General Training - Model Answer (Task 1)

You normally go shopping in the area where you live. However, you think some of the facilities for shoppers could be improved. Write a letter to your local newspaper. In your letter:

• say in general what you like about shopping in your area
• say what is wrong with the facilities
• suggest how they could be improved

Dear Sir/Madam,

I regularly shop  at the new shopping complex that has been built in our town. I believe this was a good initiative and benefits the local residents who now have more choice, better deals, somewhere to spend their afternoon and of course new jobs are now available.

I am among those who welcomed the shopping complex as I previously had to travel quite a distance just to purchase the necessities. I am now able to combine shopping with other activities such as dining, drinking coffee and watching movies. The complex has been beautifully designed with plenty of greenery which is enough to keep any shopper happy.

Unfortunately, as a disabled person it is difficult to move around the complex. Even though the architects have provided disabled parking and ramps into the main mall, individual shops have steps leading inside and this prevents access. In effect, a person who is wheelchair bound can only enter the parking and the main entrance.

Understandable it is difficult to make any changes to the existing building but I would like to make a suggestion that would help disabled people immensely. Assistance could be available on the ground floor for those requiring it. Staff could help shoppers into the shops.

It is a pity for these facilities not to be enjoyed by all citizens and I hope this request is taken into account.

Yours faithfully,

Jasminda Singh

Question taken from Cambridge Instant IELTS p. 98