GENERAL TRAINING WRITING TASK 1
You should spend no more than 20 minutes on this task.
You borrowed some books from your school or college library. Unfortunately, you have to go away to visit a sick relative and cannot return the books in time.
Write a letter to the library. Explain what has happened and tell them what you want to do about it.
You should write at least 150 words.
You do NOT need to write your own address.
Begin your letter as follows:
Dear ………
Sample Answer:
[This model has been prepared by an examiner as an example of a very good.answer. However, please note that this is just one example out of many possible approaches.]
Dear Sir or Madam,
I am writing this letter to explain why I have been unable to return the three books have out on three-day loan, which are now overdue. After taking the books out on 16th March, I had an urgent phone call from my elderly aunt’s neighbour to say that my aunt had had a fall and had been taken into hospital. I am her only surviving relative in this country, so I felt I had to go and see her immediately. I travelled down to Surrey the following morning, thinking I would stay for only two or three days.
Unfortunately, my aunt’s condition has only improved very slowly, so I have had to stay here longer than expected. However, the hospital says that if all goes well, she should be able to go home in two or three days’ time, in which case I will be back at the beginning of next week.
Dealing in mind the circumstances I trust you will kindly waive any fines that may have accumulated.
Yours sincerely
Sample Answer 2:
Dear Mr Alfred,
I am a 3rd year nursing major student and a regular borrower of books from our college library. I have borrowed two reference books from the library a week ago but I am afraid I cannot return them in time. I am writing to request an extension to the return date to avoid any penalty or fine.
I have borrowed two books titled ‘Psychiatric Nursing 5th Edition’ by Sheila Videbeck and ‘Psychology for Nurses’ by Harold Mcgarry on 15th September from the college library. My library card number is 442805 and these two books were issued to this card. My due date to return these books is tomorrow. However, it is very unfortunate that my grandmother has been admitted to a hospital in my hometown due to her heart failure and I will travel to Manila, the capital of the Philippines to visit her. I guess at the time you are reading this letter, I am on my way to Manila. I will probably stay there a couple of days and thus unable to return the books before the deadline.
Considering my situation, I am hoping you would permit me to keep the books four more days. Kindly, extend the return date to 27th September so that I can avoid any fine or penalty for a late submission.
I am expecting your kind consideration regarding this matter.
Yours sincerely,
Your Name
Sample Answer 3:
Dear Ms Susan,
I am writing this letter to request an extension to the deadline for returning two books which I borrowed from the college library on 18th April. I am hoping you would allow an extension and save me from paying a late fee.
After borrowing the books out on 18th April, I utilised them to write an assignment which I have almost completed. Unfortunately, I got an urgent phone call from my sister regarding my maternal uncle’s illness. He has been hospitalised last night and I will catch a flight to Italy in a few hours to see him.
I think I will have to stay there for at least three to four days. I will, however, get back at the beginning of next week and would be able to return the books promptly.
Under the circumstances, I trust you would kindly waive any fines that might accumulate from the extension of the deadline to return the books.
Yours sincerely,
Your Name
Sample Answer 4:
Dear Miss Penny,
On 15th February I borrowed three books from the school library and I am due to return the books on 22nd February. Unfortunately, I am travelling to New Jersey tomorrow morning to see my uncle who has been taken to a local hospital. Thus I would be unable to return the borrowed books in due time. I am hoping you would consider the late return of the book and do not impose any overdue fine on me.
I borrowed these books using my library card – PA452147 on 22nd February and I am supposed to return those by 27th February. But, I regret to inform you that I would not be able to return them in time. My uncle, who is very close to me, fall ill last evening and was admitted to a hospital. I will travel to visit him earlier tomorrow. Regrettably, the library will remain closed tomorrow and my deadline to return the books is the day after tomorrow.
Considering the current situation, I cannot return the borrowed book before 5th March as I might stay in New Jersey a couple of days. Therefore, I request you to extend the date of return by another week. I am hoping you would not impose any late fine on me. However, if this is not possible, I am willing to pay any fine for the late submission of borrowed books.
I am hoping to hear from you soon.
Yours sincerely,
Your Name
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