General Training Task 1 · Formal letters
Lost property on a train
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
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.
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 →
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.
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.
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.
- 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.
Ready to write your own answer?
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