Explanation
Exercises
B1 Upper-Intermediate Writing · Lesson 11

Write a Formal Email Requesting Action

Learn to describe a situation formally and request a specific action in a polite but clear way.

B1 Upper-IntermediateFormal request email30 min130–140 words
Lesson progress
Explanation · 1 / 4
Study the structure and model before completing the three exercises.
Learning objective

Write a formal email with a clear purpose, relevant evidence, a specific requested action, appropriate polite language, and a professional closing.

Model text

Dear Sir or Madam,

I am writing regarding the streetlight outside 24 Green Road, which has not been working for approximately two weeks. The area becomes extremely dark after 7 p.m., and several residents use this route when returning from the nearby bus stop. Last Friday, an older neighbour almost fell because she could not see the edge of the pavement clearly. I reported the problem through the council website on Monday, but I have not received an update. I would therefore be grateful if you could arrange for the light to be inspected and repaired as soon as possible. Could you also confirm when the work is expected to take place? I can provide a photograph or the reference number from my original report if required.

Thank you for your assistance.

Yours faithfully,
Jordan Lee

How to write

1
Use a formal greeting and state your purpose
2
Describe the situation with factual details
3
Explain why action is necessary
4
Request a specific action politely
5
Ask for confirmation and close professionally

Useful language

I am writing regarding...I would like to bring to your attention...I would be grateful if you could...Could you please confirm...?Thank you for your assistance.Yours faithfully,
B1 Upper-Intermediate focus: Develop each main idea with a reason, example, consequence, or reflection. Use a wider range of linkers, but keep the text natural and easy to follow.
Exercises:
1
2
3
Exercise 1 · Language in the model text

Write a Formal Email Requesting Action

Read the model text closely. Choose the answer that best explains its grammar, vocabulary, linking, or register.

Analyse how the model uses language to achieve the writing purpose.
Exercise 1 · 2 / 4
You need at least 5 correct answers out of 6.
1
Why does the email begin “I am writing regarding…”?
2
What does “which has not been working for approximately two weeks” do?
3
Why is the neighbour incident included?
4
What does “but” show in “I reported the problem…, but I have not received an update”?
5
Why is “I would therefore be grateful if you could…” appropriate?
6
What does “if required” communicate at the end?
Exercise 2 · Structure & development

Write a Formal Email Requesting Action

Use the model text to analyse how its ideas are ordered, connected, developed, and supported.

Analyse the organisation of this specific model text and the function of its details.
Exercise 2 · 3 / 4
You need at least 5 correct answers out of 6.
1
How does the second sentence develop the request?
2
Why does the model give general darkness first and then the neighbour incident?
3
What is the role of mentioning the earlier website report?
4
Why are inspection/repair and confirmation of timing written as two separate requests?
5
Why is the offer of a photograph/reference number placed after the requests?
6
Which sequence best represents the formal email?
Exercise 3 · Writing

Write a Formal Email Requesting Action

Learn to describe a situation formally and request a specific action in a polite but clear way.

Complete the writing task.
Exercise 3 · 4 / 4
Write 130–140 words and develop your ideas clearly.
Your task

Write a formal email to a company, organisation, landlord, school, or service provider. Explain a problem or situation and request a specific action.

  • Use a formal greeting.
  • State the purpose of the email clearly.
  • Give at least two relevant factual details.
  • Explain why action is needed.
  • Request a specific action politely.
  • Ask for confirmation, timing, or a response.
  • Use a professional sign-off.
I am writing regarding...I would like to bring to your attention...I would be grateful if you could...Could you please confirm...?Thank you for your assistance.Yours faithfully,
Your writing
0 words · Target: 130–140

Your draft is saved automatically on this device.

Quick check
•Write about 130–140 words
•Use a formal greeting
•State the formal purpose clearly
•Include specific supporting details
•Use polite formal request/application language
•Include the key requested action or application content
•Use a professional closing
•Use several linking expressions
•Use at least 8 clear sentences
AI feedback

After the lesson check, get detailed feedback appropriate for this B1 Upper-Intermediate task.