LỚP VSTEP THẦY CƯƠNG – CÔ THỦY

LUYỆN THI B1B2C1 TRỌNG TÂM – CẤP TỐC – HIỆU QUẢ

SAMPLE VSTEP TASK 1 WRITING – LETTER

#SAMPLE 1
You want to sell your television. You think a friend of yours might like to buy it from
you. Write a letter to your friend.
In your letter:
• Explain why you are selling the television.
• Describe the television.
Suggest a date when your friend can come and see it
Write at least 120 words
You do NOT need to write any addresses

Answer
Dear Gary,
Hope you are doing well.
I’m doing fine, though my life is quite hectic at the moment because, as you know, I am
moving abroad and there is so much to do!
There are a few things that I can’t take with me because they are too big so I am seeing if
any of my friends would be interested in buying them. One of the things I do not want to
take with me is my television, and I thought you might like to buy it off me for a cheap
price.
It’s a 32“ flat screen TV, and it’s a Phillips model. It has a USB port so you can just plug in a
thumb drive to watch movies or listen to music. It has great stereo surround sound.
As you know, I’m leaving the country at the end of the month, which is only two weeks
away. So if you want to see it, it would be best to come on 20th or 21st. That will give me
time to sell it elsewhere if you are not interested.
Ok, I look forward to seeing you. Let me know if you can’t make it.
All the best,

1 On the way to success, there is no way of lazy man

 LỚP VSTEP THẦY CƯƠNG – CÔ THỦY
LUYỆN THI B1B2C1 TRỌNG TÂM – CẤP TỐC – HIỆU QUẢ

# SAMPLE 2
On a recent holiday you lost a valuable item. Fortunately, you have travel insurance
to cover the cost of anything lost.
Write a letter to the manager of your insurance company. In your letter
• describe the item you lost
• explain how you lost it
• tell the insurance company what you would like them to do

Answer
Dear Sir/Madam
I am writing to inform you that I recently lost my digital camera while on holiday in
Vietnam.
The camera is a black Canon 70d and cost $1550 when I bought it new last month. It has a
resolution of 20 megapixels, a Canon 67 millimeter lens and was in a brown leather case
with my name on it.
I lost it when I was having coffee with my husband in the backpacker area of Ho Chi Minh
City. I believe the coffee shop was called Highlands Coffee and it was on Pham Ngu Lao
Street. We had been at the coffee shop for around 45 minutes when I noticed it was
missing.
I am entitled to make a claim for the value of the above mentioned item and request that
you send me details on what I need to do in order to proceed.
I look forward to hearing from you at your earliest convenience.
Yours faithfully
(162 words)

2 On the way to success, there is no way of lazy man

 LỚP VSTEP THẦY CƯƠNG – CÔ THỦY
LUYỆN THI B1B2C1 TRỌNG TÂM – CẤP TỐC – HIỆU QUẢ

#SAMPLE 3
You missed an international flight due to a problem at the airport.
Write a letter to the airline. In your letter:
- Describe what happened that caused you to miss your flight
- Explain how missing your flight impacted you
- Clearly state what you would like the airline to do

Answer
Dear Sir or Madam,
I am writing this to let you know that I missed my international flight yesterday due to the
reasons pertaining to the security checks at your airport.
Let me explain you the entire situation. While I was at the security check, the security
personnel at one of the check gates received an anonymous warning phone call claiming
that one of the passengers on my lane was carrying a Gun. Because of the severity of the
risk associated, the security on my lane was made very strict, where they checked each and
every luggage thoroughly. This in turn took a lot of time for me to complete the security
check and thus I could not catch up my flight on time.
I intended to reach to a very important seminar via this flight and because I missed my
flight, I could not make up in time. Subsequently, I encountered loss of my ticket money too.
I Would request you to kindly grant me a full refund for my ticket as it was the security
checks that lead me to miss the flight. I do understand, airlines have to undergo such
unseen situations and act accordingly for the safety of passengers.
Hope you would consider my situation and help me out of it. Thank you.
Your's faithfully,

3 On the way to success, there is no way of lazy man

 LỚP VSTEP THẦY CƯƠNG – CÔ THỦY
LUYỆN THI B1B2C1 TRỌNG TÂM – CẤP TỐC – HIỆU QUẢ

#SAMPLE 4
You recently read an article in a newspaper about your childhood friend with whom
you have lost contact for a long time.
Write a letter to the editor. In your letter:
- Say which edition and when did the article appear
- Explain why you lost contact with your friend
- Say how you want them to help you to get back in touch

