You should spend about 20 minutes on this task.
You borrowed some books from your school or college library. Unfortunately, you have to go away to visit a sick relative and cannot return the books in time. Write a letter to the library. Explain what has happened and tell them what you want to do about it.
You should write at least 150 words.
You do NOT need to write your own address.
Begin your letter as follows:
Dear ……………….,
Sample Answer 1:
Dear Mr Alfred,
I am a 3rd year nursing major student and a regular borrower of books from our college library. I have borrowed two reference books from the library a week ago but I am afraid I cannot return them in time. I am writing to request an extension to the return date to avoid any penalty or fine.
I have borrowed two books titled ‘Psychiatric Nursing 5th Edition’ by Sheila Videbeck and ‘Psychology for Nurses’ by Harold Mcgarry on 15th September from the college library. My library card number is 442805 and these two books were issued to this card. My due date to return these books is tomorrow. However, it is very unfortunate that my grandmother has been admitted to a hospital in my hometown due to her heart failure and I will travel to Manila, the capital of the Philippines to visit her. I guess at the time you are reading this letter, I am on my way to Manila. I will probably stay there a couple of days and thus be unable to return the books before the deadline.
Considering my situation, I am hoping you would permit me to keep the books for four more days. Kindly, extend the return date to 27th September so that I can avoid any fine or penalty for a late submission.
I am expecting your kind consideration regarding this matter.
Yours sincerely,
Lyn Olivar
[ Written by – Rona Lyn Olivar]
Sample Answer 2:
Dear Ms Susan,
I am writing this letter to request an extension to the deadline for returning two books which I borrowed from the college library on 18th April. I am hoping you would allow an extension and save me from paying a late fee.
After borrowing the books out on 18th April, I utilised them to write an assignment which I have almost completed. Unfortunately, I got an urgent phone call from my sister regarding my maternal uncle’s illness. He has been hospitalised last night and I will catch a flight to Italy in a few hours to see him.
I think I will have to stay there for at least three to four days. I will, however, get back at the beginning of next week and would be able to return the books promptly.
Under the circumstances, I trust you would kindly waive any fines that might accumulate from the extension of the deadline to return the books.
Yours sincerely,
Mary Miere
Sample Answer 3:
Dear Miss Penny,
On 15th February I borrowed three books from the school library and I am due to return the books on 22nd February. Unfortunately, I am travelling to New Jersey tomorrow morning to see my uncle who has been taken to a local hospital. Thus I would be unable to return the borrowed books in due time. I am hoping you would consider the late return of the book and do not impose any overdue fine on me.
I borrowed these books using my library card – PA452147 on 22nd February and I am supposed to return those by 27th February. But, I regret to inform you that I would not be able to return them in time. My uncle, who is very close to me, fall ill last evening and was admitted to a hospital. I will travel to visit him earlier tomorrow. Regrettably, the library will remain closed tomorrow and my deadline to return the books is the day after tomorrow.
Considering the current situation, I cannot return the borrowed book before 5th March as I might stay in New Jersey for a couple of days. Therefore, I request you to extend the date of return by another week. I am hoping you would not impose any late fine on me. However, if this is not possible, I am willing to pay any fine for the late submission of borrowed books.
I am hoping to hear from you soon.
Yours sincerely,
Ramanuj Arjun
[ Written by – Ramanuj]
IELTS GT Writing Task 1 / Letter Writing Topic:
You borrowed some books from your school or college library. Unfortunately, you have to go away to visit a sick relative and cannot return the books in time.
Write a letter to the library. Explain what has happened and tell them what you want to do about it.
Write at least 150 words.
Sample Answer 4:
Dear Mr Smith,
I have been issued three books from the college library on 20th February 2019 and I am supposed to return them exactly seven days later. However, I will rush to my hometown tomorrow morning to see my grandfather who has been hospitalised last night and would not be able to return the books in time. I am writing to request an extension to avoid late fees.
I borrowed the books using my library card 5481023 and if you see my history, I have always returned the borrowed books in time. Unfortunately, this time I am going to make an exception as tomorrow is a public holiday and I cannot return the book before I fly to my hometown to visit my grandfather in the hospital. My mother in dealing with the hospital formalities and taking care of my grandfather. I am expected to fly there tomorrow.
Due to this emergency, I am unable to return the book before flying to Melbourne. I will be back to Gold Coast on the evening of 3rd March 2019, and I will return the book first thing the next day.
I sincerely request you not to impose a penalty or late fee on me considering the grave situation and my previous borrowing records.
Thank you in advance.
Yours sincerely,
Mathew Jacob
[ Written by – Mathew Jacob ]
Sample Answer 5:
Dear Ms Natasha,
I am writing this letter to explain why I will be unable to return the three books that I borrowed from the school library on a week-loan.
After taking the books out on 9th May, I planned to return them before 16th May. Earlier today, I had an urgent call from my cousin that my aunt had had fall and had been taken to a hospital for emergency medical care. I am very close to her and had spent several years at her house, so, I feel I will have to go and see her, which I will do tonight. I plan to stay there for about a week and look after her.
However, I am due to return the books by the day after tomorrow, which I cannot do. Considering the situation, I trust you will kindly waive any fines that may incur from the delay.
Yours faithfully,
Tom Behan