IELTS Letter Writing / GT Writing Task 1:

You should spend about 20 minutes on this task.

Your neighbours have recently written to you to complain about the noise from your houseflat.

Write a letter to your neighbours. In your letter

• explain the reasons for the noise
• apologise
• describe what action you will take

Write at least 150 words.

You do NOT need to write your own addresses.

Sample Answer 1:

Dear Mr and Mrs Williams,

I hope you are doing great. It is a shame that we do not know each other very well and I would like to apologise for that. I am writing this letter in response to your complaint letter that you sent me yesterday about the noise from my flat. I sincerely apologise for the inconvenience and humbly ask for your forgiveness.

With the concern about home safety, my wife and I decided to install a few smoke detectors in our flat, especially after we saw a devastating fire in our neighbourhood lately. We bought the devices from an online store and started to install and test the gadgets last Sunday. To ensure that the sound of the fire alarm is loud enough and everyone in the house would notice it, we tested the devices for about 30 minutes. Although the testing took place at midday last Sunday, my wife and I are terribly sorry that your child’s nap was interrupted.

I really regret the event and request your forgiveness. Please accept this box of chocolate as a token of my deepest regret for the inconvenience. We will be more careful next time.

Yours sincerely,

Paul Lesner

Model Answer 2:

Dear Barbara,

I am very shocked to learn from your letter that the noise from my flat has been a source of disturbance for you and it has been spoiling your evening and causing distress. I am utterly regretful for that. I had no idea that the noise would reach your flat and cause you trouble. Please accept my sincere apology and I assure you that I will be more careful from now on.

As you may have guessed, I am trying to refit my kitchen in the evening when I get back from my office. Unfortunately, it is taking longer than expected and I have been having problems with getting things to fit properly. The banging and hammering must have created the cacophony and I should have been more cautious.

As the kitchen work is still not finished, I have decided to call a professional after reading your letter. I will instruct him to keep the noise level as minimum as possible and the work should be done in the next two or three days. I will make sure he works only in daytime hours, so you won’t be disturbed in the evening again.

I am really sorry to have caused you the problem.

Yours sincerely,

Gorner Brek