Answer
Dear Sir,
This mail is in reference to an article on the chef of local cuisine titled "Thai Gourmet
Specialist" published in your daily "Bangkok Post" in the 5th edition on the 7th of this
month. I was overwhelmed after reading the article as it is about my friend Barry, a very
dear childhood friend with whom I had lost contact for over a decade.
Barry and myself were born on the same day in the same hospital and were inseparable for
most of our childhood. However, when we were in our grade 5, my father got transferred to
another country for professional compulsion. We stayed in touch over letters for a few
years, but unfortunately the contacts fizzled out over time as we got busy with our
respective lives.
Coming across such an exceptional piece on Barry brought back memories from my
childhood which are worth reminiscing. I would like to rekindle the friendship with Barry
again and for that I request you to kindly inform me his contact details. If it is conflicts with
your confidentiality protocol then I request you to kindly pass on my contact details and
message to him.
I will be looking forward to your kind reply as well that of my friend's at the earliest.
Yours thankfully,

4 On the way to success, there is no way of lazy man

 LỚP VSTEP THẦY CƯƠNG – CÔ THỦY
LUYỆN THI B1B2C1 TRỌNG TÂM – CẤP TỐC – HIỆU QUẢ

#SAMPLE 5
Your local newspaper published an advertisement asking people to help with
environment projects in your area.
Write a letter to a project manager to offer your help. In your letter
- Describe a local environmental issue that affects you.
- Explain what you would like to do help.
- And suggest how the problem could be avoided in future.

Answer 1
Dear Sir/Madam,
I am writing to you in respect of the advertisement published last week Sunday 11th asking
for help with environmental projects. I am delighted to volunteer to help.
Over the recent years, there has been build up of refuse on the streets and drainages
leading to blockage. This has caused serious flooding in the area during rainy season.
To arrest this situation therefore, I will like to organise youths in the area and clean out
drainages at least once a month. Together, we will ensure all areas are rid of refuse.
Thinking ahead, this situation can be prevented by government providing covered
drainages to avoid blockage as well as sensitizing the community against emptying refuse
into existing gutters.
I look forward to helping save the environment.
Yours Faithfully,

Answer 2
Dear Sir/Madam,
I am writing in regard with the advertisement published in yesterday's newspaper
regarding the current environmental problem in our area. I would definitely like to
volunteer to solve the issue.
You know that our town used to be neat and clean even before 5 years; however, it is so
polluted nowadays due to increase in the number of vehicles. The smoke coming out of the
cars and motorbikes is polluting our environment day by day.

5 On the way to success, there is no way of lazy man

 LỚP VSTEP THẦY CƯƠNG – CÔ THỦY
LUYỆN THI B1B2C1 TRỌNG TÂM – CẤP TỐC – HIỆU QUẢ

Thus, as we don't have authority to control the number of vehicles now, so I think it is
better to do the things which are in our limitations, for example, planting trees. I and my
friends can bring hundreds of trees as we have our own nursery so I believe that will be
helpful.
Nevertheless, for a long-term solution, we should encourage our neighbours and
community people to use the public vehicles. Moreover, the government need to make
some strategies to control the air pollution, so we can invite the politicians in these kinds of
environmental problems to solve the issue.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Yours faithfully,

# SAMPLE 6
You have recently moved to a different house. Write a letter to an English speaking
friend to tell them about it.
In your letter:
- Explain why you have moved
- Describe the new apartment
- Invite him to pay a visit

Answer 1
Dear Dav,
You are aware that I have moved out of my formal house. I decided to move out of the
house because of the poor attitude of my landlord in maintaining the house. He does not
respond when the house need general repairs. For instance, I took him four weeks to fix a
broken boiler in the house during last winter.

My new house is a spacious three bedrooms flat and located near major bus routes with
many shops within three to four minutes walking distance. It also has a park within seven
minutes’ walk away from my house which my kids are very excited about. The landlord is
also very friendly and understanding.

6 On the way to success, there is no way of lazy man

 LỚP VSTEP THẦY CƯƠNG – CÔ THỦY
LUYỆN THI B1B2C1 TRỌNG TÂM – CẤP TỐC – HIỆU QUẢ

I will like to invite you for a visit. My wife and kids are looking forward to having you. We
are preparing to cook one of your favorite food. If you don’t mind, you can come along with
a friend.
Kind regards,

Answer 2
Dear John,
Hope this letter finds you well. I am writing to let you know that we moved to a new place
last month.
There are a range of reasons behind moving to a new address. First of all, you know I have
changed my job recently so the new job location was very far from my old address. It is
now very convenient from my new home. Secondly, my parents come from Australia and
will be living with us from now on. So, It became very difficult to accommodate 4 people in
our old place. That’s why we needed to shift.
You will be happy to see our new apartment. It is on the sixth floor of a ten story building.
We have 2 master bedrooms and a small bedroom. In addition to that, It has 2 washrooms,
a kitchen and a huge living room where we watch TV.I must not forget to say, my bedroom
has a beautiful view of a park outside. Most importantly this apartment has a lot of open
space that we love most.
Last but not least, please pay as a visit anytime soon. We will love to see you here. I bet you
will not regret the visit.
Please let me know when you are coming. I will look forward to hearing from you.
Yours,

Answer 3
Dear Anthony,
It is with great pleasure that I'm writing to you today since it's almost two months since we
last saw each other, I really miss all the quality time we spent together during summer last
year.I am writing this letter to inform you that I have recently moved out of my old
apartment to a new one.

