Task 1

Spend 20 minutes on this task. You recently bought a new bike from a local store. However, you have noticed a few problems with it. Write a letter to the store manager. In your letter:
- Explain why you are writing
- Describe the problems you have noticed with the bike
- Tell them what you have done to try to fix the problems
- Say what you would like them to do about it.
You should write at least 150 words.

Answers and Tips

Task 1

Band 5 Example Answer:

Dear Manager,

I am Peter Johnson. I bought a new bike from your store last week. But, it has some problems. I am writing to you about this.

The bike's chain comes off when I ride. Also, the brakes are not good. They don't stop the bike fast. This is scary for me. And, the seat is not tight. It moves when I sit on it.

I tried to fix the problems. I put the chain back many times. I tried to make the brakes better. I tried to make the seat tight. But, it didn't work. The problems are still there.

I want you to help me. Can you fix the bike? Or, can you give me a new bike that doesn't have problems? I need a good bike. I use it to go to work every day.

Thank you for helping me.

From,
Peter Johnson

Band 7 Example Answer:

Dear Store Manager,

I am writing to inform you about an issue with the bike I recently purchased from your store. The model is the Mountain Trek 5000, and I bought it just two weeks ago.

Unfortunately, I have noticed a few problems with the bike. Firstly, the gears are not shifting smoothly, often getting stuck between shifts. Secondly, the brakes seem less responsive than they should be, which is quite concerning.

I have tried to fix these problems myself by adjusting the gear settings and tightening the brake cables, but the issues persist. I'm not an expert, so I'm worried I might cause more damage if I continue trying to solve these problems on my own.

I kindly request that you arrange for the bike to be inspected and repaired at your store. If the problems cannot be fixed, I would appreciate an exchange for a new bike of the same model. I believe this is a fair solution given the circumstances.

Thank you for your attention to this matter.

Best regards,
Pete Davidson

Band 9 Example Answer:

Dear Store Manager,

I am writing to express my concerns about a bicycle I recently purchased from your store. The model in question is the Mountain Ridge 3000, which I bought on the 15th of this month.

Shortly after I began using the bike, I noticed a few issues. Firstly, the gears do not shift smoothly, often causing a jarring transition between speeds. Secondly, the front brake seems to be less responsive than it should be, which is a significant safety concern. Lastly, the seat's adjustment mechanism is faulty, making it impossible to secure the seat at the desired height.

In an attempt to rectify these issues, I have sought help from a local bike mechanic. However, he informed me that the gear and brake problems are likely due to manufacturing defects and are beyond his capacity to repair. As for the seat, he was able to temporarily fix it, but he warned me that the underlying issue would likely resurface.

Given the circumstances, I kindly request that you arrange for a thorough inspection of the bike by a qualified technician from your store. If the issues are indeed due to manufacturing defects, I believe a replacement or a full refund would be the most appropriate solution.

I look forward to your prompt response and resolution to this matter.

Sincerely,
Leonard Thompson

Useful expressions and vocabulary for Task 1:

1. Recently purchased (verb phrase): This means you bought something not too long ago.
2. Local store (noun phrase): This is a shop that is in your community or nearby area.
3. Problems (noun): These are things that are wrong or not working properly.
4. Store manager (noun phrase): This person is the boss of a shop or store.
5. Attempted to rectify (verb phrase): This means you tried to fix or correct something.
6. Malfunction (noun): This is when something is not working right.
7. Resolution (noun): This is a solution or way to fix a problem.
8. Address the issue (verb phrase): This means to deal with or take care of a problem.
9. Letter of complaint (noun phrase): This is a letter you write when you're not happy about something and you want it fixed.
10. Defect (noun): This means something is broken or not made correctly.
11. Compensation (noun): This is something you get to make up for something bad that happened.
12. Customer satisfaction (noun phrase): This means making sure the people who buy things are happy with what they got and the service they received.
13. Immediate attention (noun phrase): This means something needs to be looked at or fixed right away.
14. Assistance (noun): This is help or support from someone else.
15. Product quality (noun phrase): This is how good or bad something you buy is.

Tips:

1. Be Polite and Formal: Start your letter with a formal greeting, such as "Dear Store Manager". Remember, you are writing to a professional, so your language should be respectful and polite. Even though you're not happy with the situation, don't let your emotions take over.

2. Clearly State the Purpose of Your Letter: Begin by explaining why you are writing the letter. Be clear and to the point. For example, you might say, "I am writing to inform you about some issues I have experienced with the bike I recently bought from your store."

3. Describe the Problems in Detail: Next, describe the problems you have noticed with the bike. Be specific and provide as much detail as possible. This will help the store manager understand exactly what the issues are. For example, instead of saying "the bike is not working properly", you could say "the brakes are not functioning well and the gears won't shift smoothly."

4. Explain Your Attempts to Fix the Problems: Show that you have tried to resolve the issues yourself before reaching out. This could include things like checking the bike manual, trying to adjust the gears, or even taking the bike to a local mechanic. This shows that you are responsible and have taken initiative.

5. State Your Expectations: Lastly, clearly express what you want the store to do about the problem. Whether you want a replacement, a repair, or a refund, be clear and assertive. You could say something like, "I would appreciate if you could arrange for the bike to be repaired or replaced as soon as possible."

Task 2

Band 5 Example Answer:

Living in a big city or a small town both have good things. Big cities have many jobs. You can work in a bank, a school, a hospital, or a big company. There are many places to go, like cinemas, parks, and shopping malls. I have a friend, Maria, who lives in a big city. She works in a big company and she likes to go shopping on weekends. She is very happy.

But big cities can be very busy and noisy. There are many cars and people. It can be hard to find a quiet place. And houses in big cities can be very expensive. My friend Maria pays a lot of money for her small apartment.

