You have just rented an unfurnished flat and a friend has told you about a shop that has cheap second-hand furniture. Write to the shop owner. In your letter: - describe what you need? - ask whether they have these items? - ask what they cost?
Sample Response
Dear Sir or Madam,
My name is AnkithaI am Ankitha, and I am writingwriting this letter to enquire aboutregarding the second-hand furniture in good conditionused furniture which is in optimal condition to be sold again. My friend John, who is a regular customer of yoursyour regular customer, recommended your store, mentioninghas recommended your store and mentioned that he appreciates how clearly you explain your productshe really admires your way of communication and explanation of products whenever he visits your shopmakes a visit to your shop.
I would like toLet me outline what I needbrief my requirements. I recently moved to a new apartment, and unfortunately, it is unfurnished, which makes daily life difficulteventually makes my life tedious. Firstly, I am working from home due to the lockdown, and I require a laptop stand which is convenient to proceed with my job leisurely. Next, I needI am in need of a leather couch and a massage chair which enable me to relax and unwindrejuvenate myself after workafter my busy work schedule and also an ideal way to watch television.
Why this response received Band 5.5
The response identifies the furniture needed and provides some relevant reasons, while its complex sentences show an attempt at range. However, it ends before asking whether the shop has the items or what they cost, so two central requirements and a proper closing are missing; it is also slightly under length. Complete those requests first, then simplify awkward phrasing and check sentence structure.
IELTS Writing Criteria Scores
Task Achievement
The furniture requirements are described, but the response omits both questions about availability and cost, lacks a closing, and falls slightly below the minimum length.
Add direct questions asking whether each item is available and how much it costs, followed by an appropriate closing.
Coherence and Cohesion
The two paragraphs move clearly from the reason for writing to the required items, although the incomplete letter prevents a fully developed progression.
Organise the complete enquiry into brief stages covering background, items, availability and prices, and the requested reply.
Lexical Resource
There is some range in words such as 'unfurnished,' 'rejuvenate,' and 'requirements,' but awkward collocations occur frequently.
Replace inflated phrases with natural expressions, for example 'ask about second-hand furniture in good condition' and 'work comfortably'.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy
The response attempts several complex sentences and usually remains understandable, but faulty relative-clause and parallel structures reduce control.
Correct the final sentence so both furniture items take clear verbs, and avoid overloading sentences with multiple relative clauses.
Write this task while it is fresh
Try the same task now. It helps you remember the feedback and write better next time.
IELTS General Training Writing Task 1
You have just rented an unfurnished flat and a friend has told you about a shop that has cheap second-hand furniture. Write to the shop owner. In your letter:
- describe what you need?
- ask whether they have these items?
- ask what they cost?
Your response
Write the task yourself, then compare your choices with the annotated response.