Task 1

Spend 20 minutes on this task. Imagine you recently bought a new phone from a store, but after getting home you discovered that the phone does not work properly. Write a letter to the store manager about this problem. In your letter, you should:
- Explain when and where you bought the phone and describe the problem.
- Say how this issue has affected you.
- Tell the manager what you would like them to do about the broken phone.
- Ask for any information you need about exchanging the phone or getting your money back.

You should write at least 150 words.

Answers and Tips

Task 1

Band 5 Example Answer:

Dear Store Manager,

I am writing to you because I bought a phone from your store last week on April 5th. The store is on Main Street. When I got home, I saw the phone is not working right. It turns off by itself and the screen is not showing things properly.

This is a big problem for me. I need my phone for talking to my family and for my job too. Now I cannot do these things. It is very hard without a phone.

I want you to help me with this phone. Can you give me a new phone that works or give my money back? This is very important.

Please tell me what I need to do to change this phone or get my money. Do I need to bring the phone back to the store with anything? What papers do I need to show you?

Thank you for looking at this problem.

Sincerely,
Alex Goodman

Band 7 Example Answer:

Dear Store Manager,

I am writing to inform you about a problem with a mobile phone I purchased from your store. My name is Alex Carter, and I bought the phone on April 5th from your branch located at High Street Mall.

Unfortunately, the phone is not functioning correctly. It turns off suddenly, and I'm unable to make calls or send messages. I've tried charging it, but the issue persists. This is quite frustrating as I rely heavily on my phone for work and staying in touch with family.

The malfunctioning phone has caused significant inconvenience. I've missed important calls and messages, which has affected my job and personal life. I need a reliable phone to manage my daily activities, and currently, I am without one.

I would appreciate it if you could replace the phone with a new one that works or provide a full refund. Could you also inform me about the process for exchanging the phone or getting my money back? I still have the receipt and all the original packaging.

Thank you for attending to this matter promptly.

Sincerely,
Alex Carter

Band 9 Example Answer:

Dear Store Manager,

I am reaching out to report a significant issue with a mobile phone I recently purchased from your store. On March 31st, I visited your outlet at High Street Mall and bought a new Lumina X20 smartphone. Unfortunately, upon returning home and attempting to use the phone, I discovered that it fails to charge and frequently shuts down without warning.

This malfunction has caused considerable inconvenience, as I rely heavily on my mobile phone for both work and personal communication. The inability to charge the device has left me without a means of contact during critical moments, hindering my productivity and causing me distress.

Given the circumstances, I kindly request that you arrange for a replacement phone of the same model or a full refund of the purchase price. I am eager to resolve this matter swiftly and would appreciate it if you could prioritize this request.

Could you please inform me of the procedure for exchanging the defective unit? Additionally, I would like to know if there are any specific documents or receipts I should bring along to facilitate the exchange or refund process. Your prompt assistance in this matter would be greatly appreciated.

Looking forward to your timely response.

Warm regards,
Evelyn Sorensen

Useful expressions and vocabulary for Task 1:

1. Faulty (adjective): This means something is broken or not working properly. If your phone doesn't work the way it should, you can say it's faulty.
2. Inconvenience (noun): This is a problem or a situation that causes trouble and makes life harder for you. For example, if your phone doesn't work, it can be a big inconvenience because you can't call or text your friends.
3. Receipt (noun): This is a small piece of paper that shows you paid for something. When you buy something, like a phone, you usually get a receipt and you should keep it in case there's a problem.
4. Exchange (verb): This means to give something back to the store where you bought it and get a new one instead. If your phone is broken, you might want to exchange it for one that works.
5. Refund (noun): This is when you get your money back because something you bought wasn't good. If you can't exchange your phone, you might ask for a refund.
6. Defective (adjective): This is another word for something that's not working right. If your phone has a problem and can't be used, you can say it's defective.
7. Proof of purchase (noun phrase): This means showing that you really bought something, usually with a receipt or a bank statement. The store might ask for proof of purchase before they help you with your broken phone.
8. Warranty (noun): This is a promise that if something you buy breaks within a certain time, you can get it fixed or get a new one. Your phone might have come with a warranty that says it should work for at least a year.
9. Troubleshoot (verb): This means to try to figure out what's wrong with something and how to fix it. If your phone isn't working, you might try to troubleshoot it before taking it back to the store.
10. Resolution (noun): This is when a problem is solved. You might write to the store manager asking for a quick resolution to the problem with your phone.
11. Disappointed (adjective): This is how you feel when something isn't as good as you expected. If your new phone doesn't work, you might feel very disappointed.
12. Promptly (adverb): This means doing something quickly and without delay. You might ask the store manager to deal with your broken phone promptly.
13. Malfunction (noun): This is a fancy word for when something doesn't work the way it's supposed to. If your phone turns off by itself, you could say it has a malfunction.
14. Service (noun): This is help or work that someone does for you. When you take your phone back to the store, you might talk about the service you received and how you'd like them to help you now.
15. Follow-up (noun): This is when you check on something again to make sure it's being taken care of. You might ask the store manager for a follow-up to see if they've fixed your phone problem.

