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A Customer Complaint

B1 (Intermediate)Reading

A Customer Complaint

Read a complaint email and the hotel's reply. A B1 real-world reading text with key words and comprehension questions.

A Customer Complaint
LevelB1 (Intermediate)Words188Reading time2 min

Read this email exchange between a customer and a hotel. Then answer the questions.

From: Sarah Lim
To: Palm Resort Hotel
Subject: Problem with my recent stay

Dear Palm Resort, I stayed at your hotel last weekend (room 210). Although the staff were friendly, I was disappointed that the air conditioning in my room did not work, and it was repaired only on my second day. I would appreciate some form of compensation. Regards, Sarah Lim


From: Palm Resort Hotel
To: Sarah Lim
Subject: Re: Problem with my recent stay

Dear Ms Lim, Thank you for your message, and we sincerely apologise for the problem with the air conditioning. This is not the standard we aim for. As an apology, we would like to offer you a 30% discount on your next stay with us. We hope to welcome you back soon. Kind regards, The Palm Resort Team

Key words
  • disappointed – sad because something was not as good as you hoped
  • compensation – something given to make up for a problem or loss
  • sincerely – in an honest and genuine way
  • apologise – to say sorry
  • discount – a reduction in the normal price

Check your understanding

Answer the questions below. You will see instantly if you are right.

1.Why is Sarah writing to the hotel?
"Subject: Problem with my recent stay."
2.What was the main problem?
"the air conditioning in my room did not work."
3.What did Sarah think of the staff?
"Although the staff were friendly."
4.When was the air conditioning repaired?
"it was repaired only on my second day."
5.What did Sarah ask for?
"I would appreciate some form of compensation."
6.What did the hotel offer?
"we would like to offer you a 30% discount on your next stay."
7.What does "compensation" mean?
Compensation is something given to make up for a problem or loss.
8.How would you describe the hotel's reply?
The hotel apologises sincerely and offers a discount – a polite, apologetic reply.

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