Task 1

Spend 20 minutes on this task. You have recently purchased a new phone from a local store. However, you have found that it has a few problems. Write a letter to the store manager. In your letter, you should:
- Describe the phone you bought and when you bought it.
- Explain what problems you are facing with the phone.
- Describe how these problems are affecting you.
- Suggest what you want the store manager to do about it.

You should write at least 150 words.

Answers and Tips

Task 1

Band 5 Example Answer:

Dear Store Manager,

My name is Sarah Thompson. I bought a new phone from your store last week. It is a Galaxy S21 Ultra, black color. Now, it has problems. The battery drains very fast and the screen is not clear.

I can't use the phone for a long time because the battery dies. I have to charge it many times in a day. The screen is blurry and I can't see things clearly. It hurts my eyes.

These problems are bad for me. I need the phone for work and to talk to my family. But now, I can't do these things. I can't work well and I miss talking to my family. It makes me sad.

Please, can you help me? I want you to fix the phone or give me a new one. I really need a good phone. I hope you can understand my problem and help me.

Thank you.

From,
Sarah Thompson

Band 7 Example Answer:

Dear Store Manager,

I am writing to discuss an issue with a phone I recently purchased from your store. It's a Samsung Galaxy S20, which I bought on the 15th of this month.

Unfortunately, the phone has been causing me some problems. Firstly, the battery drains very quickly, even when I'm not using it. Secondly, the phone often freezes and restarts itself, which is very frustrating.

These issues have been affecting my daily activities significantly. As I use my phone for work, the quick battery drain and the constant freezing are causing me to miss important calls and emails. This is not only inconvenient but is also affecting my professional life.

I would appreciate it if you could arrange for the phone to be inspected and the issues resolved. If the problems persist, I would like to request a replacement or a refund, as per your store's policy.

Thank you for your attention to this matter.

Best regards,
Liam Thompson

Band 9 Example Answer:

Dear Store Manager,

I am writing to inform you about an issue with a recent purchase I made from your store. On the 5th of March, I bought a Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra, which is now showing some concerning problems.

The most significant issue is the phone's battery life. It drains far too quickly, even when I'm not using any power-consuming apps. Additionally, the phone often overheats, especially during charging, which is quite alarming. Lastly, the camera, one of the main features that attracted me to this model, is not functioning properly. The photos appear blurry and lack the advertised high resolution.

These problems have been causing considerable inconvenience. The short battery life requires frequent charging, which disrupts my work as I heavily rely on my phone for business communication. The overheating issue raises safety concerns, and the malfunctioning camera hinders my ability to capture important moments, which is particularly disappointing.

I kindly request you to look into this matter urgently. I would appreciate it if you could arrange for a thorough inspection of the phone by a qualified technician. If the issues cannot be resolved, I would like to suggest a replacement or a full refund, as per your store's policy.

Thank you for your prompt attention to this matter. I look forward to a swift resolution of these issues.

Yours sincerely,
Jason Thompson

Useful expressions and vocabulary for Task 1:

1. Recently purchased (verb phrase): This means you bought something not long ago.
2. Local store (noun phrase): This is a shop that is nearby or in your neighborhood.
3. Problems (noun): These are difficulties or troubles that you are having.
4. Write a letter (verb phrase): This means to put your thoughts or feelings down on paper or in an email to send to someone else.
5. Store manager (noun phrase): This is the person who is in charge of running the store.
6. Describe (verb): This means to tell or write about something in detail.
7. Facing (verb): This means dealing with or having to handle something.
8. Affecting (verb): This is when something has an impact or influence on you or your situation.
9. Suggest (verb): This is when you propose or recommend a solution or idea to someone.
10. Malfunction (noun): This is when something is not working correctly.
11. Inconvenience (noun): This is a trouble or problem that disrupts your daily routine or makes life a little harder.
12. Resolution (noun): This is a solution or answer to a problem.
13. Refund (noun): This is when you get your money back because something you bought is not good or does not work.
14. Replacement (noun): This is a new item that you get to replace a damaged or faulty one.
15. Customer service (noun phrase): This is how a company treats its customers, especially when they have problems or complaints.

Tips:

1. Be Specific and Detailed: When you're describing the phone and when you bought it, make sure you're specific. This means stating the exact model of the phone, the date you purchased it, and any other relevant details. The more information you provide, the easier it will be for the manager to understand your situation.

2. Clearly Explain the Problems: When you're talking about the issues you're having with the phone, be clear and detailed. Don't just say it's not working, explain exactly what's happening. For example, if the screen is flickering, say that. If the phone is shutting down randomly, mention it. The more detailed you are, the better the manager will understand the problem.

3. Describe the Impact: It's not enough to just list the problems, you need to explain how these issues are affecting you. This could be anything from causing you to miss important calls, to preventing you from using certain features. Make sure the manager understands the inconvenience these problems are causing you.

4. Be Polite but Firm in Your Request: When suggesting what you want the store manager to do, be polite but firm. You could ask for a replacement, a refund, or for the phone to be repaired. However, don't demand or be rude. Remember, you're more likely to get a positive response if you are respectful.

5. Proofread Your Letter: After you've written the letter, take a few minutes to read it over. Check for any spelling or grammar mistakes, and make sure your sentences are clear and easy to understand. This will help ensure your message is received the way you intend it.

Task 2

Band 5 Example Answer:

People have different ways to relax in their free time. Some people like to read books alone, while other people like to play team sports or do group activities. Both ways have their own benefits.

Reading a book alone is a good way to relax because it is quiet and peaceful. You can choose a book that you like and read at your own pace. You don't need to worry about other people. For example, my friend Maria likes to read books alone in her free time. She says it helps her to clear her mind and forget about her problems.

