A Letter of Complaint
S.2 English
A letter of complaint
Formal letter Upset about something and want to complain about it
Layout
sender’s address
8B, Block 15, Golden Court 5 Man Wa Road Shau Kei Wan Hong Kong
recipient’s title The Manager Brightwell Management Company 28 Long Street, Chai Wan recipient’s address Hong Kong greeting Dear Sir, Re: Complaint about Golden Court Shopping Centre I am writing to complain about …
Yours faithfully, Raymond Poon Raymond Poon
date
8th July 2005
subject
closing signature sender’s name
What do you need to write?
Beginning
– reason for writing – e.g. I am writing to complain about …(NP).
Body
– details of the complaint(s) [Pay attention to tenses]
Ending
– ask for action
Language and Style
Be polite
– the recipient will take the complaint more seriously – avoid using rude words or being too abrupt
Are these sentences polite?
– I am writing to complain about that pig pen that you call a shopping centre. Impolite (pig pen) – I was extremely disappointed with the food and service at the OK restaurant. – I demand a full apology. Impolite / too abrupt – Give me my money back now. Impolite / too abrupt
Language and Style
Make use of what you have learnt in Unit 10.
– Conditional sentences – Talking about duty with should, ought to, have to, must – Express listening p.38 [Identifying examples]
You may also make use of other grammar items you have learnt this year.
Useful expressions
Opening lines
– I am writing to complain about …. – I wish to lodge a complaint about …. – This is a letter of complaint concerning …
+ NP
complaint vs. complain noun vs. verb
Useful expressions
Suggesting actions
– – – – Please see to this matter immediately. May I suggest that you …. I believe that …. Is it possible that …?
Useful suggestions
Closing lines
– I hope you will …. – We would welcome …. – I look forward to a prompt reply.
A sample letter
Dear Sir/Madam
Re: Complaint about Idling Engines in DB
I am writing to complain about drivers who leave their bus engines idling whilst waiting for passengers. I am very concerned about this inconsiderate practice as it is contributing to the air pollution problem in Hong Kong. As most of the buses in DB use diesel fuel, this means that a lot of harmful exhaust fumes
are released into the air. The drivers leave the engines idling when they arrive at the terminus so that they can keep the air conditioning running in the bus. However, I think this practice is wasteful and unnecessary, especially in the cooler months. Furthermore, because of this overuse of air conditioning, I find that the buses in DB are often too cold and therefore uncomfortable. I hope that your company will take some action to address this problem and stop polluting our environment.
Now it is your turn!!
Think of an environmental issue which concerns you. Decide what action you would like taken. Write a letter of complaint in which you outline the problem and ask for action to be taken. Word limit: 200-230 (OBSERVE THE LIMIT!!!) Type your letter and print it out. Refer to page 103 in the textbook for details. http://www.info.gov.hk/epd for the address of relevant government department.