General Training Task 1 · Formal letters
Repeated delivery delays
An original IELTS practice question with a planning route and a sample answer to learn from.
Aim for at least 150 words in about 20 minutes. Suggested practice level: intermediate, not a predicted band.
Your writing task
A delivery company has repeatedly delivered important packages late. Write a letter to its manager. Describe the deliveries, explain the problems the delays caused, and state what action you expect.
How to approach this question
Write to an organisation or person you do not know. State the purpose clearly, cover all three task points and keep the tone polite and professional.
Formal letters: develop every task point and make the request clear →
Give two concrete examples of delayed deliveries, then explain their consequences rather than just stating that you were unhappy.
Request an investigation and a practical measure to prevent recurrence. Specify how you would like the manager to respond.
These are possible directions, not required opinions or facts to memorise. Develop your own response and check every claim against the task.
A possible plan
- 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.
Vocabulary you can use precisely
Choose language that fits your meaning. You do not need to include every phrase.
- repeated delays
- Late arrivals that have happened more than once.
The repeated delays have disrupted our planned activities.
- prevent a recurrence
- Stop the same problem from happening again.
Please explain what steps you will take to prevent a recurrence.
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