This is an IELTS formal letter example.
It is formal as it is to an insurance company, and is not to someone that you know. It is an example of how to write a letter of complaint.
IELTS Letter of Complaint about Car Insurance
| Your car insurance company has told you that they are going to increase the amount you have to pay in insurance for your car each month. You are not happy about this. Write a letter to your insurance company. In your letter explain Why you are writing to them Why you think the insurance should not be increased What you want them to do Write at least 150 words You do NOT need to write any addresses Begin your letter as follows: Dear…….., |
Model Answer
Dear Sir / Madam,
I am writing to you as I recently received a letter from you informing me that the insurance premium for my car is going to increase from next month.
As you will be aware if you check my records, I have held my insurance with your company for nearly seven years now. During this time, I have never had an accident and never had any reason to make a claim on my insurance.
I understand that at times prices need to be increased. However, this increase you are suggesting will result in a 20% increase in the amount I pay each month, a rate I feel is too much.
I would therefore like you to write back to me and explain why such an increase has been proposed. If you are unable to justify it to my satisfaction, then I am afraid that I will have no other option but to move my insurance to another company.
I look forward to hearing from you,
Yours faithfully,
Mr Mahmoud Khan
(Words 169)
Comment about the model answer
The answer clearly addresses all the bullet points from the question. The writer gives reasons why the letter is being written and why the increase is considered unfair, and then goes on to explain what he wants the company to do to resolve the situation.
The writer expands on his ideas by giving extra details. For example, he explains that he has had insurance for seven years and never had an accident, and he also explains how the increase will affect him i.e. result in a 20% rise in his payments. It is important when writing a letter to give extra information to support the letter whilst remaining on topic.
The tone of the IELTS formal letter is well-controlled, with appropriate opening (Dear Sir / Madam) and closing (Yours faithfully) phrases, and further phrases that ensure the formal letter still remains polite (I understand that…, I’m afraid…, I look forward to hearing from you…) despite the fact that it is a letter of complaint.
There are some other good examples of phrases appropriate to a semi-formal or formal letter (As you will be aware…, I would therefore like you to…).
IELTS Evaluation
Band Score: 8.5
1. Task Achievement: Band 9
The letter fully addresses all parts of the task. It explains why the writer is contacting the company (notification of increased premium), presents a logical argument against the increase (long-term customer with no claims), and clearly states what action is desired (an explanation for the increase and potential reconsideration). The tone is formal and polite yet assertive, which is appropriate for the situation. The letter also provides sufficient details, such as the length of the relationship with the company and the percentage increase, enhancing its persuasiveness.
2. Coherence and Cohesion: Band 8
The letter is well-organized, with each paragraph addressing a specific aspect of the task. Cohesive devices such as “As you will be aware,” “However,” and “I would therefore like” are used effectively to link ideas. The flow is logical and easy to follow. However, the transition between the second and third paragraphs could be slightly smoother to enhance cohesion.
3. Lexical Resource: Band 8.5
The vocabulary is appropriate and varied, with phrases such as “held my insurance,” “never had any reason to make a claim,” and “justify it to my satisfaction.” The use of formal language is consistent throughout. However, there is minor repetition of “increase” that could be replaced with synonyms like “rise” or “hike” to improve variety.
4. Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 8.5
The letter demonstrates accurate grammar with a good range of structures, such as conditional sentences (“If you are unable to justify it to my satisfaction”) and complex sentences (“As you will be aware if you check my records”). The sentences are well-punctuated, and there are no noticeable errors. Some sentences could be rephrased for brevity, such as “During this time, I have never had an accident and never had any reason to make a claim on my insurance.”
Suggestions for Improvement
- Replace repeated words like “increase” with synonyms to enhance lexical variety.
- Improve transitions between paragraphs for smoother flow, such as adding a linking phrase before stating the percentage increase.
- Consider rephrasing some longer sentences for conciseness.
Overall Comments
This is an excellent letter that fully addresses the task requirements with clear, logical arguments and appropriate formal language. Minor refinements in lexical variety and sentence structure could elevate it to a perfect score.
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