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 or MadamDear Sir,
I am writing to inform you that I received a letter from yourmy bank today, which should have containedwas supposed to contain my new bank card. Unfortunately,Unfortunately there was no card enclosedno bank card enclosed in the envelope Deletewhen I opened it.
I telephoned the bank to explain the problem, but I could not get through to the relevantright department, even though I waited on holdon the line for over half an hour, which was very frustratingextremely annoying.
In the letter, you asked me to acknowledge receiptthe receipt of the card, but obviouslyobviousely I cannot confirm receiptdo 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 action will the bank take ifWhat will happen if somebody has already used the card andand 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 using a secure delivery methodby secure means?
I hope to hear from you soon.
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.