General Training Task 1Formal letters
Lost property on a train
Request letter · Intermediate
You left an important item on a train. Write a letter to the railway company's lost-property office. Describe the item, explain when and where you lost it, and state how the office can return it to you.
Formal letter
- Opening: use a formal greeting for an unknown recipient and state the purpose clearly.
- First task point: give enough specific detail for the organisation or official to understand the situation.
- Remaining task points: develop each requested point, including any action or information you need.
- Closing: end politely with a formal sign-off that matches the greeting.
Formal letters: develop every task point and make the request clear →
Idea starters
Develop 1
Identify the item using distinctive but non-sensitive details, then state the train, date, approximate time and where you were sitting. Keep the timeline easy for staff to check.
Develop 2
Explain how staff can contact you and propose a secure collection or delivery method. Do not include real passwords, bank details or identity numbers in practice.
Vocabulary to use precisely
- distinguishing feature
- A detail that helps identify one item from similar items.
- “A distinguishing feature is the blue fabric label inside the case.”
- arrange collection
- Organise a time and method for picking something up.
- “Please let me know whether I can arrange collection from the central station office.”