You successfully passed a job interview. You have to join by 15th November but you will not be able to do so. Write a letter to your new boss. In your letter: - explain your situation - express your concerns - suggest solutions
Sample Response
Dear [Manager's Name]Dear Sir/Madam, My name is John Lego. I passedhave cleared a job interview last week and was selectedand selected as a branch head of the company. I was dueintended to join by November 15th. But due to some unforeseen reasons, I am unable to start workpresent myself at the expected time. The reason behind my delay in starting workdelay from joining the work is that I met with an accident last weeklast week only. I sustained serious injurieshave got severe injuries to my shoulder and leg. My doctor has advised me 15 days' rest15 days of rest. I will be able to commence my role as a branch head onby 20th November. I comprehend the seriousness of the situation at work and the complications my absence will pose for you. However, I assure youBut I assure you that I will complete the first projectwrap up this first projectthat you have given me, that you have given me, within the stipulated time, by working overtime and on Sundayson Sundays also. Moreover, I have the option to work from homeprovision of working from home and can coordinate with my team by video conferencethrough video conferencing option, in case of any impediment. I have enclosed my medical reports along with this letter, with the hope that my request to join on 20th November instead of the 15thin spite of 15th, will be considered. I look forwardI will look forward to your response. Yours faithfullysincerely, John Lego
Why this response received Band 6.5
The letter covers the circumstances, the likely disruption, and several practical responses in a consistently formal and reassuring manner. Its main limitation is the frequency of awkward or inaccurate grammatical and lexical choices, while the lack of paragraph breaks weakens the presentation of otherwise clear ideas. The priority is to organise the situation, concern, and solutions into distinct paragraphs and edit verb forms and collocations carefully.
IELTS Writing Criteria Scores
Task Achievement
The purpose is clear, all three bullet points are developed, and the formal, apologetic tone suits communication with a new employer.
Make the proposed arrangements fully credible by clarifying how the stated recovery period aligns with the requested new starting date.
Coherence and Cohesion
The information progresses logically from the delayed start to its cause, consequences, proposed solutions, and closing request.
Divide the letter into clear functional paragraphs and reduce reliance on sentence-initial linking words such as But and Moreover.
Lexical Resource
A good range of formal vocabulary conveys the circumstances and proposed arrangements, though several collocations are unnatural or imprecise.
Use more natural combinations such as passed an interview, delay in starting work, and instead of the 15th.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy
The response uses varied sentence structures, but recurring errors in verb forms, articles, prepositions, and punctuation reduce accuracy.
Proofread each sentence for complete passive constructions, consistent tense choice, and unnecessary commas around defining information.
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IELTS General Training Writing Task 1
You successfully passed a job interview. You have to join by 15th November but you will not be able to do so. Write a letter to your new boss. In your letter:
- explain your situation
- express your concerns
- suggest solutions
Your response
Write the task yourself, then compare your choices with the annotated response.