[SEP – DEC 2021] IELTS General Writing Task 1 Actual Tests With Answers: Semi-Formal Letters (Part 2)

Semi-Formal Letter 1

You have been invited to give a talk at a local community college in America about your home country. Write a letter to the secretary of the college.

In your letter

• accept the invitation and offer a possible date for the talk
• summarise what information you will include in the talk
• say what equipment you will need the college to arrange for you to give the talk

Sample Answer

Dear Mrs. Joannah,

I’m writing this letter as an acknowledgment of your invitation dated 06/10/2020. I’m glad to inform you that I accept your request to deliver a speech about my Country. Infact, it is an honour for me to have got a chance to speak about my Country. I’m available between July 10, 2020, to July 13, 2020, in the evenings.

As you know, India is rich in cultural heritage. I’m planning to talk about our Unity amidst diversity, cultural art forms, Literature, History, Climate, Politics, and so on. Most of my speech will be about our Indian students who study in various colleges across America. I will focus on how Indian students work hard to procure an American Visa.

I’m preparing some presentations using PowerPoint. So I need a laptop with a projector with excellent sound systems arranged.

Many thanks for inviting me to talk. I’m eagerly waiting for your reply.

Yours faithfully,

James

 

Semi-Formal Letter 2

You drive to work, but have recently had a problem parking your car at the office. Write a letter to your manager.

In your letter

• describe the problem with the parking
• explain how this is affecting you
• suggest what should be done about the problem

Sample Answer

Dear Kenny,

I’m writing this letter to express my concern over the parking space problem in our office. As you know, we have an underground pathway for parking vehicles. But our office has expanded. There is a considerable increase in the number of employees, and ultimately there are more twowheelers. I reach the office by 10’o’clock, and find that the parking space is full.

So I end up fighting with the person who is responsible for the parking space. He suggests that I should come early. As I’m a team lead, I have late-night calls with the clients. So I come by 10’o’clock and leave by 11:00 PM. I can’t come early. Ultimately, I parked my car in a nearby residential area. The owner of the house where I park my vehicle got annoyed and informed the traffic police, and my car was towed. So I had to go to the police station and explain my problem to get my car back.

I suggest that we rent the vacant piece of land adjacent to the office and make arrangements for our parking there. This is the only practical solution to the problem.

Please take action at the earliest.

Yours truly, Ram

 

Semi-Formal Letter 3

You work for an international company and need to take some time off work to celebrate a family event. Write a letter to your manager.

In your letter

• give details of the family event and why it is important you attend
• say how much time you will need away from the office
• suggest how your work could be covered while you are away

Sample Answer

Dear Pattison,

I’m writing to avail of my paid leave for ten days next month from November 1, 2020, to November 10, 2020, to attend my grandfather’s 80th birthday.

I’m very fond of him and want to spend time with him on the auspicious day (November 5, 2020) and receive his blessings. Moreover, we have invited our relatives from all over the world. Everybody adores him, and there’s going to be a big celebration. I don’t want to miss it.

During my absence, Jim can take over my role as a team lead. He has been performing exceptionally well and is very responsible. I will instruct him on the daily status reports that have to be sent to the client. Moreover, I have drafted a plan which he can execute. I’ll have limited access to emails, and you can always reach out to me in case of emergencies.

Awaiting your approval.

Yours faithfully,

Ram

 

Semi-Formal Letter 4

A neighbour recently invited you to a special party. You intended to go, but at the last minute were unable to attend. Write a letter to your neighbour.

In your letter

• apologise for not going to the party
• explain why you didn’t go
• suggest a way to make up for missing the party

Sample Answer

Dear Sam,

I’m writing to you to tell you that I’m terribly sorry to have missed your son’s birthday party. It was on a Sunday and I had planned to come but something unexpected happened due to which I could not come.

As you know that my mom is a cancer patient. When my wife and I were getting ready for the party with gifts that we bought, my mom started to cough blood. We gave her the syrup and injection that the doctor had recommended but it did not stop. So we had to rush to the hospital. She was anesthetized and a biopsy report was taken for her throat muscles. Soon the reports arrived and the doctor confirmed that her cancer still remained non-malignant and just that the throat muscles had been weak which was why she was spitting blood. He gave her some injections and discharged her.

My wife and I will visit you next week. Do let me know if you are available. The gift we got for your son is still with us. Looking forward to seeing you soon.

Yours truly,

Anderson

 

Semi-Formal Letter 5

You recently gave a successful presentation at work. You borrowed a book from a colleague, which helped prepare for the presentation. Write a letter to your colleague.

In your letter

• say what the presentation was about
• explain why the presentation was important
• describe how the book helped you prepare for the presentation

Sample Answer

Dear Jack,

I’m writing this letter to express my gratitude to you for lending the book “Python programming concepts.” I think you might be aware that our division is undergoing a significant change in the way we code. We are moving on to Python. The senior management is on the lookout for a new leader who can guide the team. So, they decided to test our abilities by asking us to make a presentation.

There were four of us competing for the position. I did a lot of research on the internet but was searching for a perfect book. I hope you remember entering my cabin when I was on the lookout for information on Python. The very next day, you gave me this book called “Python programming concepts.”

It explained the language in detail. It guided me on the installation of Python. It also contained examples for every concept. The practice exercises with answer keys were beneficial. It also helped me create my own projects in Python. I was able to give an excellent presentation, and my team members think that I have a high chance of becoming the lead.

Many thanks again!

