Band 6 ➝ Band 9 IELTS GT Letter Writing
Top 7 Tips to Get Band 9 in IELTS GT Letter Writing
1. Identify the Letter Type in 10 Seconds
Before writing, decide:
- Formal → manager, company, authority
- Semi-formal → neighbour, landlord, teacher
- Informal → friend, family
Wrong tone = band drops immediately
2. Write a Crystal-Clear Purpose in the First Sentence
Your opening line must answer WHY you are writing.
I am writing this letter to tell you something…
I am writing to complain about a faulty product I purchased last week.
3. Cover ALL Bullet Points — No Exceptions
Every question asks 3 bullet points.
✔ Address all
✔ Give relevant details
✔ Do NOT add unnecessary stories
4. Use Advanced but Natural Vocabulary
I was extremely disappointed with…
This caused considerable inconvenience…
Over-complicated or memorised words
5. Paragraphing Must Be Perfect
Use 4 clear paragraphs:
- Purpose
- Problem/details
- Explanation
- Request/action
The examiner should understand your letter at first glance
6. Control Grammar — Accuracy Over Complexity
Band 9 is about accuracy, not long sentences.
✔ Correct tenses
✔ Correct articles (a, an, the)
✔ No spelling mistakes
Grammar errors = band loss, even with good ideas
7. End Politely & Professionally
Closing should match the tone.
Formal:
I look forward to your prompt response.
Informal:
Looking forward to hearing from you soon.
Wrong ending = tone mismatch
You recently purchased an item that turned out to be faulty.
Write a letter to the manager of the store.
In your letter:
- explain what you bought and when
- Describe the problem with the product
- Say what action you would like the manager to take
Band 6 Sample Answer (Formal Letter)
Dear Sir or Madam,
I am writing to inform you about a product I purchased from your store last week, which is not working properly and has caused me inconvenience.
I bought an electric iron from your shop on 10 June. At the time of purchase, the staff member told me that the product was in good condition and suitable for daily use. However, after using it for only a few days, I noticed that the iron does not heat properly and switches off suddenly while I am using it. Because of this problem, the iron is difficult to use and does not serve its purpose.
This issue has caused inconvenience to me, as I need the iron every day for work. I have used it carefully and followed the instructions, but the problem continues. I did not expect such an issue from a well-known and trusted store like yours.
I request you to please check this matter and either repair the product or replace it with a new one. I hope you will take the necessary action soon.
Yours faithfully,
Rupinder Kaur
9 Band
Dear Sir or Madam,
I am writing to formally complain about an electric iron that I purchased from your store on 10 June, which has unfortunately turned out to be faulty.
At the time of purchase, I was assured that the product was in perfect working condition. However, after only a few days of regular use, the iron began to malfunction. It fails to heat properly and switches off unexpectedly during operation. Despite handling it carefully and following the usage instructions, the problem has continued to occur.
This situation has caused significant inconvenience, as I rely on this appliance daily for professional purposes. Given the reputation of your store, I did not anticipate facing such an issue with a newly purchased product.
I would appreciate it if you could look into this matter promptly and arrange either a replacement or a full refund, as the product is still under warranty. I have retained the purchase receipt for your reference.
I look forward to your prompt response.
Yours faithfully,
Rupinder Kaur
Band 6 → Band 9 Exact Changes Explained
1. Purpose of the Letter (Opening Line)
Band 6
I am writing to inform you about a product I purchased from your store last week, which is not working properly and has caused me inconvenience.
Band 9
I am writing to formally complain about an electric iron that I purchased from your store on 10 June, which has unfortunately turned out to be faulty.
What changed?
- inform you → formally complain (strong, clear purpose)
- a product → electric iron (specific item)
- last week → 10 June (exact date)
- not working properly → turned out to be faulty (formal tone)
Examiner view: Purpose is immediately clear → higher band.
2. Describing the Problem
Band 6
The iron does not heat properly and switches off suddenly while I am using it.
Band 9
It fails to heat properly and switches off unexpectedly during operation.
What changed?
- does not → fails to
- suddenly → unexpectedly
- using it → during operation
Same meaning, but more precise and academic vocabulary.
3. Development of Ideas
Band 6
Because of this problem, the iron is difficult to use and does not serve its purpose.
Band 9
After only a few days of regular use, the iron began to malfunction.
What changed?
- Band 6 repeats ideas
- Band 9 summarises the issue naturally
- No unnecessary repetition
Better cohesion = higher band
4. Explaining the Situation / Impact
Band 6
This issue has caused inconvenience to me, as I need the iron every day for work.
Band 9
This situation has caused significant inconvenience, as I rely on this appliance daily for professional purposes.
What changed?
- issue → situation
- inconvenience → significant inconvenience
- need → rely on
- work → professional purposes
Shows lexical range, a key Band 9 feature.
5. Tone & Politeness
Band 6
I did not expect such an issue from a well-known and trusted store like yours.
Band 9
Given the reputation of your store, I did not anticipate facing such an issue with a newly purchased product.
What changed?
- More polite and indirect
- No emotional or casual tone
- Sounds professional and confident
6 Request for Action
Band 6
I request you to please check this matter and either repair the product or replace it with a new one.
Band 9
I would appreciate it if you could look into this matter promptly and arrange either a replacement or a full refund, as the product is still under warranty.
What changed?
- I request you → I would appreciate it if you could
- Clear, realistic action
Specific requests score higher
7. Closing Sentence
Band 6
I hope you will take the necessary action soon.
Band 9
I look forward to your prompt response.
What changed?
- Standard formal closing
- Confident, polite, examiner-approved
