Letter of complaint about a faulty product
This is a model answer written to show what a Band 7 response looks like against the marking criteria. It is a worked example, not a graded submission. To see your own band, paste your writing into the free checker.
The prompt
You recently bought a piece of electronic equipment, but it stopped working after a few days. Write a letter to the shop manager. In your letter:
- describe the product you bought and when you bought it
- explain what is wrong with it
- say what you would like the manager to do
Band 7 model answer (163 words)
Dear Sir or Madam,
I am writing to complain about a wireless speaker that I purchased from your store on King Street on 3 June, and to request a replacement.
The speaker, a Sonora Model X in black, worked well for the first few days. Since then, however, it has developed a serious fault. The sound now cuts out every few minutes, and the device switches itself off completely if the volume is turned above a moderate level. I have tried recharging it fully and resetting it, as described in the manual, but the problem has continued.
As the speaker is only two weeks old and is clearly faulty, I would be grateful if you could replace it with a new unit of the same model. If a replacement is not available, I would prefer a full refund. I have kept my receipt and can bring it to the store at any time.
I look forward to your reply and hope this matter can be resolved quickly.
Yours faithfully,
David Chen
Why this reaches Band 7
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Task Achievement
All three bullet points are covered clearly: the product and purchase date, the specific fault, and the request for a replacement or refund. The purpose is stated in the opening line.
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Coherence and Cohesion
The letter moves logically from the problem to the request, with clear paragraphs and linking such as "Since then, however".
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Lexical Resource
Appropriate formal vocabulary like "developed a serious fault", "a moderate level" and "resolved", with no casual phrasing.
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Grammatical Range and Accuracy
Accurate complex sentences and a consistent formal tone, with the correct greeting and sign-off ("Dear Sir or Madam" paired with "Yours faithfully"). The control here sits at the top of the band, so a more typical Band 7 letter may show a few minor slips that do not affect clarity.
The one fix to reach Band 7
Band 6 letters often slip in register, mixing formal and casual phrasing, or forget one bullet point. The key fix is to hold one consistent tone throughout and to check that each of the three bullet points is clearly answered.
Now check your own answer.
Paste your own attempt at this prompt and Examinerly names the single criterion keeping you below your target band, and shows the sentence-level fix. We never inflate your band.
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