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IELTS Writing Task 1 questions › General Training · Formal letter

IELTS GT Letter: Complain About Construction Noise

A construction project near your home has been causing severe noise and disruption during unreasonable hours. Write a letter to the local council's planning and development office. In your letter - describe the situation and the disruption it is causing you - explain how it is affecting your daily life and health - request that the council take specific steps to resolve the problem Write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write any addresses at the top of your letter. Begin your letter as follows: Dear Sir or Madam,

General Training Writing Task 1 · 20 minutes · at least 150 words

How to approach it

This is a formal complaint letter to an official body, so a polite but firm tone is essential — you need to sound serious and credible without being aggressive. The letter must cover all three bullet points: describing the construction disruption, explaining its impact on your daily life and health, and making specific requests for action. Organise each bullet point into its own paragraph to ensure nothing is missed and the letter reads clearly.

How to open and close

First line: I am writing to formally bring to your attention a serious matter concerning a construction project currently taking place adjacent to my home.

Sign-off: Yours faithfully, Daniel Moreau

Paragraph plan

  1. Opening: State clearly why you are writing — to formally complain about construction activity near your home that is causing significant noise and disruption.
  2. Bullet 1 – The Situation: Describe the construction project, specifying the location, the type of noise, and the unreasonable hours during which the work is taking place.
  3. Bullet 2 – Impact on Daily Life and Health: Explain how the noise is affecting your sleep, concentration, stress levels, and ability to work or rest at home.
  4. Bullet 3 – Specific Requests: Clearly request that the council enforce restricted working hours, conduct a site inspection, and require the contractor to comply with noise regulations.
  5. Closing: Express expectation of a prompt response and provide a polite but firm call to action.

Useful language

  • I am writing to formally bring to your attention – Strong formal opening that signals an official complaint
  • in flagrant disregard of – Emphasises that rules or expectations are being openly ignored
  • excessive noise levels – Precise, formal way to describe the core problem
  • severely disrupting – Conveys serious impact without sounding emotional or aggressive
  • I would urge the council to – Polite but firm way to introduce a specific request
  • enforce the permitted working hours – Specific, actionable request related to noise regulation
  • conduct an urgent site inspection – Concrete step you are asking the authority to take
  • I trust that this matter will be treated with the urgency it deserves – Firm closing that signals you expect prompt action

Common mistakes on this question

  • Using an informal or emotional tone — phrases like 'I am furious' or 'this is outrageous' lower the register and reduce the letter's effectiveness with an official body.
  • Failing to make specific requests in the third bullet point — vague statements like 'please do something' do not satisfy the task requirement; name concrete actions such as enforcing hours or conducting an inspection.
  • Using 'Yours sincerely' when no named recipient is given — because the letter begins 'Dear Sir or Madam,' the correct sign-off is 'Yours faithfully,' not 'Yours sincerely.'

Band 9 model answer

Show the model answer (try writing your own first)

Dear Sir or Madam,

I am writing to formally bring to your attention a serious matter concerning a construction project currently taking place adjacent to my home at 14 Birchwood Avenue.

The building works, which began approximately six weeks ago, involve heavy machinery operating well outside acceptable hours — frequently as early as 5:30 a.m. and continuing past 9:00 p.m., including on weekends. The noise levels are excessive and the vibrations have caused minor cracking to an interior wall of my property.

This situation is having a profound effect on my quality of life. I have been unable to sleep adequately, my concentration at work has deteriorated significantly, and I am experiencing persistent stress-related headaches. Several of my neighbours are equally affected.

I would therefore urge the council to take the following steps: enforce the legally permitted working hours, conduct an urgent site inspection, and require the contractor to submit a noise management plan.

I trust that this matter will be treated with the urgency it deserves and look forward to your prompt response.

