You have received a letter from your bank, asking you to acknowledge receipt of a new bank card. However, the card was missing from the envelope. Write a letter to the bank’s head office. In your letter: - Explain why you are writing - Express concern about the missing card - Ask them what they intend to do
Sample Response
Dear Sir,
I am writing to inform you that I received a letter from my bank today, which was supposed to contain my new bank card. Unfortunately there was no bank card enclosed in the envelope when I opened it.
I telephoned the bank to explain the problem, but I could not get through to the right department, even though I waited on the line for over half an hour, which was extremely annoying.
In the letter, you asked me to acknowledge the receipt of the card, but obviousely I cannot do this as I have not received it. I am now very worried because it is a possibility that my card has gone to another customer or got lost. What will happen if somebody has already used the card and and spent my money? Will the bank repay me?
Is it possible for the bank to cancel this card so nobody else can use it? Could you also send me a new card by secure means?
I hope to hear from you soon.
IELTS Writing Correction
- 1. Use an inclusive salutation Original: Dear Sir Suggested revision: Dear Sir or Madam Why it matters: The recipient at the head office is unknown, so this salutation is more appropriate.
- 2. Add the introductory comma Original: Unfortunately Suggested revision: Unfortunately, Why it matters: The introductory sentence adverb should be followed by a comma.
- 3. Use a formal department term Original: right Suggested revision: relevant Why it matters: Relevant department is more precise and suitably formal for a bank complaint.
- 4. Maintain a professional tone Original: extremely annoying Suggested revision: very frustrating Why it matters: Very frustrating communicates dissatisfaction in a more measured professional tone.
- 5. Remove the unnecessary article Original: the receipt Suggested revision: receipt Why it matters: The fixed expression is acknowledge receipt of something.
- 6. Correct the spelling Original: obviousely Suggested revision: obviously Why it matters: Obviously is misspelled here.
- 7. Remove the repeated conjunction Original: and and Suggested revision: and Why it matters: The conjunction has been accidentally repeated.
- 8. Specify secure delivery Original: by secure means Suggested revision: using a secure delivery method Why it matters: This phrase states the requested method more naturally and precisely.
- 9. Address the bank directly Original: my Suggested revision: your Why it matters: Your bank is clearer because this letter is addressed to that bank's head office.
- 10. State the failed expectation Original: was supposed to contain Suggested revision: should have contained Why it matters: Should have contained expresses the unfulfilled expectation more directly.
- 11. Avoid repeating bank card Original: no bank card enclosed Suggested revision: no card enclosed Why it matters: Card is sufficient because the specific bank card was identified in the preceding sentence.
- 12. Remove the redundant timing Original: when I opened it Suggested revision: Delete Why it matters: The missing enclosure is already clear without stating that the envelope was opened.
Suggested Rewrites
- Dear Sir Dear Sir or Madam
- Unfortunately Unfortunately,
- right relevant
- extremely annoying very frustrating
- the receipt receipt
- obviousely obviously
Why this response received Band 7.5
The letter explains the missing card clearly, develops credible concerns, and requests sensible action in a logical sequence. Its main limitation is the cluster of small language lapses, including a spelling error, repetition, and a few awkward expressions, while the closing also lacks a conventional sign-off. The highest-priority improvement is a careful final edit for accuracy and polished formal-letter conventions.
IELTS Writing Criteria Scores
Task Achievement
The purpose is immediately clear, all three bullet points are fully addressed, and the concerns and requested remedies are appropriately developed.
Add a formal complimentary close and name to complete the expected letter format and sustain the professional register.
Coherence and Cohesion
Ideas progress coherently from the missing enclosure to attempted contact, financial concern, and the actions requested from the bank.
Reduce minor repetition of “card” and combine the final requests under one concise transition for an even smoother close.
Lexical Resource
Vocabulary is sufficiently varied and precise for the situation, but “obviousely,” “it is a possibility,” and repeated wording reduce polish.
Proofread spelling and replace awkward phrases with concise alternatives such as “obviously” and “the card may have been sent elsewhere.”
Grammatical Range and Accuracy
The response uses a good range of complex structures with generally strong control, despite a few local errors and repetitions.
Correct slips such as “and and” and review longer sentences to ensure every clause is economical and fully controlled.
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IELTS General Training Writing Task 1
You have received a letter from your bank, asking you to acknowledge receipt of a new bank card. However, the card was missing from the envelope. Write a letter to the bank’s head office. In your letter:
- Explain why you are writing
- Express concern about the missing card
- Ask them what they intend to do
Your response
Write the task yourself, then compare your choices with the annotated response.