Letter

Band 7+: You recently failed to submit a crucial project report on time, and your manager has asked for an explanation. Write a letter to your manager explaining the delay. You should include details about: why you were unable to complete the report on time; what steps you took to try to meet the deadline; how you will ensure timely submission in the future.

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Dear Sam,

I am writing this letter to apologize and explain about the recent missed deadline for an important financial project. I had started working on the project as soon as we got the instructions from the team and was updating the progess in the progress report. However, two days before submission date, I got a viral infection and was admitted to a hospital for almost a week. I brought my laptop to the hospital to complete the remaining work but the doctors suggested me complete bed rest. So, due to unforeseen circumstances, the project was left unfinished. I assure you this will never happen in the future. I would finish things a week before so that if there is delay due to any other reason, the project will already be finished. As you already know that I had submitted my work on time in the past and I am hoping you will forgive me this time.

Yours sincerely,

Dave.

Word Count: 160

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Overall Band Score

7.5

(+/- 0.5)

Vocabulary Complexity:
B2 - Upper Intermediate
Opt for even more advanced words when appropriate.

Grammar Mistakes: N/A

Vocabulary Repetition:

project: 4

Try using synonyms for the above words

Task Response

The letter adequately addresses all three required points: the reason for the delay (illness and hospitalization), the steps taken to meet the deadline (bringing a laptop to the hospital), and the plan for future timely submission (completing work a week early). The tone is appropriately apologetic and professional. However, there are a few minor lapses: the explanation for not completing the report despite having a laptop is somewhat brief, and the assurance could be more specific. Additionally, there are a few spelling errors (e.g., 'progess' instead of 'progress') and minor grammatical issues (e.g., 'I would finish' instead of 'I will finish'). To improve, consider elaborating on the steps taken and proofreading for accuracy.

Coherence & Cohesion

The letter is well-organized and easy to follow. The progression from apology to explanation, then to future prevention, is logical. Paragraphing is clear, though a single paragraph could be split for even better readability. Cohesive devices are used effectively (e.g., 'However', 'So', 'As you already know'). To enhance coherence, consider adding a brief closing sentence that reiterates your apology and commitment.

Lexical Resource

A good range of vocabulary is used appropriately (e.g., 'unforeseen circumstances', 'admitted to a hospital', 'complete bed rest'). There are minor errors like 'progess' (progress) and slightly awkward phrasing ('suggested me complete bed rest' should be 'suggested that I complete bed rest' or 'advised complete bed rest'). Overall, the language is natural and effective. To reach a higher level, aim for more sophisticated and precise word choices, such as 'due to a sudden illness' instead of 'got a viral infection'.

Grammatical Range & Accuracy

The letter uses a mix of simple and complex sentences, but there are some grammatical errors. For example, 'I would finish things a week before' should be 'I will finish things a week before' to maintain future tense consistency. 'I am hoping you will forgive me' is slightly informal; 'I hope you can forgive me' is more appropriate. Punctuation is generally correct. To improve, focus on tense consistency and using more varied complex structures accurately.

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Task Response

Coherence & Cohesion

Lexical Resource

Grammatical Range & Accuracy

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