Your neighbours have recently written to you to complain about the noise from your houseflat. Write a letter to your neighbours. In your letter: - explain the reasons for the noise - apologise - describe what action you will take
Sample Response
Dear Mrs. Martha,
I hope this letter finds you well. I am writing in response to your recent complaint about the noise from my houseflat. First and foremost, please accept my sincere apologies for any disturbance my actions may have caused you and your family.
I understand that noise can be disruptive and frustrating, and I want to assure you that I take your concerns seriously. The noise you have been hearing is primarily due to renovation work being carried out in the kitchen of my flat. I recently undertook a project to upgrade the kitchen, including installing new appliances, cabinets, and countertops. While these renovations are necessary to improve the functionality and aesthetics of my home, I understand that the noise generated from the construction activities may have been disruptive to you and other neighbours.
In light of your complaint, I am taking immediate action to address the noise issue. I will make every effort to minimize noise levels during late hours and ensure that any future activities are conducted with greater consideration for our neighbours.
Once again, I apologize for any inconvenience caused and appreciate your understanding and patience. Please do not hesitate to reach out if you have any further concerns or suggestions.
Yours sincerely,
Howard Daniel
IELTS Writing Correction
- 1. Name format Original: Dear Mrs. Martha Suggested revision: Dear Mrs Martha Why it matters: In British-style letter writing, the full stop after Mrs is usually omitted.
- 2. Natural noun Original: houseflat Suggested revision: flat Why it matters: Flat is the natural word here.
- 3. Simpler opening Original: First and foremost Suggested revision: First Why it matters: The phrase is slightly formal and unnecessary in a neighbour letter.
- 4. Direct wording Original: my actions may have caused Suggested revision: the renovation may have caused Why it matters: This connects the apology more directly to the source of the noise.
- 5. Avoid general filler Original: noise can be disruptive and frustrating Suggested revision: Delete Why it matters: The reader already knows the noise is disruptive; use the space for specific action.
- 6. Simpler wording Original: functionality and aesthetics Suggested revision: function and appearance Why it matters: This sounds more natural in a letter to neighbours.
- 7. Concise phrase Original: noise generated from the construction activities Suggested revision: construction noise Why it matters: The shorter phrase is clearer.
- 8. Be specific Original: during late hours Suggested revision: after 6 p.m. and before 9 a.m. Why it matters: Specific quiet hours would make the promised action stronger.
- 9. British spelling Original: minimize Suggested revision: minimise Why it matters: Use consistent British spelling in IELTS contexts.
- 10. Specific action Original: with greater consideration for our neighbours Suggested revision: only during reasonable daytime hours Why it matters: A concrete measure is more useful than a general promise.
- 11. Formal alternative Original: reach out Suggested revision: contact me Why it matters: Contact me is more neutral and natural in a formal apology letter.
- 12. Clarify activity Original: any future activities Suggested revision: any future renovation work Why it matters: This keeps the action tied to the complaint.
Suggested Rewrites
- Dear Mrs. Martha Dear Mrs Martha
- houseflat flat
- First and foremost First
- my actions may have caused the renovation may have caused
- noise can be disruptive and frustrating Delete
- functionality and aesthetics function and appearance
IELTS Writing Criteria Scores
Detailed feedback by IELTS writing criterion after the annotated essay.
Task Achievement
The letter clearly explains the renovation noise, apologises, and promises action. It could be stronger by giving a specific schedule or deadline for the noisy work.
Add concrete action details, such as working only between certain hours and telling neighbours when the renovation will finish.
Coherence and Cohesion
The response is well organised with clear paragraphs and polite progression from apology to explanation to solution. Some wording repeats noise and disruption unnecessarily.
Reduce repeated phrases and make the action paragraph more specific.
Lexical Resource
Vocabulary is flexible and appropriate, including disturbance, disruptive, renovation work, and immediate action. A few phrases are overly formal or less natural for a neighbour letter.
Use slightly warmer, more direct language and avoid heavy noun phrases where simple wording is enough.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy
Grammar is generally accurate, with only minor issues in prepositions, sentence economy, and American/British spelling consistency.
Proofread for concise clauses and consistent spelling such as minimise if using British English.