On the other hand, playing team sports or doing group activities can also be a good way to spend free time. It is fun and exciting. You can make new friends and learn new skills. For example, my cousin Ahmed likes to play football with his friends in his free time. He says it helps him to stay fit and healthy.

In my opinion, both ways are good to spend free time. It depends on what you like to do. I like to read books alone because it is quiet and peaceful. But I also like to play team sports because it is fun and exciting. I think it is important to do what you enjoy in your free time. It helps you to relax and feel happy.

In conclusion, there are different ways to spend free time. Some people like to read books alone, while other people like to play team sports or do group activities. Both ways have their own benefits. It is important to do what you enjoy in your free time.

Band 7 Example Answer:

Many people have different ways of spending their free time. Some people like to read books alone, while others prefer to play team sports or do group activities. Both ways have their own benefits and it depends on the person's personality and preferences.

Reading a book alone can be a great way to relax. It allows a person to escape into a different world and forget about their worries. It can also help to improve a person's knowledge and vocabulary. For example, my friend, Michael, loves to read books in his free time. He says that it helps him to relax and he learns new things from every book he reads.

On the other hand, playing team sports or doing group activities can also be a good way to spend free time. It can help a person to stay fit and healthy. It also allows a person to socialize and make new friends. For instance, my cousin, Lisa, loves to play basketball in her free time. She says that it helps her to stay fit and she has made many friends through the sport.

In my opinion, both ways of spending free time are beneficial. It depends on the person's mood and what they feel like doing at the time. Personally, I like to read books when I want to relax and play sports when I want to be active. I believe that it's important to have a balance of both solitary and social activities in our lives. This way, we can enjoy the benefits of both and have a well-rounded lifestyle.

In conclusion, whether a person prefers to read a book alone or play team sports in their free time depends on their personal preferences. Both have their own benefits and can contribute to a person's well-being in different ways.

Band 9 Example Answer:

The question of how to best utilize one's leisure time is subjective and varies from person to person. Some people prefer solitary activities like reading a book, while others find team sports or group activities more enjoyable and relaxing. Both perspectives have their own merits and demerits.

On one hand, solitary activities such as reading a book allow individuals to spend time with themselves, which can be a source of relaxation and peace. Reading not only enhances knowledge but also improves concentration and stimulates the mind. For instance, my friend, Maria, is an avid reader who spends her free time immersed in books. She believes that reading provides her with an escape from the hustle and bustle of life and helps her to unwind. Moreover, solitary activities can be pursued at one's own pace, without the need to coordinate with others.

On the other hand, engaging in team sports or group activities can be a source of enjoyment and can also foster a sense of community and teamwork. These activities provide opportunities for social interaction and help to build relationships. They also contribute to physical fitness, which is beneficial for overall health. For example, my colleague, Robert, plays football with his friends every weekend. He finds this activity not only fun but also a great way to stay fit and connected with his friends.

In my personal opinion, the best way to spend free time depends on the individual's personality and preferences. Personally, I enjoy both reading and playing sports. I believe that a balance between solitary and group activities is crucial for overall well-being. Reading allows me to learn and grow intellectually, while playing sports keeps me physically active and socially connected.

In conclusion, both solitary activities and group activities have their own benefits and can contribute to an individual's relaxation and personal growth. It is up to each person to decide which activities best suit their needs and preferences.

Useful expressions and vocabulary for Task 2:

1. Unwind (verb): This means to relax or rest, especially after doing something very tiring or difficult.
2. Leisure time (noun): This is the time when you are not working or doing other duties. It's your free time.
3. Beneficial (adjective): If something is beneficial, it is good for you or helpful.
4. Engage in (verb): To engage in something means to do it or take part in it.
5. Team sports (noun): These are sports that are played by teams, like soccer or basketball.
6. Perspective (noun): Your perspective is the way you think about something, based on your own experiences.
7. Significant (adjective): If something is significant, it is important or noticeable.
8. Viewpoint (noun): This is another word for perspective. It's the way you think about something.
9. Group activities (noun): These are things that people do together as a group, like playing a game or having a meeting.
10. Personal life (noun): This is the part of your life that is about your private activities, relationships and feelings.
11. Observations (noun): These are things that you notice or see.
12. Debate (verb): To debate something means to discuss it with people who have different opinions.
13. Individual pursuits (noun): These are things that you do by yourself, like reading a book or painting.
14. Social interaction (noun): This is when people talk and do things together. It's a part of being in a group.
15. Physical and mental well-being (noun): This refers to how healthy your body and your mind are.

Tips:

1. Understand the Question: First, make sure you fully understand what the question is asking. It wants you to discuss two different viewpoints, and then share your own. One viewpoint is that reading a book alone is the best way to relax, and the other viewpoint is that group activities like team sports are better.

2. Plan Your Answer: Before you start writing, think about what you want to say. You need to talk about both viewpoints, and then give your own. Write down some ideas for each part. For example, you might want to talk about how reading can help improve imagination for the first viewpoint, and how team sports can build teamwork skills for the second viewpoint. Then think about what your own opinion is and why.

3. Use Examples: The question asks for examples from your personal life or observations. So when you're talking about each viewpoint and your own, try to include some examples. Maybe you could talk about a time when you felt really relaxed after reading a good book, or a time when you had a lot of fun playing a team sport.

4. Stay on Topic: Make sure everything you write is related to the question. Don't start talking about other ways to relax that aren't mentioned in the question, like watching TV or going for a walk. Stick to the two viewpoints given and your own opinion.

5. Check Your Work: After you've finished writing, take some time to read over your answer. Check for any mistakes in your spelling or grammar, and make sure you've answered all parts of the question. It's also a good idea to see if your answer makes sense and if your opinion is clear.