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Write an Email prompt

Report of accidental book damage

Every scored sample answer Reach120 publishes for this prompt, banded so you can see the range rather than one version of "good".

3 sample answersGeneral

The prompt

As it appears in practice

You accidentally spilled coffee on a library book while studying at a cafe. The book has some water damage but is still readable. You want to report the damage honestly and ask about next steps.

What the response has to do

  • Explain what happened to the book.
  • Describe the extent of the damage.
  • Ask about payment options or replacement procedures.

Sample answers, by band

3 published

Reach120 practice band estimate — not an official ETS score How we estimate

Strong response

Band 5.04.0/5 rubric
To
returns@publiclibrary.org
Subject
Report of accidental book damage
Dear Sir or Madam, I hope this email finds you well. My name is [name withheld]. I am writing to reach out about a library book. When I was studying at your cafe, I accidentally spilled coffee on a library volume. The book has sustained damage, with some pages wrinkled and slightly stained, but it is still readable. I would greatly appreciate it if you could inform me about payment options or replacement procedures. My phone number is 080-4444-5555. If you need any other detailed information, could you please call this number? Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to your response at your earliest convenience. Best regards, [name withheld]
Read the full feedback on this answer

Strong response

Band 5.04.0/5 rubric
To
returns@publiclibrary.org
Subject
Report of accidental book damage
I am writing this email regarding a situation related to a book, which I got from the campus library. While I was studying in a cafe, I accidentally spilled coffee on this book. As a consequence, the water damaged some pages, but it is still readable. Therefore, I would like to ask you for the next steps to cover this accident. For example, prices and payment options, and if I could replace that book with a new one. It was my fault, and I want to fix it. Thank you so much for your time and dedication. Best regards [name withheld]

What worked

  • Clear explanation of the situation
  • Acknowledgment of responsibility
  • Polite closing

What cost points

  • Awkward phrasing
  • Lack of specific greeting
Read the full feedback on this answer

Middle response

Band 4.53.5/5 rubric
To
returns@publiclibrary.org
Subject
Report of accidental book damage
Dear Sir/Madam I am a student in university medical department, During the break in the library while having my luch I spilled coffee on the course book. I noticed that first two pages of the book were wet, because of that, I placed it near the stairs in corridor to let it dry. As there is important content in it and I would want it for my further studies, so I would like to know if I can pay for the damages incurred by any means or do I need to provide a replacement ? I would be obliged by your response. Regards [name withheld]

What worked

  • Honesty in reporting the incident
  • Clear request for guidance
  • Polite closing

What cost points

  • Grammatical errors affecting clarity
  • Lack of detailed damage description
Read the full feedback on this answer

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