General Training Writing Task 1 · formal · apology

Letter to a librarian regarding a damaged book

You borrowed a book from a public library and the book is now damaged.

Write a letter to the librarian to explain the situation. In your letter:

details about the book
how it was damaged
what you want to do about it

Write at least 150 words. You do not need to write any addresses. Begin your letter: Dear ...,

Band 8 sample letter

Dear Mr. Henderson,

I am writing to inform you of an unfortunate incident regarding a book I recently borrowed from the library. I feel it is my responsibility to notify you immediately about the damage sustained by the volume while it was in my possession.

The book in question is 'The History of Modern Architecture', which I checked out last Tuesday under my membership account. It is a hardcover edition with a blue dust jacket.

Regrettably, while I was reading at home yesterday, a glass of water was accidentally knocked over near the book. Despite my best efforts to dry the pages quickly, several chapters in the middle section have become warped and water-stained. I am deeply embarrassed by this carelessness, as I have always prided myself on treating library materials with the utmost care.

I would like to offer full restitution for the damage. Please let me know if you require me to purchase a replacement copy or if I should settle the costs through a fine. I am happy to visit the library at your convenience to resolve this matter.

I apologise sincerely for this inconvenience and look forward to your guidance.

Yours sincerely,

Julian Thorne

198 words. Names and details are invented; write your own.

Why this scores well

A Band 8 response clearly addresses all bullet points with a coherent, respectful tone that maintains professional boundaries. A common Band 6 mistake is failing to offer a clear solution or using an overly casual tone that undermines the seriousness of damaging public property.

Write to an organisation or someone you do not know: open with Dear Sir or Madam, close with Yours faithfully.
If you know the person's surname, use Dear Mr or Ms and close with Yours sincerely.
No contractions, no slang; polite indirect requests such as I would be grateful if you could.

Useful phrases from the letter

sustained: experienced or suffered something unpleasant or damaging
regrettably: used to express sadness or disappointment about something
warped: bent or twisted out of its original shape
restitution: repayment for loss or damage to property
utmost: being the greatest or most extreme amount
convenience: a time that is suitable or easy for you

Write your own and get a band

Answer this prompt in a timed General Training writing test and get a band for task achievement, coherence, vocabulary and grammar, with the sentences to fix.

Practise IELTS General writing

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Frequently asked questions

Is this letter formal or informal?

Formal. Write to an organisation or someone you do not know: open with Dear Sir or Madam, close with Yours faithfully.

How long should an IELTS General Training letter be?

At least 150 words, and 160 to 200 is the comfortable range. Spend about 20 minutes on it and leave 40 for Task 2, which carries twice the marks.