Yours faithfully,

George

 

Semi-Formal Letter 6

You recently completed a course. You borrowed a book from your teacher while on the course but were unable to return it to him/her before the course ended. You would like to return the book now. Write a letter to your teacher.

In your letter

• say what the book was and explain why it was helpful for you
• explain why you didn’t return the book before the end of the course
• suggest a way that you can return the book

Sample Answer

Dear Mrs.Suzanne,

I am writing to you to apologise for not being able to return the book “Clinical Microbiology Made Ridiculously Simple, 6th Edition” authored by Mark Gladwin, Bill Trattler and C. Scott Mahan. I borrowed this book from you when I was doing my final semester in Microbiology. The book explained the concepts of pathogens and drugs clearly. Also, the summary charts were constructive. With the help of this book, I was able to qualify in the final exam with a distinction.

Soon after I finished my Bachelor’s degree in Microbiology, I applied for my Masters in a college in Dehradun. So I had to make frequent trips for my entrance exams and interviews. Amidst this, I forgot about the book completely. After I got a confirmation from the prestigious ABC University in Dehradun, I began packing for my trip. Then did I realise that I had forgotten to return the book. I am incredibly sorry for not returning the book on time.

I want to visit the college on Friday morning. Please confirm your availability so that I can return the book. Sincere apologies again!

I am expecting your reply soon.

 

Semi-Formal Letter 7

Your landlord is asking to increase the rent. Write a letter to him.

In your letter, you should tell:

• why you think the rent shouldn’t be increased
• what you will do if it is increased.

Sample Answer

Dear Mr. Saurav,

I’m writing to you regarding your letter about the rent increase. It is quite a surprise to me. It has just been one year since we’ve moved to your house. Although I agree that it is well connected to the main road and is close to healthcare and public transport facilities, the fact is that other houses in the nearby localities are rented at a much lower price than we are currently paying.

Recently, I was diagnosed with a tumour in my throat. I’m advised to undergo minor surgery to get it removed. Though I have insurance, there are expenses that I have to bear too. Since I’ve explained our situation, I hope you will be considerate and allow us to continue with the current rent amount.

However, if you continue to insist on the rent increase, we have to move to another house in the same locality.

Yours faithfully,

Sanjay

 

Semi-Formal Letter 8

You have recently visited a local old age home in your community. It needs people who can help renovate the building and also help with some activities. Write a letter to the Mayor and say

• How would you be able to help?
• When and why would you do it?
• Who will help you to do it?

Sample Answer

Dear Mr. Jones,

I’m writing this letter to let you know that I visited the “Happy Homes” old age home situated in our community last week to celebrate my birthday. I took my entire family with me. My parents, wife and children had a great time.

I’m Henry, residing in Orange county. I work as a senior consultant in ABC bank. I’m very much interested in working with charitable organizations. I’ve helped arrange loans for some orphanages in the County. I recently got a chance to visit the old age home, and I got to know that the management is about to renovate it. I want to do my part.

Since I’m a banker, I can help arrange the loans for the project. There are specific grants which apply only to non-profit organizations. Since I know the nuances of banking, I can help a great deal in arranging documents to avail a loan. I’m in good terms with the senior management in my Bank, and they will be very eager to get themselves involved in this renovation project. They have already encouraged me on arranging loans for orphanages. I’m sure they will help me with this project too.

Awaiting eagerly for your reply.

Yours faithfully,

Henry

 

Semi-Formal Letter 9

You have just finished your master’s degree and need to leave your current part-time job to search for full-time employment. Write a letter to your current employer.

In your letter:

• explain why you will not be able to pursue a full-time job in his/her company
• say why you’ve enjoyed working for him/her
• tell him/her how much longer you will continue to work for him/her.

Sample Answer

Dear Ryan,

I’m writing to let you know that I’ve completed my master’s degree in Computer Science. So, I’m aiming for a full-time job and have begun my job search.

I joined the part-time position as a medical lab instructor to help me manage my expenses. Now that I’ve completed my degree, I’m hopeful that I’ll be able to get a full-time job relevant to my field of study. I do remember the days when you mentored me and how considerate you were towards me when I worked late-night shifts. You always made the payment on time, which helped me a great deal in managing my living expenses. I thoroughly enjoyed my stay here, and as you know; I’ve made a lot of friends whom I would be in touch with forever.

I’m willing to serve the notice period of one month. Kindly provide my relieving and experience letters. I know I’ll miss this company, but I have to move on. I’m sure we will cross paths in future.

Yours faithfully

Tom

 

Semi-Formal Letter 10

Your Manager has asked you to do a presentation at the upcoming training session. Write a letter to your manager and say

• What is the topic of the presentation?
• What is the benefit of conducting a session on that topic?
• What are your requirements for conducting this presentation?

Sample Answer

Dear Harrison,

I’m writing to you w.r.t to the presentation which is scheduled for this Thursday. I’m planning to talk about “Networking with people” as it is gaining tremendous popularity nowadays. My presentation will include information about soft skills, body language, tips to improve email communication and a Question and Answer session.

I think this presentation will help our staff improve their coordination skills and will undoubtedly make an impact on the way they communicate. As the majority of them work with clients overseas, they need to write perfect emails, and I’ll strive to give some tips on skilled emailing.

I’ve booked the Gemini conference room for the presentation. The duration of the presentation is for two hours. At the end of an hour, I want to break for coffee for five minutes. It would be great if you can serve coffee in the presentation hall. For making the presentation, I require a projector and a mike.

Awaiting your response.

Yours faithfully,

Daniel