IELTS GT Task 1: Apology for a Damaged Item (Informal Letter)
The Task
You borrowed something valuable from a friend and accidentally damaged it. Write a letter to your friend. In your letter: explain what happened, apologise for the damage, and offer to put things right. Write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write any addresses.
You should cover
- •Explain what happened
- •Apologise for the damage
- •Offer to put things right
Sample Band 8 Response
172 wordsWritten by EduForEveryone — for guidance only. Not an official examiner response.
Dear Priya,
I'm writing because I owe you both an explanation and a sincere apology. I'm afraid I have accidentally damaged the camera you so kindly lent me last month.
Here is what happened. I had taken it to the park to photograph the autumn leaves, and as I was changing the lens, it slipped out of my hands and fell onto the path. The body is fine, but the lens is cracked and no longer focuses properly. I feel absolutely terrible about it, especially as you trusted me with something so valuable.
Please accept my heartfelt apology. I know how much that camera means to you.
I would like to put things right straight away. I've already found a camera shop that can replace the lens with an identical one, and I will, of course, cover the full cost myself. If you would prefer, I'm equally happy to buy you a brand-new replacement.
Again, I'm so sorry. Please let me know how you'd like me to fix this.
Love, [Your name]