QUESTION TASK 1
You recently bought a smart watch from an online store. A few days later, the store
sent you this message.
Dear customer,
Thank you for purchasing from our store. We’ve received your complaint about the
smart watch. Could you please tell us exactly what the problem is? Also, would
you prefer to receive a replacement or a full refund? Your feedback helps us
improve our service.
Customer Service Team
Task 1.1 - Informal Letter
Write a letter to your friend about your experience. Write about what happened and
what you think the company should do.
Write about 50 words.
Task 1.2 - Formal Letter
Write a letter to the customer service team. Explain the problem with the watch
and tell them what action you would like them to take.
Write 120-150 words.
Part 2 - Online Discussion
You are participating in an online discussion for language learners. The question
is: “Do people rely too much on online shopping nowadays?”
Post your response, giving reasons and examples.
Write 180-200 words
Task 1.1 – Informal Letter (~50 words)
Hi Jake,
You won’t believe this — the smartwatch I ordered finally arrived, but it doesn’t
work at all. It won’t even turn on. I contacted the company straight away and asked
for a refund. I’m honestly so disappointed because I was really excited about it.
Talk soon,
Eric
Task 1.2 – Formal Letter (≈140 words)
Dear Customer Service Team,
I am writing to complain about a SmartTech Watch that I recently purchased from
your website (Order No. 12849). Unfortunately, the product arrived in a faulty
condition and does not switch on or respond to charging.
I carefully followed all the instructions provided in the user manual, including
charging the device overnight. However, the screen remains completely blank,
which suggests a manufacturing defect.
As the product is unusable, I would like to request a full refund rather than a
replacement. I have attached a copy of the invoice and photos of the device for
your reference.
I look forward to your prompt response and hope this matter can be resolved
quickly.
Yours sincerely,
Eric Harris
Part 2 – Online Discussion (≈195 words)
People nowadays rely too heavily on online shopping. While it is undeniably
convenient, it often encourages unnecessary spending. With just a few clicks,
people buy items they may not truly need, simply because the process is fast and
effortless.
Another concern is the impact on local businesses. Small shops struggle to
compete with large online platforms that offer lower prices and faster delivery. As
a result, many local stores are forced to close, which negatively affects
communities and reduces social interaction.
There is also an environmental cost. Frequent deliveries increase traffic and
pollution, while excessive packaging creates large amounts of waste. This makes
online shopping far less sustainable than it appears at first glance.
That said, online shopping does have clear advantages. It is extremely useful for
people with limited mobility or for those living in remote areas. Therefore, I do not
think it should be avoided completely.
In my view, the key is balance. By shopping online responsibly and supporting
local stores whenever possible, we can enjoy convenience without damaging our
communities or the environment.
NECESSARY DETAILS
🟦 TASK 1.1 – INFORMAL LETTER (≈50 words)
🔹 Opening (choose ONE)
Hi …,
Hey …,
Guess what?
You won’t believe this, but …
🔹 Explaining the problem
The … I ordered arrived yesterday, but …
Unfortunately, it doesn’t work properly.
There seems to be a problem with …
🔹 Expressing feelings
I’m really annoyed / disappointed / frustrated.
I was really looking forward to using it.
🔹 Closing
Talk soon,
See you,
Take care,
🟦 TASK 1.2 – FORMAL LETTER (120–150 words)
🔹 Paragraph 1 – Purpose
Dear Customer Service Team,
I am writing to complain about …
I recently purchased … from your website (Order No. …).
🔹 Paragraph 2 – Description of the problem
Unfortunately, the product arrived in a faulty condition.
Despite following all the instructions provided, …
This suggests that the item is defective.
🔹 Paragraph 3 – Request / Solution
As the product is unusable, I would like to request …
I would prefer a full refund rather than a replacement.
Please find the attached invoice for your reference.
🔹 Ending
I look forward to your prompt response.
Thank you for your attention to this matter.
Formal sign-off:
Yours sincerely,
🟦 PART 2 – ONLINE DISCUSSION (180–200 words)
🔹 Introduction (Opinion)
I believe that …
In my opinion, people nowadays …
It is often argued that …
🔹 First main point
One major reason for this is that …
As a result, …
This can lead to …
🔹 Second main point
Another important issue is …
This has a negative impact on …
🔹 Balanced view (VERY IMPORTANT for C1)
That said, it must be admitted that …
On the other hand, …
🔹 Conclusion
Overall, I believe the key is balance.
In conclusion, people should be more aware of …
QUESTION TASK 1
You recently took part in a school volunteering activity organized by your school.
After the event, the school coordinator sent you a message.
Dear student,
Thank you for taking part in our recent volunteering activity.
We would appreciate your feedback. What did you like most about the activity?
Do you have any suggestions on how we could improve it in the future?
The Coordinator
Task 1.1 – Informal Letter
Write a letter to a friend about the volunteering activity.
Say:
what the activity was
what you enjoyed
what could be improved
Write about 50 words.
Task 1.2 – Formal Letter
Write a letter to the school coordinator.
Share your opinion about the volunteering activity and suggest some
improvements.
Write 120–150 words.
Part 2 – Online Discussion
You are participating in an online discussion for language learners.
The question is:
“Should young people be encouraged to do volunteer work?”
Post your response, giving reasons and examples.
Write 180–200 words.