7 On the way to success, there is no way of lazy man

 LỚP VSTEP THẦY CƯƠNG – CÔ THỦY
LUYỆN THI B1B2C1 TRỌNG TÂM – CẤP TỐC – HIỆU QUẢ

The major reason why I had to move out of my old apartment is because of the security
problems in the area.As you can really the panic mode we both experienced because of the
constant gunshot sound we heard everyday during late night on your last visit and also the
lack of basic amenities like electricity, constant water and good road channel also played
it's part on why I had to move out of my old apartment into a new one.
And also I believe you're going to love my new apartment as it is a new fully furnished four
bedroom detached duplex along Ajah road with a massive kitchen downstairs and a very
large living room.It also have carpark,a beautiful dark green painting and also a fancy gate
and a large compund for children's playground.

I will be very happy if you and the children can come for a visit this coming Christmas,I
have missed them alot and here is my new address Num.7 John street,along Ajah road
incase you decide to show up with your children.
All the best,

Answer 4
Dear John,
It's been such a long time since we've written to each other. I hope you and your family are
doing well. Today I'm writing to you for two reasons, first that we've moved to a new house
and second to invite you to visit us.
As you know, my son started to go to school, and the school was at one hour drive from our
previous residence. So my husband and I decided to change our accommodation and
moved to a new place yesterday.
Our new apartment is on the sixth floor of ten story building situated on the main street in
uptown. It has two bedrooms, and both are twice the size of our last one. Also, it has a huge
hall which we turned into our living area, and yet it has enough space for my son to play,
the kitchen has an inbuilt dishwasher, and that's not all the main attraction is the terrace
which faced towards the beach and gives the apartment a spacious look.
I can't wait to show you our new house, please come over this weekend for dinner and be
our first guest, also bring your family with you so that we can all spend some quality time
together.

8 On the way to success, there is no way of lazy man

 LỚP VSTEP THẦY CƯƠNG – CÔ THỦY
LUYỆN THI B1B2C1 TRỌNG TÂM – CẤP TỐC – HIỆU QUẢ

No excuses will be accepted, so see you soon.

Best wishes,

# SAMPLE 7
There is a problem with the changing rooms in the sports centre that you visit. You
have complained several times but with no success.
Write a letter to the manager of the sports centre. In your letter:
- Describe what the problem with the changing room is
- Say what happened the last times you complained
- Explain what you want the manager to do

Answer
Dear Sir or Madam,
I am writing to you, to lodge a complaint, about the state of the changing rooms in your
sport facility.
I have been registered to you center for six months now. My first two months, using your
facilities were excellent. However, in the past four months, I have been very dissatisfied,
about the fact that, most of, if not all of the changing rooms, have faulty doors. their locks
no longer work properly.
I had initially laid complains, on two separate occasions at the customer service desk.
However, this issue has still not be resolved. At the first instance, I was just told, that the
locks were going to be fixed at the end of the month, but that was over two months ago.
Notwithstanding, a week ago, I went to lodge the same complain, and also explain, that they
had promised and failed to fix the locks over two months ago; and I was told that, I did not
follow the proper procedure. I therefore filled out a form with details of the fault, and
returned it to be handled appropriately. I am disappointed to say, this problem, has still not
be resolved.
I will kindly request that you, personally handle this issue. I will like for the locks to be
repaired, or preferably replaced, as the old ones, seem to be of low quality. If this is not
done, by the end of this month, I am afraid, I will have to cancel my membership with your
sports center.

9 On the way to success, there is no way of lazy man

 LỚP VSTEP THẦY CƯƠNG – CÔ THỦY
LUYỆN THI B1B2C1 TRỌNG TÂM – CẤP TỐC – HIỆU QUẢ

I look forward to hearing from you, with an explanation of why the locks, have not been
fixed, and a resolution to this problem.
Yours faithfully,

# SAMPLE 8
You are experiencing financial problems and want to ask your landlord if you can
pay your rent late. Write a letter to your landlord.
In your letter explain:
• Why you are writing to him
• Why you cannot pay the rent
• When you will pay the rent.

