Apology Letter
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- Written by IELTS Mentor
IELTS Apology Letter:
An apology letter is a type of letter in which you express that you are sorry for something. If you believe that you have done/said something that has offended or hurt someone, any of your action has caused injury to someone, or if you have broken your promise, it's time to apologize. In your IELTS GT Writing Task 1, you might be asked to write an apology letter and it is good to know that the question will specifically mention you to apologize, from which you know that it is an apology letter (sorry letter).
When to write an apology letter:
1. Your action has somehow offended someone.
2. You have said or written something that has hurt/offended a friend or a family member.
3. You have crossed your boundary.
4. You have stepped on other's toes.
5. You have broken a promise that you have made.
6. You have forgotten an important date.
7. You could not attend an important event where you were expected.
8. Your action has injured someone.
What to include in an apology letter:
» Express your remorse, and say that "I'm sorry" (in an informal letter) or "Please accept my sincere apology" (in a semi-formal or formal letter) in the opening line(s) of your letter.
» Specifically mention why you are sorry /you are apologizing for. That will give the recipient of the letter a clear idea that you understand what you did.
» Take responsibility for the situation. Don't give an excuse, rather admit your fault.
» Vow that you won't do that again.
» Offer to make some amends.
Please note that the main difference between a personal/informal and formal/semi-formal letter is the expression and tone you use in your letter. An apology letter to a friend/ family member can take on a more casual tone, while a semi-formal/formal apology letter written to someone other than your friend or family will be much formal and have formal expressions.
Sample Apology Letters with answers:
Apology Letter Sample # 1:
Your neighbours have recently written to you to complain about the noise from your houseflat.
Write a letter to your neighbours. In your letter
- explain the reasons for the noise
- apologise
- describe what action you will take
Begin your letter as follows:
Dear ..................,
Click here to read the model answer
Apology Letter Sample # 2:
You have been invited to attend an interview for a place studying a course at a college. Unfortunately, because of a previous appointment, you cannot come at the time they wish.
Write a letter to the admission tutor. In your letter,
- explain your position
- apologise and offer to come on another day or later the same day
- also ask how long the interview will be, and whether there will be any tests during it
Begin your letter as follows:
Dear Sir or Madam,
Click here to read the model answer
Apology Letter Sample # 3:
You have arranged to visit a friend in England but an important event at home now means that you must change the dates of the visit.
Write a letter to your friend. In your letter
- explain the important event
- apologise for the situation
- suggest a new arrangement
Begin your letter as follows:
Dear ..................,
Click here to read the model answer
Apology Letter Sample # 4:
One of your friends recently had a birthday celebration, but you missed it and you forgot to tell your friend that you couldn't attend.
Write a letter to your friend. In your letter,
- apologise for missing the birthday celebration
- explain why you missed it and why you didn't tell your friend
- and say what you would like to do to show that you are sorry
Begin your letter as follows:
Dear ..................,
Click here to read the model answer
Apology Letter Sample # 5:
You are having a graduation party next Saturday night. You have invited 50 people to celebrate at an outdoor barbecue evening, which may continue till late night.
Write a letter to your elderly neighbour. In your letter:
- explain what will be happening
- offer your apologies in advance
- invite him/her to visit your house someday
Begin your letter as follows:
Dear Mr / Ms ..................,
Click here to read the model answer
Apology Letter Sample # 6:
You have borrowed something from your friend and it has got damaged.
Write a letter to a friend.
- apologize for damaging the product/stuff
- explain what happened
- say how are you going to fix the issue
Begin your letter as follows:
Dear ..................,
Click here to read the model answer
Apology Letter Sample # 7:
You borrowed an important textbook during the last term from a classmate. You now realize your classmate has returned home overseas and you still have the book.
Write a letter to him/her.
- apologize for the mistake
- find out how important the book is to him/her
- say what you will do
Begin your letter as follows:
Dear ..................,
Click here to read the model answer
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