IELTS Writing Correction Service
Writing Samples
Band 9

You borrowed some books from your school or college library. Unfortunately, you have to go away to visit a sick relative and cannot return the books in time. Write a letter to the library. • explain what has happened • tell them what you want to do about it.

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I am writing
this
Linking Words
 letter to explain why I have been unable to return the three books I have out on a three-day loan, which are now overdue. After taking the books out on 16th March, I had an urgent phone call from my elderly aunt's neighbour to say that my aunt had had a fall and had been taken into hospital. I am her only surviving relative in
this
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 country, so I felt I had to go and see her immediately. I travelled down to Surrey the following morning, thinking I would stay for only two or three days. Unfortunately, my aunt 's condition has only improved very slowly, so I have had to stay here longer than expected.
However
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, the hospital says that if all goes well, she should be able to go home in two or three day's time, in which case I will be back at the beginning of next week. Bearing in mind the circumstances, I trust you will kindly waive any fines that may have accumulated.

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task achievement
The letter is clear and concise, but you could add a bit more about what you want the library to do if returning by the beginning of next week isn't possible.
coherence cohesion
While the letter is well-structured, adding a brief closing sentence to thank the library staff may further enhance the tone and closure.
task achievement
The letter clearly explains the situation and contains all the necessary details, including dates and reasons for the delay.
task achievement
It maintains a polite and respectful tone, making it suitable for the context.
coherence cohesion
The logical structure is strong; you explained the situation first and then made a request.

The Greeting

Depending on the style and aim of the letter, you will need to adapt your greeting.

Always start an informal letter in the ways:

  • Dear + name
  • Hi / Hello + name

‘Dear...’ is more appropriate, so stick with this.

For a formal letter there are two options for the greeting:

  • Use Dear Sir or Madam if you don’t know the name of the person you are writing to.
  • Use Dear + surname if you do know their name, e.g. Dear Mr Smith or Dear Mrs Jones.

Discover more tips in The Ultimate Guide to Get a Target Band Score of 7+ »— a book that's free for 🚀 Premium users.

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