You ordered a new chequebook from your bank two weeks ago but have received nothing. Write a letter to the manager complaining about the bad service. In your letter: - say when and how you ordered the chequebook - ask how much longer you will have to wait - ask what action the manager will take
Sample Response
Dear Sir or Madam, Not sure whether you would exactly like to read this letter, but I am left with no other choice but to take this matter to you. When I opened a bank account with your branch a couple of weeks agoabout a couple of weeks ago, I was told that I was dueentitled to receive a new chequebook, free of charge, within a few dayswithin the next few days if I applied for itif I had applied for it. ThereforeSo, I completed the application formfilled out the application and submitted it on the same day. HoweverBut unfortunately, I haven’t received my chequebook yetanything as yet. In additionBy the way, I have alsoeven called the bank about this issueyour bank about this matter but I received no definitive answerno definitive answer was provided. Therefore, I would like to ask you how much longer I willwould need to wait to receive my new chequebook. I would also like to know exactly what action you will takewhat actions exactly you are going to take to expedite the process because I urgently need access to my fundsI am really in need of some money now, and I cannot see how I can withdraw moneyI just don’t see how possibly I could be able to withdraw any money from my bank account without those cheques. I will be waiting for your urgent response. Yours faithfully, Sonia Mirza
Why this response received Band 7.0
The letter gives a clear account of when and how the chequebook was requested, asks directly about the delay, and seeks specific corrective action. Its main weakness is register: the confrontational opening and conversational phrase 'By the way' are poorly suited to a formal bank complaint. Prioritise a calm, factual opening that identifies the service failure and requests a firm delivery date.
IELTS Writing Criteria Scores
Task Achievement
All three bullet points are clearly covered and the complaint purpose is sustained, but parts of the tone are unnecessarily confrontational or informal.
Open with the order date and missing delivery, then request a confirmed delivery deadline and an explanation of the action being taken.
Coherence and Cohesion
The sequence from application to follow-up call and requested resolution is logical, though one-paragraph presentation and conversational transitions weaken organisation.
Separate the order history, unresolved delay, and requested resolution into concise formal paragraphs.
Lexical Resource
The letter has a sufficient range of complaint and banking vocabulary, but several phrases are awkward, conversational, or overly emphatic.
Use formal expressions such as 'I have not yet received it', 'no definite answer was given', and 'please expedite delivery'.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy
A range of complex structures is handled with generally good accuracy, despite occasional awkward word order and overextended sentences.
Shorten the final request and use direct forms such as 'Please confirm how I can access my funds while I wait'.
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IELTS General Training Writing Task 1
You ordered a new chequebook from your bank two weeks ago but have received nothing. Write a letter to the manager complaining about the bad service. In your letter:
- say when and how you ordered the chequebook
- ask how much longer you will have to wait
- ask what action the manager will take
Your response
Write the task yourself, then compare your choices with the annotated response.