You recently bought a piece of equipment for your kitchen but it did not work. You phoned the shop but no action was taken. Write a letter to the shop manager. In your letter: - describe the problem with the equipment - explain what happened - when you phoned the shop - say what you would like the manager to do
Sample Response
Dear Sir or Madam, I am writing to express my dissatisfaction with a recent purchase from your store. I bought a blender from your shop a week ago and it malfunctioned the very next day. I am hoping that you would replace it immediately or refund me the full amount. I purchased a Morphy Richards Express Blender from your shop on 18th May 2025. I came home and installed the blender the next morning by following the instructions provided in the manual. To my surprise, the blender did not switch on. I tried to do it a few more times before I finally phoned your shop. The order number is 23650247 and I am attaching a copy of my receipt. Judy, who answered the phone, confirmed that the installation steps were correct and suggested that it may be a manufacturing defect. She assured me that the equipment would be replaced and that someone from the shop would arrive to collect the blender. It has been five days since then and I am yet to be contacted by someone from your shop. I request you to look into the matter and suggest a solution. I am ready to drive down to the shop to hand over the blender, in case, a pickup cannot be arranged. Kindly replace it with a new one or refund me the full amount after you read this letter. Looking forward to a speedy resolution. Yours faithfully, James Walker
IELTS Writing Correction
- 1. Modal choice Original: I am hoping that you would replace Suggested revision: I hope that you will replace Why it matters: This is the natural modal pattern after "hope".
- 2. Precise problem Original: malfunctioned the very next day Suggested revision: stopped working the very next day Why it matters: This is clearer for a general complaint letter.
- 3. Product phrase Original: installed the blender Suggested revision: set up the blender Why it matters: "Set up" is more natural for a kitchen appliance.
- 4. Tone control Original: To my surprise Suggested revision: Unfortunately Why it matters: This sounds more neutral and formal.
- 5. Clear reference Original: I tried to do it Suggested revision: I tried to switch it on Why it matters: This removes a vague pronoun reference.
- 6. Receipt detail Original: The order number is 23650247 Suggested revision: My order number is 23650247 Why it matters: This connects the detail directly to the complaint.
- 7. Service action Original: that someone from the shop would arrive Suggested revision: that someone from the shop would come Why it matters: This is more natural for collection.
- 8. Natural tense Original: I am yet to be contacted Suggested revision: I have not yet been contacted Why it matters: This is more standard and direct.
- 9. Specific request Original: suggest a solution Suggested revision: arrange a solution Why it matters: This is more natural for asking the manager to act.
- 10. Remove comma Original: in case, a pickup Suggested revision: in case a pickup Why it matters: No comma is needed after "case" in this phrase.
- 11. Professional timing Original: after you read this letter Suggested revision: as soon as possible Why it matters: This is a more natural closing request.
- 12. Complete closing Original: Looking forward to a speedy resolution. Suggested revision: I look forward to a speedy resolution. Why it matters: Use a complete sentence in a formal letter.
Suggested Rewrites
- I am hoping that you would replace I hope that you will replace
- malfunctioned the very next day stopped working the very next day
- installed the blender set up the blender
- To my surprise Unfortunately
- I tried to do it I tried to switch it on
- The order number is 23650247 My order number is 23650247
IELTS Writing Criteria Scores
Detailed feedback by IELTS writing criterion after the annotated essay.
Task Achievement
The letter fully covers the problem, what happened after purchase, when the shop was phoned, and the desired replacement or refund. The request is clear and practical.
Place the preferred remedy at the end in one concise sentence, so the manager knows exactly what action to take first.
Coherence and Cohesion
The sequence is clear and detailed, moving from purchase to installation, phone call, delay, and requested solution. Cohesion is strong overall, though the final request repeats earlier information.
Reduce repeated refund/replacement wording and keep the final paragraph focused on the requested action.
Lexical Resource
Vocabulary is appropriate and precise for a complaint, including "malfunctioned", "manufacturing defect", and "receipt". Some phrases are slightly unnatural, such as "installed the blender" and "after you read this letter".
Use common consumer-complaint collocations such as "set up the blender", "arrange collection", and "as soon as possible".
Grammatical Range and Accuracy
Grammar is generally accurate with a good range of sentence structures. Minor issues with modality, commas, and fragments reduce polish but meaning remains clear.
Check polite request modals and avoid sentence fragments in the closing.