2 WRITING EXTRA

UPPER INTERMEDIATE UNIT 2 3 Look at the guidelines for a good letter of

complaint at the beginning. Using these guidelines,
a letter of complaint is this a good letter of complaint? Why?/Why not?

WRITING TIP 4 Match the informal phrases below with formal

When you write a letter of complaint, you need to make phrases in the letter.
sure that it is clear and concise. You need to outline 1 I am using this letter to ask …
your reason for writing and give a concise description of
the problem. You should also propose a solution to the 2 I’ve been in touch with …
problem or suggest action that needs to be taken and                      
give a suggested time frame. Use formal language and 3 If you want to talk to me …
always be polite!                      
4 This letter is about …
1 What are the typical problems that you can have
     
5 … find a friendly solution …
               
with a neighbour? Make a list.
                     
6 Thanks for dealing with this problem quickly.
                     
        7 Best wishes
                     
2 Read the letter about a problem between two
neighbours and answer the questions. 5 What are the formal equivalents of the informal
words and phrases below?
1 What is the problem?
2 What action has the dog owner taken? 1 fixed           
3 What action has Steven Jones taken? 2 dealt with           
4 What solution does Steven Jones propose? 3 talk (n)           
4 coming into           
5 free           
22 Oxbow Close
6 houses and gardens           
Little Norton
GL9 65D
6 Write a letter (120–180 words) to your local council
5th April complaining about the noise and mess that the
8 Lake Road local rubbish collectors make every week outside
Little Norton your house.
GL9 67D

Dear Mr Broadbent, Plan your writing

ersation we had in
I am writing with respect to the conv • Think about the content of your letter. Why are you
ng your dog , Roc ky, and the hole in your
February concerni contacting the council? Give detailed information
garden fence. about the problem and indicate what you expect to
dog is constantly entering
As you know I mentioned that your happen next.
a num ber of occa sions uprooted my
my garden and has on
generally caused a nuisance. • Give a time frame for action and your contact details.
plants, knocked over my bins and
due to the hole in your fence
I further mentioned that it is • Remember to use formal language.
s mee t and you prom ised me that it would
where our propertie Check your writing
be repaired as soon as possible.
been done. • Have you used appropriate formal language?
It is now April and still nothing has
has suggested that I try once • Have you checked your grammar and spelling?
I have contacted my lawyer and he
amic ably befo re taking it any further.
more to resolve the matter • Did you find any mistakes?
that the fence is repaired
I am therefore requesting in writing
my gard en or my property.
so that your dog cannot access
add ress ed within two weeks of
I would expect this issue to be
r. If you shou ld wish to discuss the matter
the date of this lette week.
ings next
further I will be available most even
n.
Thank you for your prompt attentio

Yours sincerely,
Steven Jones

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