Learning Outcomes
After reading this article, you will be able to write effective Task 1 General Training letters for IELTS that make requests and complaints. You will know how to select an appropriate level of formality, use functional language for polite requests and complaints, structure your letter to IELTS requirements, and include clear supporting details. You will also understand how to specify the outcome you expect and avoid tone errors that reduce your band score.
IELTS Academic, General & UKVI Syllabus
For IELTS, you are required to use accurate functional language and organize supporting details when writing letters of request or complaint in Task 1. For revision, focus on these key syllabus areas:
- Identify when a formal or semi-formal style is expected in request or complaint letters.
- Use polite modal and structure forms to phrase requests or state complaints professionally.
- Provide specific evidence or examples to support your request or complaint.
- State what result or action you desire — for example, asking for a refund or requesting information.
- Organize your Task 1 letter using an appropriate greeting, clear paragraph structure, logical progression, and a formal or semi-formal sign-off.
- Avoid aggressive, emotional, or vague language when complaining or requesting.
Test Your Knowledge
Attempt these questions before reading this article. If you find some difficult or cannot remember the answers, remember to look more closely at that area during your revision.
- What polite modal expressions can you use to phrase a request in a formal IELTS letter?
- Why is it important to include concrete supporting details in a complaint letter?
- If you want an item replaced, how do you phrase this request to keep the letter formal?
- True or false: Stating “I am extremely upset and demand compensation immediately” is encouraged in IELTS letters.
Introduction
In Task 1 of IELTS General Training Writing, you may be asked to write a letter making a specific request or complaint. These questions test your ability to present a problem or need, give enough evidence, and ask for further action in a way that is both clear and suitably polite.
Careful attention to language, structure, and tone is essential. IELTS examiners look for professional, courteous functional language, as well as precise detail and logical organization.
Key Term: Functional Language
Expressions and grammatical forms used to perform practical communication tasks, such as making a request or lodging a complaint.Key Term: Supporting Detail
Factual information or examples included to clarify a problem, justify a request, or demonstrate the effects of an issue.Key Term: Tone
The degree of formality, politeness, and objectivity conveyed by your choice of words and grammatical forms.
Letter Tasks: Requests and Complaints
Most Task 1 letters require you to interact with a person or organization, either to ask for something (a request) or to report and seek a solution for a problem (a complaint). Both letter types expect the following:
- Clearly state the problem or what you want.
- Support your message with factual detail.
- Specify the action or reply you expect.
- Use correct structure and appropriate tone.
Request Letters
The key to requests in IELTS is to be direct but consistently polite and respectful.
Common formal expressions include:
- "I am writing to request..."
- "I would appreciate it if you could..."
- "Could you please provide..."
- "Would it be possible to..."
Use modals (could, would) and softened structures for indirectness.
Key Term: Modal Verb
A type of auxiliary verb used to signal politeness, possibility, or conditionality (e.g., could, would, may) in requests and complaints.
Complaint Letters
Complaint letters need to describe problems calmly, ask for reasonable solutions, and stay objective. Avoid emotional or rude language, even if the fault is serious.
Useful standard language:
- "I am writing to draw your attention to..."
- "Unfortunately, the item/service did not meet expectations because..."
- "I would be grateful if you could investigate this matter."
- "I would like to request a refund/replacement."
Conclude with a polite prompt for a response:
- "I look forward to your reply."
- "I would appreciate your prompt attention to this matter."
Key Term: Desired Outcome
The specific solution or response you are requesting—for example, a refund, replacement, apology, or further information.
Structure and Formality
A successful Task 1 letter has a clear structure:
- Appropriate greeting ("Dear Sir or Madam," for formal; "Dear Mr Smith," for semi-formal)
- Brief introduction explaining why you are writing
- One or more body paragraphs addressing each required point, with supporting examples or details
- Conclusion stating the action required or expressing thanks
- Appropriate closing ("Yours faithfully" for Dear Sir or Madam, "Yours sincerely" for a named recipient)
Key Term: Formal Letter Structure
The standard format for English business and official letters, including greeting, logical paragraphs, closing, and signature.
Choose the correct degree of formality based on the task. For unknown recipients (complaints to a company), always use a formal style.
Functional Language: Key Forms
Requests
- Could you please...?
- I would appreciate it if you could...
- Would you be able to...?
- I am writing to enquire about...
Complaints
- I am writing to express my dissatisfaction with...
- I am afraid there is a problem with...
- I would like to request...
- I would appreciate it if you could look into...
Use modals and indirect forms to keep your writing polite. Avoid "I want..." or "You must..." as these can sound demanding or rude.
Providing Supporting Detail
Always support your complaint or request with precise facts or examples:
- Give dates, receipt numbers, locations
- Describe exactly what happened (not just "It was bad")
- Explain how you were affected ("I was unable to complete my work as a result")
- State previous contact ("I have already spoken to your staff without resolution.")
Providing evidence makes your letter clearer, more persuasive, and more likely to achieve the desired result.
Worked Example 1.1
You recently bought a new mobile phone. After one week, it stopped working.
Question: How would you organize and phrase a complaint letter to the shop where you bought the phone?
Model Answer:
- "Dear Sir or Madam,"
- "I am writing to inform you that the mobile phone (model X) I purchased from your store on 2nd June 2024 has developed a fault after one week of use."
- "Despite following all set-up instructions, the device no longer powers on."
- "This has caused serious inconvenience, as I rely on the phone for work."
- "I would be grateful if you could provide a replacement or a full refund at your earliest convenience."
- "Yours faithfully,"
Answer:
This sample covers all key points: formal greeting, clear statement of complaint, supporting detail (date, model, impact), polite outcome request, and closing.
Worked Example 1.2
You wish to arrange early check-in to a hotel for an upcoming stay. Write one appropriate request for your letter.
Answer:
"I would be grateful if you could confirm whether early check-in is available for my reservation."
Worked Example 1.3
You booked a training course and require more precise information about the daily timetable and curriculum.
Question: Write a formal request for additional details.
Answer:
"Could you please provide me with the daily schedule and an outline of the topics covered in the course?"
Exam Warning
Do not use language that sounds emotional, aggressive, or threatening, even if describing a serious problem. For example, avoid: "I am furious and demand immediate action." Instead, state the problem and request a solution politely. Letters with rude or confrontational tone will lose marks for tone and task achievement.
Revision Tip
Before writing your response, quickly list the points the examiner expects: what happened, how it affected you, what you want the recipient to do. Check you have included a greeting and closing appropriate to the level of formality.
Summary
When writing Task 1 letters for IELTS requests and complaints, use clear, formal language and organized structure. Always include supporting evidence and specify your desired outcome with polite modal expressions. Maintain a courteous tone throughout, even in complaints.
Key Point Checklist
This article has covered the following key knowledge points:
- Recognize when a formal/semi-formal style is required for IELTS Task 1 request and complaint letters.
- Use functional phrases and modal verbs to phrase requests and complaints politely.
- Support claims and requests with clear factual details or examples.
- Clearly state the specific outcome you expect from the recipient.
- Organize letters into logical paragraphs using correct greetings and sign-offs.
- Avoid emotional, rude, or aggressive expressions in exam letters.
Key Terms and Concepts
- Functional Language
- Supporting Detail
- Tone
- Modal Verb
- Desired Outcome
- Formal Letter Structure