How to use the examples
Read the prompt, underline the reader and the three bullets, then plan in four or five words. Write your own version before you open the reveal. When you compare, look at coverage first, then paragraph order, then tone. The Task 1 email guide has a fuller checking routine. Writing is 53 minutes for two tasks, and each response is roughly 150 to 200 words.
The 10 prompts
All names, places and businesses are fictional. Every model email is original and was counted at 150 to 200 words.
1. Replace a lost library card
You are a member of the fictional Fairview Library. Your card has been lost. Write an email to the librarian. In your email:
- explain how the card was lost
- ask what you need to bring to the branch
- request a temporary card so you can borrow
Show answer
Model email
Subject: Replacing my lost library card
Dear Ms. Whitfield,
I am writing to ask about replacing my library card, which I lost on Tuesday while travelling home from the Fairview branch. I believe it fell out of my bag on the bus, and I have not been able to find it since.
Could you tell me what identification I need to bring to the front desk? I would also like to know whether there is a fee for a replacement card, and whether I can pay it at the branch when I collect it.
Until a new card is ready, would it be possible to issue a temporary card so that I can borrow the two books I reserved last week? I am happy to collect them this Saturday morning if a staff member is available to help.
Please let me know what you need from me. I can visit the branch any weekday after 5 p.m., and I will bring a recent utility bill as proof of address.
Kind regards,
Maya Thompson
- It covers all three bullets in order, one paragraph each.
- It gives a clear next action and a specific time the writer can visit.
2. Noise from a renovation
Renovation work in the flat above yours starts very early. Write an email to the building manager, Mr. Alvarez. In your email:
- describe the problem and when it happens
- ask for the loudest work to move later
- ask how long the project will last
Show answer
Model email
Subject: Noise from renovation work in unit 12
Dear Mr. Alvarez,
I am writing about the renovation work in the apartment above mine, unit 12. For the past six mornings, drilling has started at 7 a.m. and continued until lunchtime. The noise wakes my two children, and I have had to move work calls to the afternoon.
I understand that repairs are necessary and I do not want the work to stop. However, could you ask the contractors to begin at 9 a.m., or at least to keep the loudest work to the afternoon? The building rules mention quiet hours, and I would be grateful if you could remind the crew.
Could you also tell me how long the project is expected to last? If it will continue for several weeks, I would like to plan around it and perhaps change my working hours for a short period.
Thank you for looking into this. I am happy to discuss the timing in person if that would help.
Sincerely,
Priya Raman
- It separates the complaint from a workable request.
- The tone stays polite and offers cooperation.
3. Ask for an assignment extension
You were unwell and need more time for a college assignment. Write an email to your instructor, Professor Lind. In your email:
- explain why you need more time
- say what work you have completed
- propose a new submission date
Show answer
Model email
Subject: Request for a short extension on assignment 3
Dear Professor Lind,
I am writing to ask for a three-day extension on assignment 3 for Introduction to Data Analysis, which is currently due on Friday 6 November.
Last week I was unwell and missed two classes, including the session on cleaning data sets. I have started the assignment and completed the first two sections, but I am still unsure whether my table is formatted correctly. I have attached my draft so far, and I plan to visit the writing centre on Wednesday.
If an extension is possible, I would submit the final version by Monday 9 November. I am happy to provide a medical note or to complete an alternative task if that is preferred.
Thank you for considering my request. I understand that late work may be penalized under the course policy, and I will accept your decision.
Kind regards,
Owen Fischer
- It states the course, the task and both dates precisely.
- It shows progress and offers evidence instead of only asking for help.
4. Report a damaged delivery
A lamp arrived damaged from an online shop. Write an email to customer service. In your email:
- describe the damage
- say what solution you want
- ask how to return the item
Show answer
Model email
Subject: Damaged lamp in order 88214
Dear Customer Service,
I am writing about order 88214, a desk lamp that arrived this morning. The box was dented, and when I unpacked it I found a crack in the base and a loose wire near the switch. I have not plugged the lamp in because I am concerned about safety.
I would like a replacement lamp sent to the same address. Could you confirm whether I should return the damaged item, and whether you will provide a prepaid label? If a replacement is out of stock, please let me know when it will be available or arrange a refund.
I have attached two photographs of the damage and a copy of the delivery note. The order number is printed on the label, and the parcel arrived at 10:20 a.m.
Please reply within five working days so that I know how to proceed. I am usually available by email during the day.
Yours faithfully,
Grace Lin
- The safety concern explains why the writer stopped using the item.
- The request offers two acceptable outcomes, which speeds up a reply.
5. Change a dental appointment
You need to move a dental appointment. Write an email to the fictional Riverside Dental Clinic. In your email:
- say which appointment you need to change
- explain the conflict
- offer alternative times
Show answer
Model email
Subject: Changing my appointment on 12 November
Dear Riverside Dental Clinic,
I am writing to change my appointment on Thursday 12 November at 3 p.m. I booked it for a routine cleaning, but I have been asked to attend a work meeting at the same time and cannot move the meeting.
Could I change to another afternoon that week, preferably after 4 p.m.? I am free on Tuesday and Friday, and I could also come in early on Wednesday morning if that is easier for the clinic.
Please let me know which times are available and whether there is a charge for changing the appointment at short notice. I will confirm as soon as I hear from you.
If the clinic is fully booked that week, I would be grateful for the first available appointment in the following week. My contact number is on file if a phone call is quicker.
Kind regards,
Hassan Ali
- It names the exact appointment and the reason in one line.
- Several alternatives make it easy for the clinic to keep the booking.
