IELTS General Writing Task 1 – You were overcharged on your last electricity bill. Write a letter requesting clarification and correction.
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IELTS General Writing Task 1 – Formal You were overcharged on your last electricity bill. Write a letter requesting clarification and correction. | © LangorAi.com
IELTS General Writing Task 1 – Electricity Bill Overcharge

IELTS General Writing Task 1 – Electricity Bill Overcharge

You were overcharged on your last electricity bill. Write a letter requesting clarification and correction.

Model Answer (Band 8–8.5)

Dear Sir or Madam,

I am writing regarding my most recent electricity bill, which appears to be considerably higher than it should be. The amount charged is £186, whereas my usual monthly bills are approximately £85–£95.

I have checked the meter reading shown on the bill against the current reading on my electricity meter, and there seems to be a significant discrepancy. The bill states a reading of 14,860 units, while my meter currently shows only 14,312. As my household routine and electricity usage have not changed recently, I believe the charge may have been calculated incorrectly.

Could you please review my account and confirm how the amount was calculated? I would also appreciate it if you could check whether an estimated reading or another billing error has been used. If an error is confirmed, please issue a corrected bill and adjust my account accordingly.

I have attached a photograph of the current meter reading for reference. I would be grateful if this matter could be resolved before the payment deadline.

Thank you for your assistance. I look forward to your response.

Yours faithfully,
Edward Collins

Analytical Review – Strengths, Weaknesses & Improvements

1. Strengths
  • Consistently formal and professional tone suitable for addressing an electricity provider.
  • The problem is introduced immediately and supported with specific figures.
  • The writer provides clear evidence by comparing the billed meter reading with the actual reading.
  • Strong formal collocations such as “significant discrepancy,” “calculated incorrectly,” “issue a corrected bill,” and “adjust my account accordingly.”
  • The requested action is precise: investigate the bill, explain the calculation, and correct any error.
2. Weaknesses
  • The letter assumes that the meter-reading discrepancy is responsible for the overcharge, although another billing factor could theoretically be involved.
  • Too many additional technical details would make the letter unnecessarily complicated, so the explanation must remain focused.
3. Recommended Improvements
  • Include specific figures whenever possible because they make a complaint more convincing and precise.
  • Provide supporting evidence, such as a photograph of the meter reading, rather than merely claiming that the bill is incorrect.
  • Request both clarification and a specific remedy instead of making a general complaint.
4. Stronger Synonyms & Useful Collocations
  • difference → significant discrepancy
  • check my bill → review my account
  • wrong calculation → billing error
  • fix the bill → issue a corrected bill
  • change the balance → adjust the account accordingly
  • proof → supporting evidence
5. How to Reach a Higher Band
  • Support the complaint with precise numerical information rather than vague statements.
  • Use polite indirect requests such as “Could you please…” and “I would be grateful if…”.
  • Use conditional structures naturally, for example: “If an error is confirmed, please issue a corrected bill.”
  • Maintain a clear progression: identify the problem → provide evidence → request clarification → request correction.
  • Avoid emotional or aggressive language; a formal complaint should remain factual, controlled, and solution-focused.