Letter: You have some library books that you are unable to return

IELTS General Writing Task 1 with sample answer.

You should spend about 20 minutes on this task.

You have some library books that you are unable to return as a member of your family in another city has fallen sick and you have hand to go and look after them.

Write a letter to the library. In you letter, you should:

  • explaining the situation
  • apologize for the inconvenience called
  • and say what you are going to do

You should write at least 150 words.

You do NOT need to write any address.

Begin your letter as follows:

Dear _ ,


Sample Answer:

Dear Sir,

I am Mike Davies, a third year student of English literature. I am a regular borrower of the university library and my library card number is 23874. Anyway, the aim of this letter is to explain why I cannot return the books that I borrowed from your library in time.

Five days ago, I borrowed the book named The Cambridge Introduction to T.S. Eliot, which was only allowed for a week. However, I would not be able to return the book within two days because my brother in Birmingham has been admitted to hospital due to heart attack. I am but to go there so that I can take better care of him.  You know my brother is all I have.

However, I am extremely sorry that I am unable to return the book in due time.  Please accept my apology. In addition, I would like to keep the book one week more and  earnestly request you not to charge any fine considering the circumstance due to which I am unable to return the book in due time.

I hope for your kindness and consideration.

Yours Faithfully,
Mike Davies.