Home ›IELTS Writing Task 1 Topics › Workplace parking problems — letter to manager
General Training Task 1 — complaint letter: Workplace parking problems — letter to manager. This page gives the exam question and a band 9 model answer, with the tone, opening and closing lines that suit the letter. Aim for at least 150 words in about 20 minutes.
Your workplace does not have a parking area for cars, and it is causing some problems. Write a letter to your manager and
include the following:
• Describe the problems it has caused
• Suggest possible solutions to the problem
• Say what you think should be done first
| Letter type | Complaint |
| Tone | Formal |
| Opening | Dear Mr. / Ms. [Surname], |
| Closing | Yours sincerely, / Kind regards, |
Dear Ms. Richardson,
I am writing to raise a concern that has been growing among a number of staff members regarding the complete absence of parking facilities at our workplace, a situation that is causing daily disruption and, I believe, is beginning to affect staff morale and punctuality.
Because there is no designated parking area, many employees are forced to search for spaces on surrounding residential streets, which often takes fifteen to twenty minutes during peak hours. Several colleagues have received penalty notices for overstaying restricted zones, and those who drive to client meetings frequently arrive late back at the office, affecting their ability to respond to urgent enquiries.
I would suggest negotiating a lease on spaces in the car park behind the library, introducing staggered start times, and establishing a car-sharing scheme. Of these, securing a leased parking arrangement should be prioritised, as it would address the root cause most directly and could be implemented within weeks.
Yours sincerely,
Strategy
Semi-formal internal complaint-suggestion. Problems (bullet 1) should be specific: lateness, stress, parking fines, impact on
client-facing staff. Solutions (bullet 2): negotiate nearby lease, staggered hours, car-share scheme.
Common trap
Bullet 3 asks what should be done FIRST — prioritise, do not list all solutions again. Choose the fastest/most
effective one and justify why it takes precedence.
Band 9 model essays, letters and templates from the Writing library. Browse all 118 in the Learning Hub.
Daily articles on IELTS changes, visa rules and university admissions.
Cue cards, speaking questions and Writing Task 1 questions with band 9 sample answers, plus a free band score calculator.