You own an old item that you think is valuable and would like to sell.
Write a letter to the owner of an antique’s shop.
In your letter explain how you found the shop
describe the item that you would like to sell
Say how much you would like to sell the item for
📌 Note: This question appeared in the IELTS Writing on 24th May, 2025 in India.
Band 9 Sample Answer:
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Dear Sir or Madam,
I am writing to enquire about the possibility of selling a vintage item I currently own, which I believe may be of interest to your antiques shop.
I came across your store while browsing antique shops in the downtown area last weekend. Your display of rare collectables in the window caught my attention, and I was impressed by the variety and quality of items on offer. I later found your website, which encouraged customers to contact you with items they wished to sell.
The item I would like to offer is a 19th-century brass telescope that belonged to my grandfather, who served in the navy. It is in excellent condition, with all original parts intact and a leather-bound casing. Although I am not an expert, a local collector recently suggested that the piece could be of significant historical value.
I would be happy to part with the telescope for around £800, based on preliminary estimates I received. However, I am open to discussion if you are interested in arranging a proper evaluation.
Thank you for your time, and I look forward to hearing from you soon.
Yours faithfully,
Aman Verma
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✅ Band 9 Insights Based on IELTS Writing Criteria
1. Task Achievement
✔ Fully addresses all three bullet points: how the shop was found, item description, and price expectation.
✔ Purpose is clear and consistent throughout the letter.
Example: “The item I would like to offer is a 19th-century brass telescope…”
2. Coherence and Cohesion
✔ Paragraphing is logical and follows the formal letter structure: Introduction → Background → Item Description → Price → Closing.
✔ Linking expressions used effectively: while browsing, I later found, Although, based on preliminary estimates, However.
3. Lexical Resource
✔ Rich, topic-specific vocabulary: vintage item, brass telescope, leather-bound casing, significant historical value, preliminary estimates.
✔ Tone is appropriately formal and respectful.
4. Grammatical Range and Accuracy
✔ Varied sentence structures: compound, complex, conditional.
✔ No grammatical or punctuation errors.
Example: “Although I am not an expert, a local collector recently suggested that the piece could be of significant historical value.”
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