Fulfil the task
Cover every requested point and keep the response relevant to its reader and purpose. A model is one possible response, not the only correct answer.
The invitation states what, when and where, then asks for a reply.
B1
An email about a problem
About this lesson
An email about a problem · B1. Cover every requested point and keep the response relevant to its reader and purpose. A model is one possible response, not the only correct answer.
Draft your own response before viewing the model. Use the task-specific checklist to review it. Writing tasks are not automatically marked correct or wrong.
Writing is self-reviewed. This version does not assign a language score or certify your level.
4 items
Save it to find it in My collection.
WritingB1
An email about a problem
Draft your own response before viewing the model. Use the task-specific checklist to review it. Writing tasks are not automatically marked correct or wrong.
Read each task, draft your own text, then compare the model and checklist. Models are not unique answer keys.
A little clarity first
Organise the message
Put ideas in a useful order. Use sentences and, where the task needs them, paragraphs and links. Do not add connectors without a real relationship.
I give the time first. Then I explain how to get there.
Check clarity and language
Check verbs, agreement, spelling and punctuation. Use words you understand; revise anything the intended reader might misinterpret.
She works on Monday. We work on Tuesday.
Learning material
WritingB1
An email about a problem
Draft your own response before viewing the model. Use the task-specific checklist to review it. Writing tasks are not automatically marked correct or wrong.
Read each task, draft your own text, then compare the model and checklist. Models are not unique answer keys.
01 / 4P01Save it to find it in My collection.
You ordered a desk lamp online. It arrived three days late, and its switch is broken. You need a working lamp for study next week. You may invent personal details; keep any facts supplied in this task.
Write 120–150 words to customer services. Give the order details, explain both problems and their effect, request a practical solution, and say when you need a reply.
Your learning route
01
Step 1 · Build the skill
0/2Fulfil the task
Cover every requested point and keep the response relevant to its reader and purpose. A model is one possible response, not the only correct answer.
The invitation states what, when and where, then asks for a reply.02
Step 2 · Build the skill
0/1Organise the message
Put ideas in a useful order. Use sentences and, where the task needs them, paragraphs and links. Do not add connectors without a real relationship.
I give the time first. Then I explain how to get there.03
Step 3 · Build the skill
0/1Check clarity and language
Check verbs, agreement, spelling and punctuation. Use words you understand; revise anything the intended reader might misinterpret.
She works on Monday. We work on Tuesday.Writing
Writing is self-reviewed. This version does not assign a language score or certify your level.
No writing saved yet. Start a task and your draft will appear here.
Lesson map
B1An email about a problem
Lesson points
Fulfil the task
Cover every requested point and keep the response relevant to its reader and purpose. A model is one possible response, not the only correct answer.
The invitation states what, when and where, then asks for a reply.Organise the message
Put ideas in a useful order. Use sentences and, where the task needs them, paragraphs and links. Do not add connectors without a real relationship.
I give the time first. Then I explain how to get there.Check clarity and language
Check verbs, agreement, spelling and punctuation. Use words you understand; revise anything the intended reader might misinterpret.
She works on Monday. We work on Tuesday.Questions & answers
Opening an answer records help for that question.
You ordered a desk lamp online. It arrived three days late, and its switch is broken. You need a working lamp for study next week. You may invent personal details; keep any facts supplied in this task.
Write 120–150 words to customer services. Give the order details, explain both problems and their effect, request a practical solution, and say when you need a reply.
Answer & explanation
Dear Customer Services,
I am writing about order L482, a desk lamp I bought from your website last Monday. Your confirmation said it would arrive on Thursday, but it did not reach me until Sunday.
Unfortunately, the switch is also broken, so the lamp cannot be used. I have checked it with another socket and followed the instructions, but it still does not turn on.
I need a working lamp for an evening study course that starts next week.
Could you send a replacement and arrange collection of the damaged item? I can provide photographs and the delivery receipt if these would help. Please let me know by Wednesday whether a replacement can arrive before the course begins. If that is not possible, I would prefer a refund.
Kind regards,
Daniel Reed
I am writing about order L482, a desk lamp I bought from your website last Monday. Your confirmation said it would arrive on Thursday, but it did not reach me until Sunday.
Unfortunately, the switch is also broken, so the lamp cannot be used. I have checked it with another socket and followed the instructions, but it still does not turn on.
I need a working lamp for an evening study course that starts next week.
Could you send a replacement and arrange collection of the damaged item? I can provide photographs and the delivery receipt if these would help. Please let me know by Wednesday whether a replacement can arrive before the course begins. If that is not possible, I would prefer a refund.
Kind regards,
Daniel Reed
One possible model, not an answer key. Self-check: Can the reader find all required points: order details, two problems, effect, solution and reply deadline? Structure: Give specific evidence of the problem, explain its effect, and separate the proposed solution or agreement into a clear next step. “I am writing about order L482” → “Could you send a replacement”. Language: “Could you send a replacement and arrange collection of the damaged item?” The question form makes a specific request or suggestion; it does not promise that the reader will agree. Other wording and organisation can meet the task. Keep any supplied facts. This is self-review, not an automatic language score.
A shared study room has become noisy during exam preparation. You want to raise the problem politely with the room organiser. You may invent personal details; keep any facts supplied in this task.
Write 120–150 words. Describe specific occasions, explain the effect on study, acknowledge other users, and suggest two workable changes.
