Cambridge English: First
Try Flo-Joe's latest FCE Writing task
Writing Task (go to Checklist)
Writing Paper Part 2. Task Type: Letter of Complaint
Question
Your flatmate has left you the following message:
| That company you bought the mobile phone from online has just called - apparently you phoned them about problems you've been having with it. They'd like you to put your complaint in writing. They want you to explain what's wrong with the phone and what you'd like them to do. |
Write your letter of complaint to the company. (around 140-190 words)
What you need to do to pass
Read our checklist first to understand what the examiner is looking for in a good answer.
Ideas for writing
Ask yourself the following questions to help you get started:
- What details can you give about the purchase?
E.g. When did you buy it? Have you got an order number? - What made you decide to buy this particular phone?
E.g. Was it on offer? Was it an appealing advertisement? - What is the problem with the mobile phone?
E.g. Is there a fault? Have you been sent the wrong one? - What would you like the company to do?
E.g. Repair the phone? Send you a replacement? Refund your money?
Drafting and proofreading your work
You should look at your first draft of the task and decide:
- Have you answered the question?
- Is the letter organised in a clear and logical way?
- Is the language accurate with a good range of structures?
- Is the style OK for a formal letter?
- Will the company be likely to regard your complaint sympathetically?
If the answer is 'no' to any of these questions then you will need to do some more drafting!