Yours faithfully,
Daniel Moreau

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  • grant applicationFormal letter

    Your local community group wants to organise a public event and needs financial support. Write a letter to a regional council grants committee. In your letter - describe your community group and the event you are planning - explain why the event would benefit the local area - outline how you would use the grant money Write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write any addresses at the top of your letter. Begin your letter as follows: Dear Sir or Madam,

  • medical recordsFormal letter

    You are moving to a different city and need your medical records transferred to a new doctor's practice. Write a letter to the administration office of your current medical centre. In your letter - explain why you need your records transferred - provide the relevant details of your new doctor's practice - ask about any procedures or forms required to complete the transfer Write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write any addresses at the top of your letter. Begin your letter as follows: Dear Sir or Madam,

  • noise complaintFormal letter

    A construction project near your home has been causing severe noise and disruption during unreasonable hours. Write a letter to the local council's planning and development office. In your letter - describe the situation and the disruption it is causing you - explain how it is affecting your daily life and health - request that the council take specific steps to resolve the problem Write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write any addresses at the top of your letter. Begin your letter as follows: Dear Sir or Madam,

  • library servicesFormal letter

    You have recently moved to a new town and would like to become a member of the main public library, which offers special research resources for professionals. Write a letter to the head librarian. In your letter - introduce yourself and explain your reasons for wanting to join - describe the specific resources or services you hope to use - ask about the membership requirements and application process Write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write any addresses at the top of your letter. Begin your letter as follows: Dear Sir or Madam,

  • billing disputeFormal letter

    You have received a utility bill that contains charges you believe are incorrect and significantly higher than usual. Write a letter to the billing department of the utility company. In your letter - explain the details of the bill and identify the errors you have noticed - describe the steps you have already taken to resolve the issue - state clearly what you expect the company to do to correct the situation Write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write any addresses at the top of your letter. Begin your letter as follows: Dear Sir or Madam,

  • workplace safetyFormal letter

    You are concerned about a number of safety hazards at your workplace that have not been addressed by your employer. Write a letter to the national workplace health and safety authority. In your letter - describe the specific safety hazards you have observed - explain why your employer has failed to deal with them - request that the authority conduct a formal inspection of the premises Write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write any addresses at the top of your letter. Begin your letter as follows: Dear Sir or Madam,

  • scholarship applicationFormal letter

    You are a university student who wishes to apply for a scholarship offered by a professional industry association to support students in your field of study. Write a letter to the scholarship selection committee. In your letter - introduce yourself and describe your academic background and achievements - explain why you are applying for this particular scholarship - outline your future career goals and how the scholarship would help you achieve them Write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write any addresses at the top of your letter. Begin your letter as follows: Dear Sir or Madam,

  • parking arrangementSemi-formal letter

    You and your neighbour both have assigned parking spaces in your residential building. You would like to swap spaces temporarily due to a personal reason. Write a letter to your neighbour. In your letter - explain why you need to swap parking spaces - describe how long you need the arrangement to last - suggest how your neighbour might benefit from agreeing Write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write any addresses at the top of your letter. Begin your letter as follows: Dear Mr/Ms Johnson,

  • property damageSemi-formal letter

    A section of the fence around the garden of your rented home has been damaged by a recent storm. You want your landlord to arrange repairs. Write a letter to your landlord. In your letter - describe the damage and when it occurred - explain why the repair is urgent - request a timeline for when the work will be completed Write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write any addresses at the top of your letter. Begin your letter as follows: Dear Mr/Ms Davies,

  • flexible workSemi-formal letter

    You have recently had a change in your personal circumstances and would like to adjust your working hours at your current job. Write a letter to your manager. In your letter - explain the change in your circumstances - describe the new working arrangement you are requesting - assure your manager that your work performance will not be affected Write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write any addresses at the top of your letter. Begin your letter as follows: Dear Mr/Ms Chen,

  • extension requestSemi-formal letter

    You are a student and you are finding it difficult to complete an important assignment by the given deadline due to unexpected personal difficulties. Write a letter to your teacher. In your letter - explain the personal difficulties you are experiencing - say how much extra time you are requesting - describe what you will do to ensure the work is of a good standard Write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write any addresses at the top of your letter. Begin your letter as follows: Dear Mr/Ms Patel,

  • garden maintenanceSemi-formal letter

    Your neighbour's garden has become very overgrown and is beginning to affect your own property by blocking light and allowing pests to enter. Write a letter to your neighbour. In your letter - describe the problem and how it is affecting you - suggest what action your neighbour could take - propose a way you could help or cooperate to resolve the issue Write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write any addresses at the top of your letter. Begin your letter as follows: Dear Mr/Ms Wilson,