Tips:

1. Get straight to the point: Start your letter by saying you bought a phone that isn't working right. Be sure to mention the date you bought it and the store location. This helps the manager know exactly what you're talking about.

2. Paint a picture of the problem: Describe what's wrong with the phone like you're telling a story. Is it not turning on, or maybe the screen is acting weird? This will help the manager understand why you're upset.

3. Share how it's messing up your day: Tell the manager how the broken phone has been a hassle for you. Maybe you missed some important calls or couldn't use your favorite apps. This shows why it's important to fix the issue fast.

4. Be clear about what you want: Let the manager know if you want a new phone, a repair, or your money back. Being clear about this makes it easier for them to help you out.

5. Ask the important questions: End your letter by asking for details on how to swap the phone or get a refund. You might want to know if you need to bring anything special with you, like the receipt or the box. This way, you're all set for your next visit to the store.

Task 2

Band 5 Example Answer:

Old buildings and statues are big parts of history. They tell us stories about how people lived long time ago. I think it is important to keep these old places because they are like a bridge to the past. When we look at them, we can learn about our culture and our roots. It is like having a history book but in real life.

For example, in my city, there is an old fort called Fort Hamilton. It is very old and many tourists come to see it. They learn about our history and they also spend money in our city. This is good for our people because it helps with jobs and business. If we destroy the fort to make a new shopping mall, we lose a piece of history and maybe tourists will not come as much.

But I also understand that cities need to grow and have new things. New buildings for people to live and work in are important. We can build new things in places that do not have old buildings. Or we can make new things around the old buildings so we have both. Like in some cities, they have old churches next to new office buildings and it looks nice.

In conclusion, I think saving old places is more important than making room for new ones. We should try to keep our history alive because once it is gone, we cannot get it back. But we also need to think smart about how to grow our cities with new things. We can have both if we plan it right.

Band 7 Example Answer:

In my opinion, saving old buildings and statues is more important than making room for new things. These places from the past are like big history books. They tell us stories about how people lived long ago. When we look at them, we can learn about our culture and our roots. It's like having a chat with our grandparents about the old days.

For example, in my city, there is an old train station called Franklin Junction. It has been there for more than a hundred years. Now, it's a museum where kids and grown-ups can learn about trains from the past. If we knocked it down to build a shopping mall, we would lose a special place where memories live.

Also, old places can be good for business. Many people travel to see famous old buildings and statues. They spend money on hotels, food, and gifts. This helps the people who live in the city make money. So, by keeping these old places, we help our city today and remember our history.

To sum up, I think we should save old buildings and statues. They are important for learning and can also help people make money. It's like keeping treasure from the past that can make our future better. We can always find other places to build new things without losing our old treasures.

