Note: A letter to the manager of your company can be formal or semi-formal.
Formal letters
You recently attended a meeting at a hotel. When you returned home, you found you had left some important papers at the hotel.
Write a letter to the manager of the hotel. In your letter
- say where you think you left the papers
- explain why they are so important
- tell the manager what you want him/her to do
Your local council is considering closing a sports and leisure centre that it runs, in order to save money.
Write a letter to the council. In your letter
- Given details of how you and your friends or family use the centre
- explain why sports and leisure centre is important for the local community
- describe the possible effects on local people if the centre closes
You work at home and have a problem with a piece of equipment that you use for your job.
Write a letter to the shop or company which supplied the equipment. In your letter
- describe the problem with the equipment
- explain how this problem is effecting your work
- say what you want the shop or company to do
- describe the benefits of sponsoring the sports team
- summarise the benefits of paying for the concert
- say how you think the company should spend the money
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.
- describe the complaints that have been made
- Say why the reception area is important
- suggest how the reception area could be improved
The system used for rubbish/garbage collection in your local area is not working properly. This is causing problems for you and your neighbours.
Write a letter to the local council. In your letter
- describe how the rubbish collection system is not working properly
- explain how this is affecting you and your neighbours
- suggest what should be done about the problem Model Answer
You and some friends ate a meal at a restaurant to celebrate a special occasion, and you were very pleased with the food and service.
Write a letter to the restaurant manager. In your letter
- give details of your visit to the restaurant
- explain the reason for the celebration
- say what was good about the food and the service
On a recent holiday you lost a valuable item. Fortunately, you have travel insurance to cover the cost of anything you lost.
Write a letter to the manger of your insurance company. In your letter
- describe the item you lost
- explain how you lost it
- tell the insurance company what you would like them to do
You have lost an item of value on a train?
Write a letter to the railway company. In your letter
- Describe the item
- explain where and when you left it
- say what action you would like the company to take
You recently bought a piece of equipment for your kitchen but it did not work. You phoned the shop but no action was taken.
Write a letter to the shop manager. In your letter
- describe the problem with the equipment
- explain what happened when you phoned the shop
- say what you would like the manager to do.
You are due to start a new job next week but you will not be able to because you have some problems.
Write a letter to your new employer. In your letter
- explain your situation
- describe your problems
- tell him/her when you think you can start.
You are unhappy about a plan to make your local airport bigger and increase the number of flights. You live near the airport.
Write a letter to your local newspaper. In your letter
- explain where you live
- describe the problem
- give reasons why you do not want this development.
You borrowed some books from your school or college library. Unfortunately you have to go away to visit a sick relative and cannot return the books in time.
You travelled by plane last week and you suitcase was lost. You have still heard nothing from the airline company.
- explain the problem
- why are you dissatisfied?
- say what you would like the manager to do.
- explain why you want to do voluntary/unpaid work at the museum
- describe some skills and qualities you have that would be useful
- give details of when you would be available for work. Model Answer
- explain why you think you would be suitable for the job.
- say what else you could do for the family
- give your reasons for wanting the job
You joined an evening course. But it is different from the brochure.
Write a letter to the manager. In your letter
- give details of the course
- how it is different from the brochure
- what you want them to do (21 November 2020 IDP)
Semi-formal letters
You work for an international company. You have seen an advertisement for a training course which will be useful for your job.
Write a letter to your manager. In your letter
- describe the training course you want to do
- explain what the company could do to help you
- say how the course will be useful for your job
During a recent plane journey, you sat next to a businessman who owns a chain of restaurants. You talked to him and he suggested that you should contact him about a possible job in one of his restaurants.
Write a letter to this businessman. In your letter
- remind him when and where you met
- tell him what kind of job you are interested in
- say why you think you would be suitable for the job
You work for an international company, and would like to spend six months working in its head office in another country.
