Sample IELTS GT Task 1 letter: electronic equipment stopped working
Band 6.5 and Band 8 model answers for this IELTS question — see what raises the band, then get your own graded by AI.
Band 6.5
Prompt: You recently bought a piece of electronic equipment that stopped working after a few days. Write a letter to the shop where you bought it. In your letter: describe the product and the problem; explain what happened when you tried to use it; say what you would like the shop to do. (Begin 'Dear Sir or Madam,'. Formal register.)
Dear Sir or Madam,
I am writing to complain about a product I bought from your shop recently, because it stopped working after only a few days. I would like to ask you to solve this problem.
The product is a wireless coffee machine, model number CX200. I purchased it on 15th May from your store in the city centre, and I paid one hundred and fifty pounds for it. At first it worked very well and I was happy with it.
However, after only four days, the machine stopped working completely. When I tried to use it in the morning, I pressed the power button but nothing happened. There was no light and no sound at all. I checked the plug and the cable, but they were fine, so I think there is a problem with the machine itself.
Because the product is still under warranty, I would like you to repair it for free, or give me a new one to replace it. If this is not possible, I would prefer a full refund.
I have attached a copy of my receipt with this letter. I look forward to hearing from you soon.
Yours faithfully, Laura Hughes
Band 8.0
Prompt: You recently bought a piece of electronic equipment that stopped working after a few days. Write a letter to the shop where you bought it. In your letter: describe the product and the problem; explain what happened when you tried to use it; say what you would like the shop to do. (Begin 'Dear Sir or Madam,'. Formal register.)
Dear Sir or Madam,
I am writing to express my dissatisfaction with a product I purchased from your store, which developed a serious fault only days after I bought it.
The item in question is a wireless coffee machine, model CX200, which I bought from your city-centre branch on 15th May for £150. For the first few days it performed exactly as expected, and I was thoroughly pleased with the purchase.
Unfortunately, on the fourth morning the machine failed entirely. When I attempted to switch it on, the power button produced no response whatsoever — no indicator light, no sound and no sign of life. Suspecting a simple issue, I tested the cable in a different socket and confirmed the power supply was working, which leads me to conclude that the fault lies with the appliance.
As the machine is clearly defective and remains within its twelve-month warranty, I would be grateful if you could either repair it free of charge or supply a brand-new replacement. Should neither be feasible, I would expect a full refund.
I have enclosed a copy of my receipt as proof of purchase, and I trust this matter can be resolved promptly. I look forward to your reply.
Yours faithfully, Laura Hughes