IELTS VocabMaster

Describe a time when you sent a message or an email to someone but received no reply for a long time.

Describe a time when you sent a message or an email to someone but received no reply for a long time. You should say: - who you sent it to - what the message was about - why you think you didn't get a reply - and explain how you felt about it

Part 2 model answer

A situation like this happened to me about six months ago, when I sent an email to the admissions office of a university in Australia. I was interested in their master's programme and wanted to find out more about scholarship opportunities for international students.

I spent quite a lot of time writing that email. I introduced myself, explained my academic background, mentioned that I was preparing for IELTS, and asked specific questions about the application deadline, the minimum IELTS score required, and whether they offered any scholarships for students from Bangladesh. I even asked a friend to check my grammar before I sent it, because I wanted to make a good impression.

After sending it, I checked my inbox almost every day, sometimes several times a day. One week passed, then two weeks, then a whole month, but there was no reply at all. I started wondering if I had sent it to the wrong address, or if it had ended up in their spam folder. I also thought that maybe they receive thousands of emails from international students, so mine simply got lost in the crowd.

Honestly, I felt quite disappointed and a bit frustrated, because I was really excited about that programme. At one point, I even started doubting myself and thought that maybe my email wasn't good enough. Eventually, I sent a short, polite follow-up email, and this time I also filled in the enquiry form on their website. A few days later, I finally received a reply with all the information I needed. That experience taught me to be patient, and that following up politely is often necessary.

Part 3 discussion

Why do some people take a long time to reply to messages?

Often, people are simply busy with work or family responsibilities, so they forget to reply. Some people receive so many messages that important ones get buried. Others might need time to think before giving a proper answer. And sometimes, people avoid replying because they don't want to say no or deal with a difficult topic.

Is it rude not to reply to messages?

In many cases, yes, especially if the message is important or from someone close. Not replying can make the other person feel ignored or disrespected. However, we should also understand that people have different priorities and circumstances. A short reply like "I'll get back to you later" is usually enough to show respect.

Do people prefer emails or instant messages nowadays?

For personal communication, most people prefer instant messaging apps like WhatsApp or Messenger, because they're quick and convenient. Emails are still widely used for formal purposes, such as work, university applications, or business communication. So I'd say both have their place, depending on the situation.

How has technology changed the way people communicate?

Technology has made communication faster and easier than ever. People can now send messages, make video calls, and share photos instantly with anyone in the world. However, it has also reduced face-to-face conversations, and some people feel more disconnected despite being constantly online. Also, people now expect immediate replies, which can create pressure.

Should companies reply to customer emails quickly?

Yes, definitely. Quick replies show that a company values its customers and takes their concerns seriously. Slow responses can frustrate customers and make them choose competitors instead. Many companies now use automatic replies or chatbots to respond instantly, but a real human response is still important for complex issues.