Write a letter to your manager. In your letter
- explain why you want to work in the company’s head office for six months
- say how your work could be done while you are away
- ask his/her help in arranging it
You are working for a company. You need to take some time off work and want to ask your manager about this.
Write a letter to your manager. In your letter
- explain why you want to take time off work
- give details of the amount of time you need
- suggest how your work could be covered while you are away
You have a problem with a neighbour.
Write a letter to your neighbour. In your letter
- Describe the problem
- say how long it has been a problem
- explain what action you want the neighbour to take
You and your family are living in rented accommodation in an English-speaking country. You are not satisfied with the condition of some of the furniture.
Write a letter to the landlord. In your letter
- introduce yourself
- explain what is wrong with the furniture
- say what action you would like the landlord to take
- introduce yourself
- describe your plans for the party
- invite your neighbour to come
Your neighbour have recently written to you to complain about the noise from your house/flat.
Write a letter to your neighbour. In your letter
- explain the reasons for the noise
- apologise
- describe what action you will take
You have a full-time job and are also doing a part-time evening course. You now find that you cannot continue the course.
Write a letter to the course tutor. In your letter
- describe the situation
- explain why you cannot continue at this time
- say what action you would like to take
You are supposed to move into a new flat next week, but you cannot do so due to some problems.
Write a letter to the landlord. In your letter:
- explain the situation
- describe your problems
- tell him/her when you think you can move in
You have broken your leg, and your colleagues sent you gift presents and cards.
Write a thanking letter to them. In your letter
- thank them
- tell them how you have been spending your time
- inform them about your recovery (31 October 2020 IDP)
You are going somewhere for a week. Ask your neighbour to care for your home in your absence.
Write a letter to your neighbour. In your letter
- Why are you going
- What things he/she should care for
- What he/she will do in case of any problem?(10 April 2021 IDP)
Informal letters
You recently received a letter from a friend asking for advice about whether to go to college or try to get a job. You think he/she should get a job.
Write a letter to this friend. In your letter
- say why he/she would not enjoy going to college
- explain why getting a job is a good idea for him/her
- suggest types of job that would be suitable for him/her
A friend you made while you were studying abroad has written to ask you for help in finding a job in your country. You have heard about a job in a local company that might be suitable for him/her.
Write a letter to this friend. In your letter
- tell your friend about the job
- say why you think the job would be suitable for him/her
- explain how to apply for the job
You are going to another country to study. You would like to do a part-time job while you are studying, so you want to ask a friend who lives there for some help.
Write a letter to this friend. In your letter
- give details of your study plans
- explain why you want to get a part-time job
- suggest how your friend could help you find a job
You have recently moved to a different house.
Write a letter to an English-speaking friend. In your letter
- explain why you have moved
- describe the new house
- invite your friend to come and visit
You have recently started work in a new company.
Write a letter to an English-speaking friend. In your letter
- explain why you changed the job
- describe your new job
- tell him/her your other news.
Last month, you had a holiday overseas where you stayed with some friends.
Write a letter to your friends. In your letter
- thank them for the photos and for the holiday
- explain why you did not write earlier
- Invite them to come and stay with you.
You want to sell your television. One of your friends might buy it from you.
Write a letter to your friend. In your letter explain.
- Why you are selling the television
- Describe your television
- Suggest a date and time when your friend can come to see it.
An English speaking friend of you is coming to spend a week in your hometown.
Write a letter to your friend. In your letter
- offer a place to stay
- suggest what to do in that week
- Inform about things that he should bring
A friend of yours is thinking of going on a camping holiday for the first time this summer. He/She has asked for your advice.
Write a letter to your friend. In your letter
- explain why you think your friend would enjoy a camping holiday
- describe some possible disadvantages
- say whether you would like to go camping with your friend this summer.
A friend of yours is thinking about applying for the same course that you did at university. He/She has asked for your advice about studying this subject.
Write a letter to your friend. In your letter
- give details of the course you took at the university
- explain why you recommend the university
- give some advice about how to apply