Last article, we learned how to write a complaint letter by analyzing an examiner’s answer. Now, we continue our journey by exploring how to write an apology letter. Let’s dive into the process using a model essay from IELTS 5 Test A Task 1.
Writing Task
Your neighbours have recently written to you to complain about the noise from your house/flat.
Write a letter to your neighbours. In your letter
- explain the reasons for the noise
- apologise
- describe what action you will take
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 taking longer than expected and I have been having problems with getting things to fit properly. This has meant 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.
Overall Analysis
- Clear Introduction of the Issue:
The letter begins by directly addressing the neighbor’s complaint and expressing shock at how much the noise was affecting them. The writer immediately issues an apology, which is key in apology letters, keeping the tone sincere and polite.
- Explanation of the Reason:
The second paragraph clearly explains the source of the noise: a kitchen refit that is taking longer than expected. The writer provides enough detail about the issue (banging and hammering) to help the neighbor understand why the noise was so disruptive.
The letter maintains a respectful and considerate tone throughout, with phrases like “I am really, really sorry” and “I hope you will accept my apologies.” This shows genuine remorse, which is crucial in an effective apology letter.
- Proactive Resolution:
In the final paragraph, the writer takes responsibility and explains the actions being taken to resolve the problem. The decision to hire a professional builder to finish the work during daytime hours shows consideration for the neighbor’s well-being and a clear commitment to preventing further disturbance.
IELTS Criteria Compliance
As usual, let’s step further to see how it performs from an IELTS writing criteria perspective.
- Task Response (TR):
The letter fully addresses the task, explaining the noise issue, apologizing sincerely, and providing a clear action plan to resolve the situation. Each bullet point in the prompt is covered in detail, ensuring the task requirements are fully met. - Coherence and Cohesion (CC):
It is well-organized with distinct paragraphs for the introduction, explanation of the problem, and resolution. The ideas flow smoothly from one to the next, with clear logical connectors such as “Unfortunately” and “As the kitchen is still not finished.” This makes the letter easy to read and follow. - Lexical Resource (LR):
The language used is appropriate for a polite apology letter. The writer uses different phrases to convey genuine regret as mentioned above. The vocabulary is varied, with no repetition, and the tone remains respectful throughout. - Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA):
The letter demonstrates a good range of sentence structures, including both simple and complex sentences. There are no grammatical errors, and the use of punctuation is accurate, maintaining the formal tone required for this type of letter.
Takeways
In summary, when writing an apology letter for the IELTS General Writing Task 1, it’s important to:
- Acknowledge the issue clearly at the beginning, addressing the recipient’s concerns directly and respectfully.
- Apologize sincerely—whether your tone is formal or informal, the key is to express genuine regret for the inconvenience or harm caused.
- Provide an explanation to help the recipient understand the context of the issue, but avoid making excuses.
- Suggest a resolution if applicable, offering actions you will take to make up for the problem and prevent it from happening again.
- Vary the tone depending on the situation, but always ensure your sincerity comes through, as this is more important than the formality of the language.
By practicing these elements, you can write effective apology letters that demonstrate both responsibility and a willingness to make amends.