Small towns are different. They are quiet and peaceful. You can hear birds singing and see stars at night. My uncle, Peter, lives in a small town. He has a big house with a garden. He likes to grow vegetables and flowers. He says it is very relaxing.

But small towns have less jobs. My uncle Peter works in a small shop. He does not earn a lot of money. And there are not many places to go. There is only one cinema and one park in his town.

For me, I like both. I like the busy life in big cities, but I also like the quiet life in small towns. I think it is good to have a balance. Maybe I can live in a big city for work, and then retire in a small town. That would be nice.

Band 7 Example Answer:

Living in a big city or a small town both have their own benefits. It depends on what a person values more in their life.

Big cities are often seen as places full of opportunities. For instance, in a city like New York or London, there are many jobs in different fields. This can help people to find a job that suits their skills and interests. Cities also have many things to do for fun. For example, there are museums, theaters, concerts, and sports games. I remember when I lived in Beijing, I loved going to the art exhibitions and trying different types of food from around the world.

On the other hand, small towns also have their own charm. They are usually quieter and less crowded than big cities. This can make life less stressful. Also, people in small towns often know each other well and help each other. This sense of community can make people feel safe and happy. For example, my friend Maria lives in a small town in Spain. She told me that she knows all her neighbors and they often have parties together. She loves the peaceful life there.

In my personal view, I prefer living in a big city. I like the excitement and the variety of things to do. I also enjoy meeting people from different cultures. But I understand why some people prefer small towns. They value peace and community more than opportunities and excitement.

In conclusion, both big cities and small towns have their own benefits. It's up to each person to decide where they want to live based on what they value most in life.

Band 9 Example Answer:

Living in either a big city or a small town has its unique advantages, and the choice often depends on an individual's lifestyle and personal preferences.

Living in a big city, like New York or London, is often associated with numerous opportunities and a fast-paced life. One of the main advantages is the abundance of job opportunities. Big cities are usually economic hubs, attracting companies and businesses from various sectors. For instance, my cousin, Maria, moved to New York a few years ago and found a job in her field of interest within a month, something she struggled with in our small hometown. Additionally, cities offer a wide range of recreational activities, from diverse dining options to cultural events, which can enrich one's life experience.

On the other hand, small towns offer a different set of benefits. They are often characterized by a quieter, less stressful lifestyle. The pace of life is slower, and people usually have more time to enjoy their surroundings and engage with their community. For example, my friend, Tom, who lives in a small town, often talks about the strong sense of community and the peaceful environment that he enjoys. Small towns also tend to have lower living costs, from housing to groceries, which can make life less financially stressful.

Personally, I prefer living in a small town. Having lived in both environments, I find the tranquility and close-knit community of a small town more appealing. The slower pace of life allows me to appreciate the simple things in life, like enjoying a cup of coffee in the morning without the rush to catch a train. While job opportunities might be fewer, I believe that with the rise of remote work, this disadvantage is becoming less significant.

In conclusion, both big cities and small towns have their unique benefits. The choice between the two often depends on an individual's lifestyle, career goals, and personal preferences. For me, the peaceful environment and strong sense of community in small towns outweigh the hustle and bustle of big city life.

Useful expressions and vocabulary for Task 2:

1. Metropolitan (adjective): This word describes something that is related to a big city. If you live in a metropolitan area, you live in a big city.
2. Rural (adjective): This word is used to talk about things that are related to the countryside or small towns. If you live in a rural area, you live in a small town or village.
3. Bustling (adjective): This word is used to describe a place that is full of activity or people. A bustling place is very busy.
4. Serene (adjective): This word is used to describe a place or situation that is calm and peaceful.
5. Job prospects (noun): This term refers to the chances or opportunities for getting a job. If a place has good job prospects, it means there are many opportunities to find work.
6. Commute (noun/verb): This word refers to the journey that you make to get to work or school every day. If you commute to work, you travel a distance to get there.
7. Infrastructure (noun): This word refers to the basic facilities and services that a city or town needs to function properly, like roads, schools, and hospitals.
8. Quality of life (noun): This term refers to the general well-being of individuals and societies. It includes things like health, happiness, education, and comfort.
9. Fast-paced (adjective): This word describes a situation or place where things happen quickly and you need to think or act fast.
10. Laid-back (adjective): This word is used to describe a place or person that is relaxed and not very worried about anything.
11. Cost of living (noun): This term refers to the amount of money it takes to live in a certain place, including things like food, housing, and taxes.
12. Diverse (adjective): This word is used to describe a place or group that includes many different types of people or things.
13. Cultural opportunities (noun): This term refers to the chance to experience different arts, music, food, traditions, etc. in a place.
14. Close-knit community (noun): This term describes a group of people in a certain place who know each other well and take care of each other.
15. Urban stress (noun): This term refers to the stress or pressure that people sometimes feel when they live in a big city. It can come from things like traffic, noise, or being too busy.

Tips:

1. Understand the Question: Make sure you understand what the question is asking you. You need to discuss the benefits of living in both a big city and a small town. Don't forget to share your personal view too.

2. Plan Your Answer: Before you start writing, think about what you're going to say. Make a list of the benefits for both a big city and a small town. Use examples from your own life or things you know to explain your answer. This will help you write a clear and organized answer.

3. Write Clearly: Make sure your writing is easy to read. Use simple sentences and clear language. Remember, you want the person reading your answer to understand your point of view.

4. Stay on Topic: It's easy to get carried away and start talking about something else. But remember, you need to stay focused on the question. Don't start talking about the disadvantages of living in a big city or small town, unless it helps explain your point of view.

5. Check Your Work: After you finish writing, read your answer again. Look for any mistakes or things that don't make sense. Make sure you've answered the question and shared your personal view. Checking your work is an important step to make sure your answer is the best it can be.