Speakout Upper Intermediate
WRITING REFERENCE UNIT 2
Writing a letter of complaint
When you write a letter of complaint, you need to make sure that it is clear and concise. You
should propose a solution to the problem or suggest action that needs to be taken. Use formal
language and always be polite!
Learn to write a letter of complaint
1 What are the typical problems that you can have with a neighbour? Make a list.
2 Read the letter about a problem between two neighbours and answer the questions.
1 What is the problem?
2 What action has the dog owner taken?
3 What action has Steven Jones taken?
4 What solution does Steven Jones propose?
22 Oxbow Close
Sender s
Little Norton address
GL9 65D
Date
5th April
8 Lake Road
Recipient s
Little Norton
address
GL9 67D
Formal
Dear Mr Broadbent,
greeting
I am writing with respect to the conversation we had in February concerning your dog,
Reason for
Rocky, and the hole in your garden fence.
writing
As you know I mentioned that your dog is constantly entering my garden and has
on a number of occasions uprooted my plants, knocked over my bins and generally
Detailed
caused a nuisance. I further mentioned that it is due to the hole in your fence where
description of
our properties meet and you promised me that it would be repaired as soon as possible.
the problem
It is now April and still nothing has been done.
I have contacted my lawyer and he has suggested that I try once more to resolve the
Request for
matter amicably before taking it any further. I am therefore requesting in writing
action
that the fence is repaired so that your dog cannot access my garden or my property.
I would expect this issue to be addressed within two weeks of the date of this letter. If
Time frame
you should wish to discuss the matter further I will be available most evenings next
and contact
week.
information
Thank you for your prompt attention.
Polite close
Yours sincerely,
Steven Jones
Speakout Upper Intermediate Writing Reference � Pearson Educación, S.A., 2012
1
3 Look at the guidelines for a good letter of complaint at the beginning. Using these
guidelines, is this a good letter of complaint? Why? / Why not?
4 Match the informal phrases 1 7 with formal phrases in the letter.
1 I am using this letter to ask &
2 I ve been in touch with &
3 If you want to talk to me &
4 This letter is about &
5 & find a friendly solution &
6 Thanks for dealing with this problem quickly.
7 Best wishes
Extension
5 Match the informal words and phrases in the box with more formal words in the
letter.
fixed talk (n) free
dealt with coming into houses and gardens
Writing practice
6 Write a letter (120 180 words) to your local council complaining about the noise
and mess that the local rubbish collectors make every week outside your house.
Writing plan
" Sender s address
" Date
" Recipient s address
" Formal greeting
" Introduction - why you are contacting them
" Detailed information about the problem
" Action - indicate what you expect to happen next
" Give a time frame for action and your contact details
" Formal closing comment
Check your letter.
Have you followed the writing plan?
Have you used appropriate formal language?
Have your checked the grammar, spelling and punctuation of your letter?
Speakout Upper Intermediate Writing Reference � Pearson Educación, S.A., 2012
2
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