You ordered a new chequebook from your bank two weeks ago but have received nothing. Write a letter to the manager complaining about the bad service. In your letter: - say when and how you ordered the chequebook - ask how much longer you will have to wait - ask what action the manager will take
Sample Response
Dear Sir or Madam, Not sure whether you would exactly like to read this letter, but I am left with no other choice but to take this matter to you. When I opened a bank account with your branch about a couple of weeks ago, I was told that I was entitled to receive a new chequebook, free of charge, within the next few days if I had applied for it. So, I filled out the application and submitted it on the same day. But unfortunately, I haven’t received anything as yet. By the way, I have even called your bank about this matter but no definitive answer was provided. Therefore, I would like to ask you how much longer I would need to wait to receive my new chequebook. I would also like to know what actions exactly you are going to take to expedite the process because I am really in need of some money now, and I just don’t see how possibly I could be able to withdraw any money from my bank account without those cheques. I will be waiting for your urgent response. Yours faithfully, Sonia Mirza
IELTS Writing Correction
- 1. Remove redundant approximation Original: about a couple of weeks ago Suggested revision: a couple of weeks ago Why it matters: 'A couple of weeks' already expresses an approximate period, so 'about' is redundant here.
- 2. Correct conditional tense Original: if I had applied for it Suggested revision: if I applied for it Why it matters: The simple past matches the condition stated at the time the account was opened.
- 3. Use formal transition Original: But unfortunately Suggested revision: However Why it matters: 'However' provides a more suitable transition in a formal complaint letter.
- 4. Use formal connector Original: By the way Suggested revision: In addition Why it matters: 'By the way' is too conversational for a formal letter to a bank manager.
- 5. Use neutral wording Original: even Suggested revision: also Why it matters: 'Also' states the additional action more naturally in this formal context.
- 6. Use correct future form Original: would Suggested revision: will Why it matters: 'Will need' is appropriate because the question concerns the remaining wait from the present.
- 7. Improve word order Original: what actions exactly you are going to take Suggested revision: exactly what action you will take Why it matters: This word order is more natural in an embedded question and more concise for a formal request.
- 8. Use precise delivery wording Original: entitled Suggested revision: due Why it matters: 'Due to receive' focuses more directly on the bank's promised delivery rather than a general entitlement.
- 9. Make timeframe concise Original: within the next few days Suggested revision: within a few days Why it matters: The shorter phrase conveys the promised timeframe without unnecessary wording.
- 10. Use formal transition Original: So Suggested revision: Therefore Why it matters: 'Therefore' links the application to the bank's instruction in a more formal register.
- 11. Use formal wording Original: filled out the application Suggested revision: completed the application form Why it matters: This wording is more precise and appropriate in a formal banking complaint.
- 12. Name missing item Original: anything as yet Suggested revision: my chequebook yet Why it matters: Naming the chequebook makes the complaint more specific and directly tied to the task.
Suggested Rewrites
- about a couple of weeks ago a couple of weeks ago
- if I had applied for it if I applied for it
- But unfortunately However
- By the way In addition
- even also
- would will
Why this response received Band 7.0
The letter gives a clear account of when and how the chequebook was requested, asks directly about the delay, and seeks specific corrective action. Its main weakness is register: the confrontational opening and conversational phrase 'By the way' are poorly suited to a formal bank complaint. Prioritise a calm, factual opening that identifies the service failure and requests a firm delivery date.
IELTS Writing Criteria Scores
Task Achievement
All three bullet points are clearly covered and the complaint purpose is sustained, but parts of the tone are unnecessarily confrontational or informal.
Open with the order date and missing delivery, then request a confirmed delivery deadline and an explanation of the action being taken.
Coherence and Cohesion
The sequence from application to follow-up call and requested resolution is logical, though one-paragraph presentation and conversational transitions weaken organisation.
Separate the order history, unresolved delay, and requested resolution into concise formal paragraphs.
Lexical Resource
The letter has a sufficient range of complaint and banking vocabulary, but several phrases are awkward, conversational, or overly emphatic.
Use formal expressions such as 'I have not yet received it', 'no definite answer was given', and 'please expedite delivery'.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy
A range of complex structures is handled with generally good accuracy, despite occasional awkward word order and overextended sentences.
Shorten the final request and use direct forms such as 'Please confirm how I can access my funds while I wait'.
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IELTS General Training Writing Task 1
You ordered a new chequebook from your bank two weeks ago but have received nothing. Write a letter to the manager complaining about the bad service. In your letter:
- say when and how you ordered the chequebook
- ask how much longer you will have to wait
- ask what action the manager will take
Your response
Write the task yourself, then compare your choices with the annotated response.