Answer
Dear Mr Strickland,
I am writing to you to request that you allow me to pay my rent late this month.
I’ve been a tenant with you for a number of years now, and, as you know, I have always
paid my rent on time. However, I am having a few financial problems at the moment. Last
month, I was made redundant from my job because the company I work for is closing
down. Because I have not worked at the company for long, I have not received a
redundancy payment, therefore leaving me short of money this month.
I can assure you that I will be able to pay the rent on the 15th of next month. I have now
found another job, and they have kindly agreed to give me an advance on my wages, but
they are unable to arrange this until next week.
I hope this will be acceptable to you, but please contact me if it is a problem.
Yours sincerely,

10 On the way to success, there is no way of lazy man

 LỚP VSTEP THẦY CƯƠNG – CÔ THỦY
LUYỆN THI B1B2C1 TRỌNG TÂM – CẤP TỐC – HIỆU QUẢ

# SAMPLE 9
Your car insurance company has told you that they are going to increase the amount
you have to pay in insurance for your car each month. You are not happy about this.
Write a letter to your insurance company. In your letter explain
• Why you are writing to them
• Why you think the insurance should not be increased
• What you want them to do

Answer 1
Dear Sir / Madam,
I am writing to you as I recently received a letter from you informing me that the insurance
premium for my car is going to increase from next month.
As you will be aware if you check my records, I have held my insurance with your company
for nearly seven years now. During this time, I have never had an accident and never had
any reason to make a claim on my insurance.
I understand that at times prices need to be increased. However, this increase you are
suggesting will result in a 20% increase in the amount I pay each month, a rate I feel is too
much.
I would therefore like you to write back to me and explain why such an increase has been
proposed. If you are unable to justify it to my satisfaction, then I am afraid that I will have
no other option but to move my insurance to another company.
I look forward to hearing from you,
Yours faithfully,

# SAMPLE 10
You recently ordered a small item online but when it arrived it was unusable.
Write a letter to the company that sold you the item.
In the letter:
Give details about the order you made
Explain what was wrong with the item
Tell the company what you want them to do about it

11 On the way to success, there is no way of lazy man

 LỚP VSTEP THẦY CƯƠNG – CÔ THỦY
LUYỆN THI B1B2C1 TRỌNG TÂM – CẤP TỐC – HIỆU QUẢ

Answer
Dear Sir or Madam,
Last Monday I ordered a cover for my HTC phone from your eCommerce website. I was
excited when it arrived but very disappointed to find that the product was not as promised
and totally unusable. I am hoping you will replace it.
In relation to the specifics of the order, I purchased this leather cover through your website
called Electric Gadgets on November 08th using my PayPal account. The order number is
2584205 and I am attaching a copy of my receipt with this letter.
The issue with the cover is that it is not a genuine leather product and I am unable to store
my phone inside it securely. The picture of the item on your website clearly shows the
cover supports the HTC Desire 12+ model and is an original leather product. So I’m sure
this is a manufacturing flaw.
As a solution, and because I really like the design and look of the cover, I am hoping that
you will agree to replace it with a new and genuine one for free. Otherwise, I would like a
full refund and I will be contacting PayPal complaints if I do not hear back from you in
regards to this within a week.
Thank you for giving the matter your attention and I hope to hear your reply soon.
Yours faithfully,

SAMPLE 11
A friend has agreed to look after your house and pet while you are on holiday.
Write a letter to your friend.
In your letter:
Give contact details for when you are away
Give instructions on how to care for your pet
Describe other household duties

Answer
Dear Cynthia,
Thank you for agreeing to house-sit for me. If you need to contact me while I'm away, I’ll be
staying at The Merrion Hotel, Merrion Square in Dublin. If it’s urgent, however, please call

12 On the way to success, there is no way of lazy man

 LỚP VSTEP THẦY CƯƠNG – CÔ THỦY
LUYỆN THI B1B2C1 TRỌNG TÂM – CẤP TỐC – HIỆU QUẢ

me on my mobile phone, which I’ll keep with me at all times. I’ve written the numbers on a
sticky note which I’ve left on the fridge.
My cat needs to be fed twice daily -morning and evening. So each morning and evening put
a handful of cat food in his dish and fresh water in his water pot. You will find the food in a
jar in the kitchen cupboard. Please check throughout the day to make sure he drinks plenty
of fresh water. You can give him a small bowl of milk in the evening but do it every other
day.
I would like you to water my plants, too. The indoor ones in the lounge only need water
twice a week but the plants on the balcony need to be watered daily except on rainy days.
Finally, for security, please lock the door and shut the windows before you go to bed. Also,
clear my mailbox every day and keep the outside lights on at night.
I look forward to seeing you on my return.
Warm wishes,

13 On the way to success, there is no way of lazy man