Writing Task 1 (General)

You are always required to write a transactional letter. It may be a letter of enquiry, complaint, invitation, or a letter requesting advice, or reporting a problem. The style is usually fairly formal. Below are some practice tasks:
Task one

(i) You have received a letter from your college library stating that you have three books overdue. They say you must either pay a fine or replace the books, they also say that the college will not issue your certificate of qualification until this matter is settled. You have never borrowed the titles they mention.

Write to the Librarian explaining your situation and saying what you want him or her to do.

(ii) You have had a bank account for a few years. Recently you received a letter from the bank stating that your account is $240 overdrawn and that you will be charged $70 which will be taken directly from your account.

You know that this information is incorrect.

Write a letter to the bank explaining what has happened and saying what you would like them to do.

(iii) You are the secretary of your college debating society. A local politician has been in the news recently for his/her views on the banning of blood sports. Your members have suggested he/she might make a good guest speaker at a debate on hunting.

Write to the politician inviting him/her to speak at a debate. Include details of venue, time, other speakers and refreshments.

(iv) Your children are frequent users of a local public swimming pool. Recently they have been unwilling to go to the pool and you suspect they may have been bullied by older children there.
Write a letter to the Pool Superintendent