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September 08, 2019

IELTS General Writing: good vocabulary

Here are some useful phrases from my most recent 'General Training Task 1' sample answer (the complaint letter):

  • bring something to someone's attention
  • a significant error
  • the mistake relates to
  • it is stated that... when in fact it is...
  • something is due to happen
  • sorely disappointed (very disappointed)
  • an outing (a trip or day out)
  • this could lead to complaints
  • bad publicity
  • rectify this problem
  • it is vital that
  • give accurate information
  • I trust you will act quickly

Comments

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There have been several complaints about the reception area where visitors to your company arrive. Your manager has asked you to suggest how the reception area could be improved.
Write a letter to your manager.
In your letter
describe the complaints that have been made
say why the reception area is important
suggest how the reception area could be improved

Dear Mr. Patel,

I am writing in connection with the present issues in the reception area of the company, and to suggest possible solutions.

The main complaint I have noticed is that guests are not getting places to sit as the area is small and full of unnecessary furniture. On top of this issue, the air conditioning systems in this area is malfunctioning and thus dripping water on the floor continuously.

The reception area is highly important because visitors including clients, interviewees, and others arrive at this place first, and if they find such small problems, they will associate negative impression about the company in their minds. This means that they would not prefer to work for or work with the organization.

To improve this situation, I would suggest transferring some furniture at other areas of the premise which are non-functioning and add some new sofas, chairs, and tables so that visitors get more space to sit around or fill out forms. I would highly recommend replacing the air conditioners as repairing them seems impossible by looking at their current condition.

Please let me know if you have any more questions.

Yours sincerely,

John Smith

Posted by: Vishaal | September 09, 2019 at 02:42

bring a significant error to your attention
but why you wrote bring to your attention a significant error

Posted by: Roy | September 09, 2019 at 06:04

Some people say that music is a good way of bringing people of different cultures and ages together. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

It is argued that music is an effective medium to bring people from different countries and ages closer. I fully support this assertion as people can understand traditional values or way of living by listening to music of different areas and enjoy same kind of music regardless of their age.

Many songs and musical tunes often reflect culture of the area where they are composed. Music composers or song writters usually like to express their views on the custom followed by local people in their music, and thus inhabitants of different areas or even states can get the deep insight into the culture of a particular city or town by just listening to the music of that area. For example, the title track of the Bollywood movie called Dangal showcases the life of amateur wrestlers in rural areas of India. Therefore, I think music makes people aware about different cultures and so brings them together.

Apart from this, most people of different ages like listening to the same music. While many mothers like to sing their favourite songs for their newborns, some fathers enjoy latest songs played by their children. Grandparents also love the newly released musical albums as these songs are often remake of old songs, and thus remind them of their yesteryears. To explain this by a personal example, my grandfather used to tell me that today’s songs remind him of his past times with my grandmother. As music is often associated with people’s emotions, I think it indirectly persuade people of any age to connect with eachother.

In conclusion, I completely agree that music is an effective way to unite people of different nations and ages as it allows people to understand practices of different regions and is being enjoyed by almost everyone.

Posted by: Jk | September 09, 2019 at 06:07

Vishaal

.. the air conditioning systems in this area is [singular/plural mismatch] .

".. they will associate negative impression.." -> they will be left with a negative impression ...

-> transferring some furniture from other areas of the premises ['premises' is always plural in this sense].

-> impossible from looking OR in view of their current condition.

Posted by: Manuel | September 09, 2019 at 11:47

Dear Simon,
In the prompt, we see "some information", but you only stated "one" mistake. Also, you didn't write anything about "your" town. You just wrote "Manchester", which seems not perfect.

Can you please give me why? And is it ok for us to write like that (ignoring the stated issues)?

Posted by: Morteza | January 04, 2020 at 20:22

Hi Morteza,

You have to remember that "information" is uncountable, so we can't say "an information" or "several informations". As a result, "some information" is a very general definition, and it could refer to one or several mistakes.

I think it is obvious to the reader that Manchester is my town. There's no need to write "in my town, Manchester".

I hope this helps!

Posted by: Simon | January 13, 2020 at 16:08

Please assess my letter introduction
Q you recently received a letter from your friend asking for advice whether to go to college or try to get a job. You think he/she should get a job

Hi! hope you are in the best of your health and spirits. I am writing to assist you on the advice that you are seeking from me whether you should join college or find a job instead.

Posted by: Ruby | January 28, 2020 at 06:28

Write a letter to a restaurant manager to organize a party.
Why you want to give the party
What special arrangements you will need.
Any relevant question

Dear sir/madam,

I am writing this letter to book your party hall to throw a party on 20th February.

I have heard a lot of good reviews from my friends about the services that you provide to customers. So, I have also decided to give it a try. I am going to give surprise party to my friend, she is coming from abroad after 10 years. Though, I want to give her a welcoming party.

I would like to make some special arrangement for her. She is very fond of international cuisines, also, she is dye heart fan of sea food and Chinese food. Additionally, she always likes dark chocolate cake. However, in decoration, she likes balloons, flowers like roses and orchards.

In addition, I have some queries which I would like to ask. Firstly, I have to make in advance or I can pay half money after the party. Secondly, how many caterers will be there to serve the food.

I look forward for your immediate response.
Yours faithfully
Rose

Posted by: rose | February 03, 2020 at 06:33

Dear Simon

I've come across a General Task 1 question but I'm in two minds about what "tone" would be appropriate for that? It would be very nice of you if you could give me some ideas of how to choose either a formal or informal style.

Here is the question from Cambridge 14

You recently went to a concert and thought one of the singers was very good. You want to tell him how you feel.
Write a letter to the singer. In your letter:

. say how you feel about his performance
. give details of your musical activities
. explain how you would like him to help you with your musical activities.

Posted by: Amin Nadimian | February 28, 2020 at 15:08

Sir there is no writing test after September for general ilets. Please provide more recent writing exercise for practice
Thank you

Posted by: Ramandeep Kaur | June 23, 2020 at 12:15

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