Answer & explanation
Dear Ms Palmer,
I am writing about noise in the shared study room. On Tuesday and Thursday evening, several visitors held group discussions beside the desks while other people were revising.
I understand that they also need a place to work, and I do not want the room to become unfriendly. However, it was difficult to concentrate on reading, and one student left before finishing her work.
Could we reserve one side of the room for quiet individual study during the exam period? It might also help to put a booking sheet near the smaller meeting room, so groups know when they can use it. These changes would give everyone a clearer idea of what to expect. I would be happy to help make the signs if you agree.
Best wishes,
Sara Malik
I am writing about noise in the shared study room. On Tuesday and Thursday evening, several visitors held group discussions beside the desks while other people were revising.
I understand that they also need a place to work, and I do not want the room to become unfriendly. However, it was difficult to concentrate on reading, and one student left before finishing her work.
Could we reserve one side of the room for quiet individual study during the exam period? It might also help to put a booking sheet near the smaller meeting room, so groups know when they can use it. These changes would give everyone a clearer idea of what to expect. I would be happy to help make the signs if you agree.
Best wishes,
Sara Malik
One possible model, not an answer key. Self-check: Can the reader find all required points: specific examples, study impact, other users and two changes? Structure: Give specific evidence of the problem, explain its effect, and separate the proposed solution or agreement into a clear next step. “On Tuesday and Thursday” → “Could we reserve one side”. Language: “Could we reserve one side of the room for quiet individual study during the exam period?” The question form makes a specific request or suggestion; it does not promise that the reader will agree. Other wording and organisation can meet the task. Keep any supplied facts. This is self-review, not an automatic language score.
You registered for a weekend photography course, but the advertised practical session was replaced by a second classroom lecture without warning. You may invent personal details; keep any facts supplied in this task.
Write 120–150 words to the course organiser. Explain what you expected, describe what happened, say why it mattered, and ask for a reasonable remedy.
Answer & explanation
Dear Course Organiser,
I attended your photography course last weekend and enjoyed the teacher’s clear explanations. However, I was disappointed that the outdoor practical session described on your website did not take place. Instead, we had another classroom lecture, and nobody explained the change until we arrived.
I joined mainly because I wanted advice while using my own camera outside. Reading about camera settings is useful, but it does not replace the chance to practise with a teacher nearby. I understand that plans sometimes have to change, especially if there is bad weather.
Could you arrange an additional practical session for our group at no extra cost? Alternatively, I would appreciate a credit towards a future workshop that includes supervised practice. Please let me know which option you can offer.
Kind regards,
Luca Evans
I attended your photography course last weekend and enjoyed the teacher’s clear explanations. However, I was disappointed that the outdoor practical session described on your website did not take place. Instead, we had another classroom lecture, and nobody explained the change until we arrived.
I joined mainly because I wanted advice while using my own camera outside. Reading about camera settings is useful, but it does not replace the chance to practise with a teacher nearby. I understand that plans sometimes have to change, especially if there is bad weather.
Could you arrange an additional practical session for our group at no extra cost? Alternatively, I would appreciate a credit towards a future workshop that includes supervised practice. Please let me know which option you can offer.
Kind regards,
Luca Evans
One possible model, not an answer key. Self-check: Can the reader find all required points: expectation, what happened, importance and remedy? Structure: Give specific evidence of the problem, explain its effect, and separate the proposed solution or agreement into a clear next step. “the outdoor practical session” → “Could you arrange an additional practical session”. Language: “Could you arrange an additional practical session for our group at no extra cost?” The question form makes a specific request or suggestion; it does not promise that the reader will agree. Other wording and organisation can meet the task. Keep any supplied facts. This is self-review, not an automatic language score.
Your neighbour plays music loudly late at night. You have a friendly relationship and want to solve the problem without an argument. You may invent personal details; keep any facts supplied in this task.
Write 120–150 words to your neighbour. Explain the problem with examples, describe its effect, recognise their needs, and propose a polite agreement.
Answer & explanation
Hi Ben,
I hope you are well. I wanted to mention something about the music from your flat. On the last two Friday nights, I could still hear it clearly in my bedroom after midnight, even with the windows closed.
I start work early on Saturdays, so I have been finding it difficult to get enough sleep.
I know you enjoy having friends over, and I do not expect complete silence in the building.
Would you be able to turn the speakers down after ten thirty or move them away from our shared wall? If you are planning a special party, a short message beforehand would also help me make arrangements. I am sure we can find something that works for both of us.
Thanks for understanding,
Maya
I hope you are well. I wanted to mention something about the music from your flat. On the last two Friday nights, I could still hear it clearly in my bedroom after midnight, even with the windows closed.
I start work early on Saturdays, so I have been finding it difficult to get enough sleep.
I know you enjoy having friends over, and I do not expect complete silence in the building.
Would you be able to turn the speakers down after ten thirty or move them away from our shared wall? If you are planning a special party, a short message beforehand would also help me make arrangements. I am sure we can find something that works for both of us.
Thanks for understanding,
Maya
One possible model, not an answer key. Self-check: Can the reader find all required points: examples, personal effect, neighbour’s needs and agreement? Structure: Give specific evidence of the problem, explain its effect, and separate the proposed solution or agreement into a clear next step. “On the last two Friday nights” → “Would you be able to”. Language: “Would you be able to turn the speakers down after ten thirty or move them away from our shared wall?” The question form makes a specific request or suggestion; it does not promise that the reader will agree. Other wording and organisation can meet the task. Keep any supplied facts. This is self-review, not an automatic language score.