You borrowed an important textbook during the last term from a classmate. You now realize your classmate has returned home overseas and you still have the book. Write a letter to him/her. In your letter: - apologize for the mistake - find out how important the book is to him/her - say what you will do Dear...............,
Sample Response
Dear Stefano, I hopeDear Stefano, Hope this letter finds you and your family in good health. I heardI came to know from Jenny that you have moved backyou've permanently moved to your hometown in Italy. I'm writing this letter to apologize for forgetting to return the physics bookapologize for the physics book that I borrowed from you during the last term, but forgotduring the last term but forgot to return. I am readyI'm now willing to return the book wheneveranytime you want. I would like you to tell me how importantbrief me on how important that physics book is to you. If I remember correctly, you have plannedplans to pursue a master's degree in physics from a universityone of the universities in your country. I'm not sure if this book is going to help you in passingcracking the entrance exam. DependingBased on your response, I might send it by courierI might courier it or send it by postthrough the post. As you knowAs you are aware, Tom is visiting your hometown next month. If you are able to waitIf you can wait, I will send the book along with him. This would also ensureAlso, this would make sure that your book will not be misplacedis not misplaced. I wish you success and look forward to hearing from you soon. Warm wishes, Jasmine
Why this response received Band 7.0
The letter covers all required points in a friendly, practical way, with a clear apology and several workable options for returning the book. Its main limitation is that the message is presented as one long paragraph and occasionally uses overly formal or unnatural wording for a classmate. Divide the content into short paragraphs, accept responsibility more directly, and use simpler phrases such as asking the friend to let you know what they prefer.
IELTS Writing Criteria Scores
Task Achievement
The letter apologizes, asks about the book’s importance, and offers practical return options. The friendly tone is appropriate.
Make the apology a little stronger by accepting responsibility before discussing return options.
Coherence and Cohesion
The ideas are logically ordered, but one paragraph reduces readability.
Separate apology, importance of the book, and return options into short paragraphs.
Lexical Resource
Vocabulary is generally suitable, but a few phrases are too formal or unnatural for a classmate.
Use “let me know” instead of “brief me” and “send it by courier”.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy
Grammar is mostly controlled, with errors in opening sentence structure and idiomatic verb patterns.
Check openings after greetings and verb patterns after “help”.
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IELTS General Training Writing Task 1
You borrowed an important textbook during the last term from a classmate. You now realize your classmate has returned home overseas and you still have the book. Write a letter to him/her. In your letter:
- apologize for the mistake
- find out how important the book is to him/her
- say what you will do Dear...............,
Your response
Write the task yourself, then compare your choices with the annotated response.