Band 9 Example Answer:

The preservation of historical buildings and statues has long been a topic of debate. While some argue that they are relics of the past taking up valuable space, I firmly believe that maintaining these structures is of paramount importance for several reasons.Firstly, old buildings and statues are tangible links to our history. They provide us with insights into our cultural and architectural heritage, which textbooks or digital media cannot fully capture. For instance, the Colosseum in Rome is not only an architectural marvel but also a testament to the ingenuity of ancient civilizations. By preserving such structures, we ensure that future generations can witness and learn from these historical milestones firsthand.Moreover, these historical edifices often become iconic symbols of a city or country, contributing significantly to its identity. Take the Eiffel Tower in Paris or the Statue of Liberty in New York; both are not just mere structures but emblems that define the skyline and the spirit of their respective cities. They attract millions of tourists annually, which in turn supports local economies and promotes cultural exchange.Additionally, the argument that old buildings and statues take up space that could be used for new developments overlooks the potential of integrating the old with the new. Many cities around the world have successfully repurposed historical buildings for modern use, thereby preserving their heritage while making room for contemporary needs. The Tate Modern in London, for example, is a modern art gallery housed in a former power station, striking a balance between historical preservation and modern functionality.In conclusion, the significance of saving old buildings and statues far outweighs the notion of replacing them with new constructions. These structures serve as educational resources, cultural icons, and economic catalysts. They also offer a sense of continuity in a rapidly changing world. It is our responsibility to safeguard these treasures for the enrichment of present and future societies. The coexistence and careful integration of the old and the new can lead to vibrant, dynamic urban landscapes that honor the past while embracing progress.

Useful expressions and vocabulary for Task 2:

1. Preservation (noun): This means keeping something the same or keeping it safe. So, when we talk about "preservation," we're talking about saving old buildings or statues so they don't change or get destroyed.
2. Heritage (noun): This word is all about the traditions, buildings, or stories that come from the past and are important to a group of people or a country. When we say "heritage," we mean all the cool old stuff that tells us about how people used to live.
3. Modernization (noun): This is when we make something more current or up-to-date. If you hear "modernization," think about making old things look or work like new things.
4. Architectural (adjective): This word is used to describe things related to the design and style of buildings. When something is "architectural," it's about how a building looks and how it's put together.
5. Landmark (noun): A landmark is a famous place or object that is easy to recognize and often has historical importance. If you hear "landmark," think of a really famous building or statue that you might show to someone visiting your city.
6. Aesthetics (noun): This word is all about beauty or the look of things. When people talk about "aesthetics," they're discussing what makes something pretty or cool to look at.
7. Utilize (verb): This is just a fancy way of saying "use." So, if you "utilize" something, you're using it for a purpose.
8. Urban development (noun phrase): This is about building and making changes in cities. "Urban development" is when people plan and build new stuff like houses, shops, and parks in a city.
9. Historical significance (noun phrase): This means that something is really important because it tells us about history. When something has "historical significance," it's special because it helps us remember and learn about the past.
10. Demolish (verb): This means to completely destroy a building or structure. If someone wants to "demolish" something, they want to tear it down or get rid of it.
11. Renovate (verb): This is when you fix up and make an old building look new again. If you "renovate" a building, you're making it nicer without changing its history.
12. Infrastructure (noun): This is a big word for all the systems and structures that are important for a place to work properly, like roads, bridges, and water pipes. "Infrastructure" is all the stuff that needs to be in place so people can live and do their jobs.
13. Cultural identity (noun phrase): This is about the things that make a group of people unique, like their art, buildings, language, and traditions. When we talk about "cultural identity," we're talking about the special things that show who people are and where they come from.
14. Sustainable (adjective): This word means being able to keep something going over time without harming the environment. When something is "sustainable," it's good for the planet and can last a long time.
15. Integrate (verb): This means to mix or combine things together so they work as one. If you "integrate" new buildings with old ones, you're making sure they all fit together nicely in the city.

Tips:

1. Choose your side: Decide if you think it's more important to save old buildings and statues, or if it's better to make space for new stuff. Stick to your choice throughout the essay so your opinion is clear.

2. Make a list of reasons: Write down all the reasons why you think your choice is the best one. Think about things like history, beauty, learning from the past, or the need for new places to live and work.

3. Organize your ideas: Put your reasons in order from most important to least important. This will help you write a well-structured essay. Start with the biggest reason and end with the smallest one.

4. Write with feeling: When you explain your reasons, use words that show how you feel. If you think old buildings are beautiful, say they 'take your breath away' or if you think new buildings are exciting, say they 'spark your imagination'.

5. Practice, practice, practice: Before the test, practice writing essays about different topics. This will help you get faster and better at organizing your thoughts and writing them down. The more you practice, the more confident you'll feel!