General Task 1BeginnerTarget: Band 5.5–6.0

Formal Letter Template

Basic, formulaic formal letter focusing on stating facts clearly without attempting complex mitigation or advanced vocabulary.

Paragraph Structure

Salutation & Opening

Dear Sir or Madam, I am writing to complain about Product or Service.

Open with 'Dear Sir or Madam' if you don't know the name. State the purpost directly.

Point 1 (The Situation)

I bought a Item last week, but it does not work. I am very unhappy.

State facts using past tense ('I bought', 'I saw'). Say how you feel simply.

Point 2 (The Details)

The problem is that Description of problem. Also, Another small detail.

Add one or two simple sentences explaining *why* you are writing.

Point 3 & Closing (The Action)

I want a refund or a new one. Please reply to my letter soon. Yours faithfully, Your Name

Tell them exactly what you want them to do. Sign off with 'Yours faithfully' since you started with 'Dear Sir or Madam'.

Useful Phrases

I am writing to complain about...

I bought a... last week

but it does not work.

I am very unhappy.

The problem is that...

I want a refund or a new one.

Please reply to my letter soon.

Sample Answer

Dear Sir or Madam, I am writing to complain about a mobile phone I bought from your store in the city center. I bought a new Samsung phone last week on Tuesday, but it does not work correctly. I am very unhappy with this purchase. The problem is that the battery dies very quickly. If I charge it to 100% in the morning, it is completely dead by lunchtime, even if I do not use it. Also, the screen sometimes goes totally black for no reason. I want a full refund of my money. I have the receipt and the phone in the original box. Please reply to my letter as soon as possible. Yours faithfully, David Chen

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Using slang or contractions

Writing 'I'm mad about this' or 'The phone doesn't work' lowers the tone score. Formal letters MUST avoid contractions.

Fix: Write out full words: 'I am angry about this' or 'The phone does not work'.

Mixing 'Yours sincerely'

If you start with 'Dear Sir or Madam', you cannot end with 'Yours sincerely'.

Fix: Always pair: Dear Sir or Madam -> Yours faithfully.

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