and encourage people to stay at work longer. This would
mean that people contribute tax for a longer period of time and would make older
people feel they are still contributing to society. Governments could build more
specialist hospitals that only deal with older people and pay for higher education
institutions that specialise in subjects that would interest older people. (Solutions)
In conclusion, there are a number of steps that governments could take to manage a
much larger older population, especially in the areas of welfare, health and education.
Governments have an important responsibility to keep people healthy and occupied
throughout their whole lives – even if they live for one hundred and fifty
years. (Conclusion)

To live a longer life has been a dream for countless years. However, if this dream
becomes a reality the government could face many problems in providing basic
services. This essay will look at this problem and suggest how governments can
manage a much larger population of older people in the future. (Introduction)
The problems caused for governments by an increasing older population could severely
affect welfare services. (Problem) To prepare for this situation, governments could
increase the retirement age. This would mean that people could work longer in their
jobs and therefore continue to contribute tax while still providing their valuable
experience to society. Encouraging older people to stay at work would also decrease
the amount of tax paid by younger people. (Solution)
Currently, older people don’t have enough input into government
policies. (Problem)Governments should create departments that specifically deal with
the issues of older people at all levels of government. (Solution) A related problem is
the lack of adequate hospital services for older people. (Problem) The government
should build more hospitals that specialise in treating older people. (Solution)
Lastly, the government needs to keep the minds of older people active during their
longer life. (Problem) Therefore, they need to establish higher education institutions
that are designed to meet the learning needs of older people. In some countries,
private universities already fulfil this function – for example, the University of the Third
Age in Australia. (Solution)
In conclusion, there are a number of steps the government could take to manage a
much larger older population, especially in the areas of welfare, health and education.
Governments have an important responsibility to keep people healthy and occupied
throughout their whole lives – even if they live for one hundred and fifty
years. (Conclusion)
Since its invention, the Internet has changed the way people communicate. Many people
argue that it has had a negative influence on the way teenagers and young adults
communicate. This essay will present some ideas about why this may be a negative
development and suggest how this influence can be reduced. (Introduction)

The Internet can lead to a lack of social skills in several areas. As an activity which is
usually done alone, frequent use of the Internet can lead to a feeling of loneliness and
detachment from the world. Teenagers are especially vulnerable to these feelings as they
have not developed strong peer groups and often lack emotional strength. Excessive use
of the Internet could lead to the inability to communicate effectively with other people in
face-to-face situations and often comes at the expense of more social activities such as
meeting with friends. (Problems)

One solution to decrease the negative effects of the Internet on young people is to make
sure they are not overusing it. Limits should be placed on the amount of Internet use and
other forms of recreational activity should be encouraged. Another strategy would be to
make sure young people have ‘Internet-free’ days and take activities that promote social
skills, for example, joining youth or sports clubs. (Solutions)

In summary, it can be seen that over-exposure to the Internet can be dangerous to

young people. Specifically, it can harm the development of their social skills at an
important time in their lives. We should all try to make sure that this does not happen
before it becomes a major issue in our society.(Conclusion)

Writing an introduction for Task

2
The introduction is the first paragraph of the essay. It is very
important because it is the first impression the examiner has of
your writing.
There are many ways of writing an effective introduction for a Task
2 essay. In this step, we will look at one way of writing an
introduction that can be used for each essay type in the IELTS
Writing test. This introduction does the following three things:
1 gives a general statement about the topic
2 refers to the viewpoint or problem presented in the question
3 refers to the specific question.
Let's briefly look at these three parts of the introduction. Then we
will look at each part in detail and do some practice activities for
each.
The three parts of an
introduction
Look at the following Task 2 essay question.
Example
Traditional medicine (Topic), such as acupuncture and herbal remedies, is very po
countries. Those who practise traditional medicine claim it is better than modern m
maintaining and improving health. (Viewpoint)
Acupuncture (noun) – a Chinese medicine that treats illness or pain by sticking ne
certain parts of the body.
His doctor used acupuncture to help treat his back pain.
Herbal remedies – medicine made from herbs or other plants.
Some people think herbal remedies are a safer and more effective type of medici
medicine.
Do you agree or disagree with this viewpoint? (Specific question)

Now let’s look at the introduction to Sola's essay, answering this

question.

Traditional medicine using methods such as acupuncture and herbal remedies

is widely used in some countries. Some doctors who practise traditional
medicine believe that it is more successful than modern medicine in
developing good health. I completely agree with this statement.

Let’s look briefly at the three parts of this introduction.

Traditional medicine using methods such as acupuncture and herbal remedies is wid
some countries. (general statement about the topic) Some doctors who practi
medicine believe that it is more successful than modern medicine in developing go
(referring to the viewpoint in the question) I completely agree with this state
(referring to the specific question)

Part 1: General statement

The first sentence is a general statement. It indicates the topic
(traditional medicine) and gives some information about the topic
(is widely used in some countries).
Part 2: Referring to the viewpoint or problem
presented in the question
The second sentence refers to the viewpoint in the question
(Some doctors who practise traditional medicine believe that it is
more successful than modern medicine in developing good health).
Note that in a Problem-Solution essay question, this sentence
would refer to the problem presented in the question.
This sentence is important because the next sentence (the last
sentence) in the introduction refers to this viewpoint or problem.
Part 3: Referring to the specific question
The last sentence tells the reader how you are going to answer
the specific question. It should indicate whether you agree or
disagree with the viewpoint in the question (Argument essay),
whether you will discuss the advantages and disadvantages of a
particular issue (Discussion essay), or whether you will present
some problems of and solutions to a particular issue (Problem-
Solution essay).
By including these three parts we can see that the ideas in the
introduction move from a general statement about the topic to
more specific information about the essay. Look at the following
diagram which illustrates this.

Let’s look at the three parts of an introduction in detail.