General Training Task 1 · Semi-formal letters
Noise from a neighbouring flat
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: foundation, not a predicted band.
Your writing task
A neighbour in your apartment building has recently been making noise late at night. Write a letter to the neighbour. Describe the noise, explain how it affects you, and suggest a way to solve the problem.
How to approach this question
Write to someone you know in an official context, such as a manager or neighbour. Stay polite and direct without sounding either distant or overly casual.
Semi-formal letters: make clear requests and workable proposals →
Describe the type, time and frequency of the noise without making accusations you cannot support. Explain a concrete effect such as interrupted sleep or difficulty preparing for work.
Suggest a reasonable change, such as lowering music after an agreed time, and invite discussion. A letter to a neighbour can be polite and direct rather than highly formal.
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: greet the known recipient appropriately and state your purpose without unnecessary ceremony.
- First task point: explain the situation with specific details and a respectful, direct tone.
- Remaining task points: cover every request while reflecting the existing relationship.
- Closing: invite a response and choose a polite sign-off that is neither highly formal nor casual.
Vocabulary you can use precisely
Choose language that fits your meaning. You do not need to include every phrase.
- late-night disturbance
- Noise or activity that interrupts people during normal sleeping hours.
The repeated music has become a late-night disturbance for the flats nearby.
- reach an agreement
- Decide on a solution that the people involved accept.
I hope we can reach an agreement about quieter hours.
Ready to write your own answer?
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