IELTS SEMI FORMAL LETTER

In this post, we will examine how to write a semi-formal letter in IELTS general training test. Generally, this type of letter is written to a person whom you are familiar with ( even only by name as well) and whom you share any business or personal relationship status with.

Basically, the following types of letters fall into this category:

• Complaining to any landlord
• Giving explanation to a neighbor
• Asking a professor for approval or permission

 

GREETING IN SEMI FORMAL LETTER

 While greeting, the surname of the recipient is required to be mentioned whenever you are addressing. Like:    Dear Mr. Brandford

SIGNING OFF IN SEMI FORMAL LETTER

Following phrases can be used while signing off

1. Yours sincerely
2. Yours faithfully
3. Yours courteously

NOTE: Tone of the used language in this type of letter should be taken care of. It needs to be courteous without any confrontations. You are strongly recommended not to act as an antagonist. Suppose you are attempting a request letter asking for a refund.

For example: If you have not given my money back soon, I will contact the police the following day.

These thoughts are quite straight forward and harsh and obviously represent a clear threat. Instead say, I would greatly appreciate if you consider paying a full refund.

This way of addressing is more courteous and there is more likelihood of getting a positive revert.

SAMPLE QUESTION:
The internet connection you have is slow and quite intermittent. Write a letter to your network service provider to lodge a complaint. In the letter:

• Describe the problem you are experiencing in detail
• Ask for an arrangement of an executive to pay a visit to your home
• Request for a  reasonable reduction  in your bill

SAMPLE ANSWER( BAND SCORE 8.0)

Dear Sir or Madam,

I have been a regular customer of your company for over a couple of years, but from the last three days, my connection is working extremely slowly and irregularly. Even when it works, it is so slow that it is indeed unusable.

I have already brought this problem in the notice of your customer care department via phone on two different events but did not get any satisfactory response. I would like to make a request that an engineer be sent to my place since every attempt to resolve the connection problem remotely has failed and did not serve any purpose. If you could establish contact with me via this email address, I will really appreciate your prompt consideration in this regard.

Further to this, since till now I have not received the privilege of advertised service for three and a half months, I believe that no charges would be applicable on  repair on internet connection this time. The total amount equates to $______. I will accept a reduction in the total of future bill payments.

I hope this problem will be resolved shortly at the earliest convenience.

Yours sincerely

Smith Robert

 

TEMPLATES FOR SEMI FORMAL WRITING

For inviting someone or replying to an invitation:

1. With reference to your invitation/proposal
2. Please do let me know if you can pay a visit to the event
3. I would be highly delighted to have your presence there
4. I thank you a lot for your kind invitation, however unfortunately

To give advice or suggestion:

1. Perhaps, it would be greatly useful for you
2. I strongly suggest you consider
3. I honestly believe that it will be helpful for you
4. It would be much better if you

To apologize:

1. I totally regret to inform you that
2. Any inconvenience caused is sincerely regretted
3. I hope this might not bring any further problems for you
4. It is with my deepest regret that
5. I sincerely apologize for not being able to

For making a request:

1. It would be grateful on your part if you could
2. I was wondering if you could extend any help in this matter
3. I should let you know about the situation that
4. Please do consider my request as

RECENT IELTS GT SEMI FORMAL LETTER TYPE QUESTIONS

You recently took a full-time job at one of the reputed companies of your locality. After a few weeks, you realized that there were many problems with this job about which you were not informed before. Write a letter to the manager of the company. In your letter:

• Describe the problems you are dealing with
• Ask for resolving the problems shortly
• Express your dissatisfaction for not disclosing these areas prior

 

You borrowed some books from the library of your university. Unfortunately, you have to go out of the station to visit a sick friend and were not able to return the books on time. Write a letter to the librarian. In your letter:

• Give an explanation of what has happened
• Express your incapability for returning the borrowed books
• Tell him what you want to be done in this regard

 

You would like to participate in a seminar related to your work in another country. Write a letter to the person who is in charge of this seminar. In your letter:

• Ask for detailed information about dates, accommodation, and cost
• Register your credentials for the seminar
• Ask for any further benefits of attending the seminar

 

USEFUL IDIOMATIC PHRASES FOR BOOSTING THE SCORE IN TASK 1( GT)

1. Face the music:  (face criticism for something you have done)  Sooner or later, the company will have to face the music for betraying the trust of customers.
2. Wreak havoc:  ( cause death and destruction)   The recent disastrous floods in Kerala have wreaked havoc in the state.
3. To move heaven and earth:  (to make every possible effort to achieve the desired result)   She has moved heaven and earth to become an administrative officer.
4. Open pandora’s box: (finding a source of trouble)   They, indeed, have opened pandora’s box after revealing the secret of stolen money.
5. A red-letter day: (a day full of joy and memories)   My sister’s wedding was really a red-letter day as I can never forget that wonderful day.