Explanation
Exercises
B2 Pre-Advanced Writing · Lesson 10

Write a Formal Complaint with Evidence

An effective complaint is factual and firm: evidence comes before emotion, and the requested remedy follows logically from the problem.

B2 Pre-AdvancedFormal complaint email35 min190–200 words
Lesson progress
Explanation · 1 / 4
Study the model carefully: both practice exercises ask questions about this exact text.
Learning objective

You will learn to present dates and evidence, explain the impact, maintain professional tone, and request a proportionate remedy or next step.

Model text

Dear Customer Services, I am writing to complain about a refrigerator delivered to my home on 3 August under order number 48172. The item was advertised as new and was delivered in apparently undamaged packaging. However, after the delivery team left, I discovered a deep dent on the right-hand door and noticed that the interior light did not work. I contacted your telephone support at 14:20 the same day and was told that a replacement could be arranged within forty-eight hours. It is now 8 August, and I have received neither a replacement date nor a follow-up message. I have attached photographs of the damage, a copy of the receipt, and the reference number from my original call. I appreciate that delivery problems occasionally occur, but the lack of communication has made the situation unnecessarily difficult because I cannot organise the return without knowing when the replacement will arrive. I would therefore like you to confirm, within two working days, either a replacement delivery date or a full refund including the delivery charge. Please also advise whether the damaged appliance will be collected at the same time. I look forward to your response. Yours faithfully, Elena Markovic

How to write

1
Identify the transaction and problem precisely
2
Provide dates, order numbers, and previous contact
3
Separate evidence from emotional reaction
4
Explain the practical impact
5
Request a specific and proportionate remedy

Useful language

I am writing to complain about...However,...I have attached...I appreciate that..., but...I would therefore like...Please also advise...

B2 Pre-Advanced focus: Develop ideas with specific evidence, varied linking, precise vocabulary, and a register appropriate to the text type.

Exercises:
1
2
3
Exercise 1 · Language in the model text

Write a Formal Complaint with Evidence

Read the model text closely. Analyse the exact grammar, vocabulary, linking, stance, and register choices.

Answer questions about this lesson’s unique model text.
Exercise 1 · 2 / 4
You need at least 5 correct answers out of 6.
Which excerpt most clearly performs this writing move: “Identify the transaction and problem precisely”?
What is the main writing function of “I have attached” in “I have attached photographs of the damage, a copy of the receipt, and the reference number from my original call.”?
Which excerpt best demonstrates this writing move: “Separate evidence from emotional reaction”?
Why does the writer use “I would therefore like” in “I would therefore like you to confirm, within two working days, either a replacement delivery date or a full refund includin…”?
What does “I appreciate that delivery problems occasionally occur, but the lack of communication has made the situation unnecessarily d…” mainly achieve in this model?
Why is “I would therefore like you to confirm, within two working days, either a replacement delivery date or a full refund includin…” effective near the end of the text?
Exercise 2 · Structure and development

Write a Formal Complaint with Evidence

Read the model text closely. Analyse how its ideas are ordered, developed, connected, and concluded.

Answer questions about this lesson’s unique model text.
Exercise 2 · 3 / 4
You need at least 5 correct answers out of 6.
Where does “Write a Formal Complaint with Evidence” first establish its central situation or purpose?
Which detail does the most work to develop the second stage of the text: “Provide dates, order numbers, and previous contact”?
Why does “It is now 8 August, and I have received neither a replacement date nor a follow-up message.” follow the preceding idea “I contacted your telephone support at 14:20 the same day and was told that a replacement could…”?
What structural role does “I appreciate that delivery problems occasionally occur, but the lack of communication has made the situation unnecessarily d…” play in this model?
Why does the model place “I would therefore like you to confirm, within two working days, either a replacement delivery date or a full refund includin…” near the end?
Which sequence best represents the organisation of “Write a Formal Complaint with Evidence”?
Exercise 3 · Independent writing

Write a Formal Complaint with Evidence

Apply the writing skills you analysed in this lesson’s model text.

Complete the writing task independently.
Exercise 3 · 4 / 4
Write 190–200 words. Up to 210 words is accepted.
Your task

Present a complaint with dates or evidence, explain the impact, and request a clear remedy. Use your own ideas and examples; do not copy the model text.

  • Use an appropriate formal greeting
  • State the complaint and identify the problem clearly
  • Include evidence such as dates, reference details, or previous contact
  • Explain the practical impact of the problem
  • Request a specific remedy or action
  • Finish with an appropriate formal closing
I am writing to complain about...However,...I have attached...I appreciate that..., but...I would therefore like...Please also advise...
Your writing
0 words · Target: 190–200

Your draft is saved automatically on this device.

Quick check
•Write about 190–200 words
•Use an appropriate formal greeting
•State the complaint and identify the problem clearly
•Include evidence such as dates, reference details, or previous contact
•Explain the practical impact of the problem
•Request a specific remedy or action
•Finish with an appropriate formal closing
•Use at least 8 clear sentences
AI feedback

Pass the lesson check first, then get detailed B2 feedback.