  • subletting permissionSemi-formal letter

    You need to sublet your rented apartment to a friend for two months while you are away for work. You need to get permission from your landlord first. Write a letter to your landlord. In your letter - explain why you need to sublet the apartment - provide information about the person who would be staying - ask for confirmation of your landlord's agreement Write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write any addresses at the top of your letter. Begin your letter as follows: Dear Mr/Ms Nguyen,

  • reference requestSemi-formal letter

    You are applying for a new job and need a reference from your current manager, who has supervised your work for several years. Write a letter to your manager. In your letter - explain the job you are applying for and why you want it - describe the skills and qualities you would like highlighted in the reference - provide details of when the reference is needed Write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write any addresses at the top of your letter. Begin your letter as follows: Dear Mr/Ms Okafor,

  • academic feedbackSemi-formal letter

    You recently completed a course taught by one of your teachers and would like to receive detailed feedback on your overall performance to help you improve. Write a letter to your teacher. In your letter - explain why you are requesting detailed feedback - ask specific questions about areas where you could improve - mention how you plan to use the feedback in the future Write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write any addresses at the top of your letter. Begin your letter as follows: Dear Mr/Ms Hernandez,

  • wedding invitationInformal letter

    You are getting married soon and would like your childhood friend, who lives in another city, to attend your wedding. Write a letter to your friend. In your letter - tell your friend about your upcoming wedding and share your excitement - give details about the date, location, and any travel arrangements they might need - explain why it is important to you that they attend Write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write any addresses at the top of your letter. Begin your letter as follows: Dear [first name],

  • travel recommendationInformal letter

    You recently visited a place that you enjoyed very much and think your cousin would love it too. Write a letter to your cousin. In your letter - describe the place you visited and what made it special - suggest some specific activities or sights your cousin should not miss - explain how your cousin can plan the trip and offer to help Write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write any addresses at the top of your letter. Begin your letter as follows: Dear [first name],

  • apologyInformal letter

    You forgot your close friend's birthday last month and did not get in touch on the day. You want to apologise. Write a letter to your friend. In your letter - apologise sincerely and explain why you forgot - describe how you feel about having missed such an important occasion - suggest something you would like to do to make it up to them Write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write any addresses at the top of your letter. Begin your letter as follows: Dear [first name],

  • career updateInformal letter

    You have recently started a new job in a different city and want to share the news with an old friend. Write a letter to your friend. In your letter - tell your friend about your new job and the city you have moved to - describe how you are finding the experience so far, including any challenges - invite your friend to come and visit you in your new home Write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write any addresses at the top of your letter. Begin your letter as follows: Dear [first name],

  • pet careInformal letter

    You are going on a trip for two weeks and need someone to look after your pet while you are away. Write a letter to your friend. In your letter - explain your situation and ask if your friend would be willing to help - describe your pet and give details about its daily care routine - tell your friend how you will show your appreciation for their help Write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write any addresses at the top of your letter. Begin your letter as follows: Dear [first name],

  • family newsInformal letter

    You have recently had a baby and want to share the happy news with a close relative who lives abroad. Write a letter to your relative. In your letter - share the exciting news and describe the new arrival - explain how the rest of the family has reacted to the news - invite your relative to visit and meet the baby when possible Write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write any addresses at the top of your letter. Begin your letter as follows: Dear [first name],

  • hobbiesInformal letter

    You recently joined a local hobby club and are enjoying it very much. You think your friend would benefit from joining too. Write a letter to your friend. In your letter - describe the club you have joined and what activities it involves - explain what you personally enjoy about being a member - encourage your friend to sign up and offer to accompany them to their first session Write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write any addresses at the top of your letter. Begin your letter as follows: Dear [first name],

  • moving houseInformal letter

    You are moving to a new home next weekend and would like your friend to help you on that day. Write a letter to your friend. In your letter - explain that you are moving and ask if they are free to help you on the day - describe what kind of help you will need and how long it is likely to take - tell your friend how you plan to thank them for their assistance Write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write any addresses at the top of your letter. Begin your letter as follows: Dear [first name],

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