IELTS General Writing 1 - Task 1

English learning tips

Get is used frequently in spoken and written English. It has the following basic meanings:

  • receive, obtain or buy something, e.g. Please get me a newspaper when you’re in town; I got a letter from David today; She got band 7.5 in her IELTS exam.
  • change position – move or to be moved, e.g. How are you getting home today?
  • change state – become or make, e.g. We are all getting older if not wiser.

Get also has many other more specific meanings:

  • It’s my turn to get dinner tonight. [prepare a meal]
  • I don’t get it. Why did she speak like that? [understand]
  • His behaviour really gets me at times. [annoy]
  • Once we got to know each other, we became great friends. [become acquainted]

You should spend about 20 minutes on this task.

Your neighbours have recently written to you to complain about the noise from your houselflat.

Write a letter to your neighbours. In your letter:

  • explain the reasons for the noise
  • apologise
  • describe what action you will take

Write at least 150 words.

You do NOT need to write any addresses.

Sample answer

Dear James,

I was very shocked to get your letter saying that the noise from my flat has been spoiling your evenings and causing you some distress. I am really, really sorry about that. I had no idea that you would be able to hear so much, so I hope you will accept my apologies.

As you may have guessed, I am trying to refit my kitchen in the evenings when I get home from work. Unfortunately it is all getting longer than expected and I have been having problems with getting things to fit properly. This has meant to a lot of banging and hammering.

As the kitchen is still not finished, I have decided to call in a professional builder who will finish the work in the next day or two. He’ll work only during daytime hours, so you won’t be disturbed in the evenings again, I promise.

Sorry to have caused these problems,

Bill.

(157 words)


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