6. Join a community clean-up
You want to volunteer at a riverside clean-up. Write an email to the organizer, Ms. Doyle. In your email:
- say that you want to join
- ask what you should bring
- mention that neighbours will come too
Show answer
Model email
Subject: Joining the riverside clean-up on 18 April
Dear Ms. Doyle,
I am writing to offer my help at the riverside clean-up on Saturday 18 April. I saw the notice at the community centre and would like to join the morning group.
Could you tell me where volunteers should meet and what time the session begins? I can bring my own gloves and a reusable water bottle, but I do not have a litter picker. If equipment is provided, I would be grateful to borrow one for the morning.
I have two neighbours who would also like to take part. Would it be useful if we formed a small team to cover the path near the bridge? We are all available until noon and can bring a folding table if one is needed.
Please let me know if there is anything else I should bring or any form I need to complete before the day. Thank you for organizing the event.
Best wishes,
Nadia Petrov
- It answers the practical questions an organizer would ask.
- The offer of a team and a table adds useful detail without changing the purpose.
7. Complain about a washing machine
A washing machine at a laundromat stopped mid-cycle. Write an email to the owner, Mr. Chen. In your email:
- describe what happened
- explain the effect on you
- ask for a refund and a repair
Show answer
Model email
Subject: Broken washing machine at the Maple Street laundromat
Dear Mr. Chen,
I am writing about the washing machine nearest the window at your Maple Street laundromat. On Sunday afternoon, the machine stopped halfway through the cycle and would not drain. The door stayed locked for almost an hour, and another customer's clothes were left inside.
I lost the coins I had paid and had to take my washing home wet. I would like to ask for a refund of the cycle and for a sign to be placed on the machine until it is repaired, so that other customers do not lose money as well.
Could you also let me know when a technician will visit? I use the laundromat every weekend, and I would like to know which machines are working before I carry my laundry over.
Thank you for your help. I can send a photo of the machine's display if that would be useful.
Yours sincerely,
Iris Coleman
- The description is factual and includes the day and location.
- The requests are small, specific and easy to act on.
8. Ask about vegetarian meals
You are attending a conference and need to confirm your meal. Write an email to the conference team. In your email:
- confirm your booking
- ask about the vegetarian meals
- mention a nut allergy in your group
Show answer
Model email
Subject: Vegetarian meals at the autumn conference
Dear Conference Team,
I am writing about the catering for the autumn conference on 3 October. I registered last month and chose the vegetarian option, but the confirmation email did not mention how the meals will be served.
Could you confirm that a vegetarian main course will be available at both lunch and dinner? I would also like to know whether the menu avoids nuts, as a colleague in my group has a severe allergy and will be attending with me.
If the kitchen needs names in advance, please let me know and I will send a list of the four people in our group who require special meals. We are all seated together at table 9.
Please also confirm whether the vegetarian dishes are prepared separately from the meat dishes.
Thank you for your help. I look forward to hearing from you before the programme is finalized.
Kind regards,
Leo Martins
- It asks a clear question and explains why the answer matters.
- It offers the information the kitchen will need in advance.
9. Ask a colleague to swap shifts
You need to swap a weekend shift with a coworker, Tessa. Write an email to her. In your email:
- ask for the swap and give the date
- explain why you need it
- offer to cover her shifts instead
Show answer
Model email
Subject: Swap for Saturday 21 November
Hi Tessa,
Would you be able to swap shifts with me on Saturday 21 November? I am booked for the 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. front desk shift, but my sister's graduation is that morning and I would like to attend.
I know you prefer earlier starts, so I could take your Sunday afternoon shift instead, or cover two of your evening shifts next week if that suits you better. I have checked the rota and neither day looks fully staffed, but our manager will need to approve the change.
If you are interested, could you reply by Wednesday so that I can ask for approval before the schedule is posted? I will make sure the swap is recorded properly and that the handover notes are ready.
I will also cover the closing checklist on both evenings if you need it.
Thanks for considering it, and I owe you a coffee either way.
Ben Carter
- The offer is balanced: it names what the writer will take on.
- The deadline protects both people from a late rota change.
10. Report a bag left on a bus
You left a bag on a city bus. Write an email to the lost and found team. In your email:
- describe the bag and when it was lost
- say what is inside
- ask how to collect it
Show answer
Model email
Subject: Lost bag on route 42 on Monday evening
Dear Lost and Found Team,
I am writing to report a bag left on the route 42 bus on Monday evening. I boarded at the market square at about 6:15 p.m. and got off near the hospital at 6:40. The bag is a dark green canvas rucksack with a broken left strap and a small red tag on the handle.
Inside are a notebook, a blue water bottle and a set of keys, but no valuables. I realized it was missing when I reached my front door. I have already asked the driver of the next bus, who suggested I contact your office.
Could you tell me whether the bag has been handed in and, if so, what I need to bring to collect it? I can visit the depot any weekday afternoon, and I can describe the notebook if that helps identify the bag.
Thank you for your help. I would be grateful for a reply even if the bag has not been found.
Kind regards,
Sofia Marin
- The description is detailed enough to identify the item.
- The writer gives a realistic collection window and a fallback request.
Questions
How many words is a model email?
Each model email is between 150 and 200 words, the range the published task asks for.
Should I copy a model email?
No. Use the shape: one paragraph per bullet, a clear purpose and a closing request for the reader.
How long is the real writing task?
Writing is 53 minutes for two tasks: an email and a survey response. Each response is roughly 150 to 200 words.
Sources (checked 26 October 2026)
Last reviewed 29 October 2026
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