Borrowed Tent Damaged in a Storm

The task

You borrowed a tent from a friend for a camping trip. During the trip, the tent was badly damaged. Write an email to your friend in about 150-200 words. In your email, do the following:

• Describe what happened to the tent.
• Apologize and explain how you feel.
• Offer a solution to the problem.

Length

150–200 words

Time

27 minutes

Question

15 of 15

Hi Owen, Thanks again for lending me your tent for our trip to Jasper. Unfortunately, I have some bad news about it. On our second night, a huge thunderstorm came through the campground, and the wind was so strong that one of the poles snapped. When it broke, it tore a long hole in the side of the tent, and a lot of rain got in before we could move into the car. I feel awful about this, especially because I know you've had that tent since your first trip to the Rockies. I should have checked the forecast more carefully and set it up in a more sheltered spot instead of the open site near the lake. I'm really sorry for being so careless with something you trusted me with. I want to make this right. I've already called an outdoor repair shop in Calgary, and they said they could replace the pole and patch the tear for about $120, which I'll pay for, of course. If you'd prefer a brand-new tent instead, I completely understand, and I'll buy you the same model. Let me know which option you'd like. Sorry again, Priyanka

Why this answer works

• The damage is described in a clear chronological sequence (the storm, the snapped pole, the tear, the rain getting in), fully covering the first bullet.
• The apology takes real responsibility using "I should have checked" and "set it up in a more sheltered spot", showing accurate use of modal perfect forms.
• The solution is practical and generous, with a repair quote of $120 or a new tent, and the informal but sincere tone suits an email to a friend.