You visit a sports centre regularly, and there is a problem with the changing rooms in it. You have complained about it several times but with no success. Write a letter to the manager of the sports centre. In your letter: - describe what the problem with the changing rooms is - say what happened the last time you complained - explain what you want the manager to do
Sample Response
Dear Sir or Madam,
In recent weeks, we have found some issues with your otherwise well-managed sports centre, and I just thought that it was the time to bring those problems to your attention to ensure the reputation of your famous sports centre and the comfort of its users.
Now, let me explain the issues one by one. The first issue is that some of the doors of the changing rooms do not lock properly - probably because the lock systems have worn out or become old due to excessive use. Another problem is that sometimes, a foul smell hits us as soon as we enter those rooms either because they are not cleaned properly or do not get properly “deodorized”.
Of course, I have already complained to the supervisor, in charge of the maintenance of your sports centre, a couple of times, but it looks like the issues have not exactly been addressed or solved. The last time I complained to him was two months ago, and despite his promise to fix the issues, nothing significant has been done.
Therefore, I would appreciate it if you take the necessary steps to solve the problems, mentioned above, at your earliest convenience so that we all can get back to enjoying our time at your establishment, again, like we always did in the past.
Yours faithfully,
Miranda Blake
IELTS Writing Correction
- 1. Remove article Original: it was the time Suggested revision: it was time Why it matters: The fixed expression “it was time” does not take the definite article.
- 2. Correct verb collocation Original: ensure the reputation Suggested revision: protect the reputation Why it matters: A business protects or maintains its reputation rather than ensures it.
- 3. Use standard term Original: lock systems Suggested revision: locking mechanisms Why it matters: “Locking mechanisms” is the natural technical term for these door components.
- 4. Remove misplaced comma Original: sometimes, a Suggested revision: sometimes a Why it matters: The adverb does not need a comma between it and the noun phrase it modifies.
- 5. Keep viewpoint consistent Original: we have found some issues Suggested revision: I have noticed several problems Why it matters: The singular viewpoint fits a letter written and signed by one person.
- 6. Use measured praise Original: otherwise well-managed Suggested revision: generally well-managed Why it matters: “Generally” sounds more measured in a formal complaint.
- 7. Remove weakener Original: I just thought Suggested revision: I thought Why it matters: Removing “just” makes the complaint sound more direct and professional.
- 8. Avoid promotional wording Original: your famous sports centre Suggested revision: the centre Why it matters: The simpler reference avoids repetition and an unnecessarily promotional tone.
- 9. Open with complaint purpose Suggested revision: State immediately that this is a renewed complaint about unresolved changing-room problems. Why it matters: A direct purpose statement would help the manager understand the reason for the letter at once.
- 10. Request matching repairs Suggested revision: After describing each problem, identify the corresponding action: repair the locks and improve cleaning or odour control. Why it matters: Linking each defect to a remedy would make the requested response more concrete.
Suggested Rewrites
- it was the time it was time
- ensure the reputation protect the reputation
- lock systems locking mechanisms
- sometimes, a sometimes a
- we have found some issues I have noticed several problems
- otherwise well-managed generally well-managed
Why this response received Band 7.5
The letter is well organised, appropriately formal, and fully addresses the problems, the unsuccessful previous complaint, and the action requested from the manager. Its main weakness is occasional over-elaboration and awkward phrasing, which makes an otherwise clear complaint less concise and natural. The highest-priority improvement is to streamline repetitive expressions and use more precise formal collocations, especially in the opening and closing requests.
IELTS Writing Criteria Scores
Detailed feedback by IELTS writing criterion after the annotated essay.
Task Achievement
The letter clearly achieves its purpose, develops all three bullet points, and maintains an appropriate formal register throughout.
Specify the exact remedies sought, such as repairing the locks and establishing a more reliable cleaning schedule.
Coherence and Cohesion
Information is sequenced effectively across focused paragraphs, with cohesive devices guiding the reader naturally through the complaint.
Make the opening more direct so the central complaint is introduced without unnecessary background praise.
Lexical Resource
The vocabulary is varied and appropriate for a formal complaint, though several expressions are repetitive or slightly unnatural.
Replace awkward phrases such as “ensure the reputation” and “a foul smell hits us” with more idiomatic formal wording.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy
A good range of complex sentences is generally controlled, with occasional errors in conditionals, articles, and comma placement.
Use the polite conditional accurately, for example “I would appreciate it if you took the necessary steps,” and avoid unnecessary commas.
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