Read the student task below.
You recently had a short holiday in a large city which you booked through a company called CityDeals. You were very disappointed with the holiday. Read the CityDeals advertisement for the holiday you booked and the notes you have made (below). Then write a letter to CityDeals, explaining what the problems were and telling them what you want them to do. |
Dear Sir or Madam,
I am writing to complain about a short holiday that was organised by your company recently. There were several problems with the holiday. First, your advertisement promised a hotel in a central location, whereas in fact the hotel was a long way from the centre. You said all rooms had a river view, but my window overlooked a noisy car park. I had to pay extra for dinner, although you stated that it was included. To make matters worse, I couldn't choose which show to go to. I had hoped to see a new musical, but I had to go to one I had already seen. I had been looking forward to my holiday very much, but it was completely ruined. I therefore feel that you should refund half the cost of the holiday in compensation for my disappointment. I look forward to hearing from you soon. Yours faithfully, Signature Name Name |
Read the letter above again and answer these questions.
1. If you start with Dear Sir/Madam how do you end the letter or email? 2. What should you write about in your first paragraph? 3. Give four examples of connections between the exam task and your letter. 4. What should you write if you would like a reply? |
1. Dear Sir or Madam,
2. I am writing to complain about a short holiday that was organised by your company recently. There were several problems with the holiday. First, your advertisement promised a hotel in a 3a.central location, whereas in fact the hotel was a long way from the centre. You said all rooms had a 3b.river view, but my window overlooked a noisy car park. I had to 3c.pay extra for dinner, although you stated that it was included. To make matters worse, I 3d.couldn't choose which show to go to. I had hoped to see a new musical, but I had to go to one I had already seen. I had been looking forward to my holiday very much, but it was completely ruined. I therefore feel that you should refund half the cost of the holiday in compensation for my disappointment. 4. I look forward to hearing from you soon. Yours faithfully, 5. Signature Name Name |
Here are the answers
1. If you start with Dear Sir/Madam how do you end the letter or email? End the letter/email with Yours faithfully. 2. What should you write about in your first paragraph? In your first paragraph begin with the reason you are writing. 3. Give four examples of connections between the exam task and your letter. (see underlined parts of text marked '3a-d'). 4. What should you write if you would like a reply? You should write 'I look forward to hearing from you soon'. (Write it on a separate line). |
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Tips If you know the name of the person, start with Dear Mrs/Mr/Miss/Ms + surname and end with Yours sincerely. In an email you can write 'Best wishes,'. In a real letter or email write your address at the top of the page, but don't for exam practice. In a letter sign your name above the printed text. (marked '5' in the text). Remember to use complete words for semi-formal and formal letters and emails (not contractions). For example, say do not instead of don't and it is and not it's. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- |
Useful language for writing semi-formal letters and emails
Complaining I am writing to you about... I have been waiting for... To make matters worse, … I would be grateful if you could.... Requesting information I am writing in response to... I would be grateful if you could... I am writing to inquire whether... I would like to know more about... Giving information/Responding to requests for information In response to your query, I would like to inform you that... With reference to your letter of... You asked me to tell you about... |
Now it's your turn.
Write 120-150 words in an appropriate style.
You have just returned from a trip to England. You flew there and back with UKAir Lines. You decide to write to the airline to complain about your flight and ask for some money back. Read the advertisement and the notes you made and then, using the information, write a letter to the airline. You may add other relevant points of your own. Your notes:
Write your letter of complaint. Do not include any postal addresses. |
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