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B2 · Pre-advanced35 min

Writing formal letter of complaint – Tips, examples and exercises

Syllabus topic 2: Writing formal letter of complaint – Tips, examples and exercises

170–230 words · Complaint. You booked a fictional two-day design workshop advertised as including individual feedback and access to computers. There were too few computers, and your work received no feedback. Write to the organiser describing the problem, its effect and a proportionate remedy you would accept.

Your writing task

Write 170–230 words. You booked a fictional two-day design workshop advertised as including individual feedback and access to computers. There were too few computers, and your work received no feedback. Write to the organiser describing the problem, its effect and a proportionate remedy you would accept.

Writing focus

Separate facts from frustration. A specific request is more actionable than a threat or a general demand that someone do something.

Your progress

Ready to move on?

Mark this lesson as studied when you have finished the explanation.

My plan

Plan, write, revise

Suggested structure

  1. Identify the booking and advertised service.
  2. Describe the two problems and their effects factually.
  3. Request a specific remedy and a response.

Useful language

  • I am writing regarding…
  • The course description stated that…
  • I would appreciate it if you could…

Use these phrases if they fit your ideas. There is no single correct response.

0 words · Suggested: 170–230Restoring your draft…

170 more words to reach the suggested range.

Review your draft

This is guided self-review, not automatic grading. The word range is a guide. Editing your text clears the checklist so you can review the new version; previous lesson completion stays in your history.

See an illustrative response

Dear Workshop Manager, I am writing regarding the two-day design workshop I attended last weekend. I booked the course because its description promised access to computers and individual feedback on a completed project. Unfortunately, neither part of the service met those expectations. There were not enough working computers for the group. Several participants, including me, had to share one device, which substantially reduced the time available for practical work. Although the tutor tried to help, the arrangement made it difficult to follow the exercises at our own pace. In addition, my final project received no individual feedback. We were asked to upload our work, but the session ended before it could be discussed. This was disappointing because feedback was my main reason for attending. I would appreciate a written review of my project and an opportunity to complete the practical activities using a computer. If that cannot be arranged, please let me know what alternative remedy you can offer. I would welcome a response within the next two weeks. Kind regards, Alex Green

This example illustrates structure and tone and may be shorter than the suggested range. Develop your own response.

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