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 Mr and Mrs Taylor, I sincerely apologize to both of you for any inconvenience caused due to the noise from my house, and thank you for bringing this to my attention. At times, we might not be aware of the problems we unintentionally cause to our neighbours, and I am hoping that you will accept my apology. I can assure you that I will take the necessary steps to prevent it in the future. As you are aware, I am a musician by profession and my work requires me to do rehearsals before a performance at odd times. In addition to this, I also provide coaching to music students in the morning. Although, I am sincere about making sure that the noise level remains low and within the range of my property, it is quite clear that it was higher this time. To address the problem of high noise levels, I have called a friend of mine who is an expert in sound engineering. He has suggested ways to contain this noise problem by installing noise cancellation frames on windows and doors and making the room airtight. It may cost me a significant amount but should work in the long run. Please know that making the modification to the existing arrangement will take up to a month. I am afraid that you will have to tolerate noises for some more time, though I will try my best to keep it to a minimum, and hope that you will be agreeable to the proposed solution. Again, I regret the inconvenience caused to you. Yours sincerely, Prateek Roy
IELTS Writing Correction
- 1. Correct preposition Original: caused due to Suggested revision: caused by Why it matters: The passive construction requires 'by' to identify the cause.
- 2. Remove comma Original: Although, Suggested revision: Although Why it matters: A comma must not separate 'Although' from the clause it introduces.
- 3. Use uncountable noun Original: tolerate noises Suggested revision: tolerate the noise Why it matters: 'Noise' is uncountable when referring generally to the ongoing disturbance.
- 4. Use direct wording Original: At times Suggested revision: Sometimes Why it matters: This is a more direct way to introduce an occasional situation.
- 5. Use concise modal Original: we might not be aware Suggested revision: we may not be aware Why it matters: The simpler modal form is more natural in this formal apology.
- 6. Prefer simple present Original: I am hoping Suggested revision: I hope Why it matters: The simple present is the conventional form for a polite hope in a letter.
- 7. Clarify reference Original: prevent it in the future Suggested revision: prevent this from happening again Why it matters: The revision makes the reference to the noise problem explicit.
- 8. Refine time phrase Original: at odd times Suggested revision: at irregular hours Why it matters: This phrase expresses the scheduling problem more precisely and formally.
- 9. Separate letter sections Suggested revision: Divide the letter into an opening apology, a paragraph explaining the causes, a paragraph describing the solution, and a brief closing. Why it matters: Clear paragraphing would help the neighbour follow the purpose, reasons, and proposed action.
- 10. Add interim action Suggested revision: State one specific temporary step you will take to reduce rehearsal and lesson noise during the month before the soundproofing is completed. Why it matters: The long-term work is clear, but the promised short-term action remains vague.
Suggested Rewrites
- caused due to caused by
- Although, Although
- tolerate noises tolerate the noise
- At times Sometimes
- we might not be aware we may not be aware
- I am hoping I hope
Why this response received Band 7.5
The letter fully addresses the complaint with a courteous apology, clear reasons for the noise, and a credible remedial plan supported by practical detail. Its main limitation is presentation: the whole response forms one long block, while a few imprecise collocations and minor grammatical slips reduce polish. The highest priority is to divide the content into purposeful paragraphs and refine awkward phrases so the solution is easier to follow.
IELTS Writing Criteria Scores
Detailed feedback by IELTS writing criterion after the annotated essay.
Task Achievement
The letter achieves its purpose directly, covers all three bullet points, and develops the explanation and proposed action in an appropriately courteous tone.
Make the interim arrangements during the month-long installation period more specific to strengthen reassurance for the neighbours.
Coherence and Cohesion
The ideas progress logically from apology and explanation to the proposed solution, but presenting the entire letter as one block weakens the organisation.
Use separate paragraphs for the apology, reasons, remedial action, and closing reassurance.
Lexical Resource
Vocabulary is varied and suitably formal, with effective expressions such as "bringing this to my attention" and "in the long run," though a few collocations are imprecise.
Replace awkward phrases such as "noise cancellation frames" and "contain this noise problem" with more natural wording such as soundproofing and reduce the noise.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy
A broad range of complex structures is used with good control, and the few errors do not impede meaning.
Remove unnecessary punctuation after subordinators and tighten awkward constructions such as "Although, I am sincere about making sure".
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