How to Write a Letter – IELTS General Writing Task 1

The first task of the IELTS General Training exam is letter writing. It is advisable to spend 20 minutes on this task since you have to write only 150 words.

IELTS General Training letter types:

• Formal
• Informal
• Semi-Formal

Identify the Purpose of the Letter.

Before you begin writing the letter, always read the question thoroughly and identify the letter’s purpose. It helps you to decide whether you need to write a formal letter, informal letter, or semi-formal letter. Your opening line of the letter should address ‘why’ you are writing the letter. 

Letter topics that can be asked in the exam are

• Advice
• Complaint 
• Information
• Accommodation
•  Apology
• Complaint 
• Recommendation 
• Enquiry 
• Request 
• Application

Opening Salutations

After identifying the letter’s purpose, you should begin your letter by addressing the person you are writing the letter to.

Formal

This type of letter is written to someone whom you do not know personally.

Dear Sir/Ma’am

Informal

This type of letter is written to someone whom you know personally.

Dear Gurpreet 

Semi-Formal

This type of letter is written to someone whom you only know formally. 

Dear Mr. Roland 

Right tone

Irrespective of the type of letter you have been asked to write. Your tone of the letter should always be polite. 

Formal letter

Is written to someone whom you don’t know personally. Your tone of the letter should always be formal. No short terms like ‘i’ll’ or ‘there’s. Rather use complete words like ‘I will’ or ‘there is. 

Semi-Formal letter

Is written to someone whom you don’t only know formally. Your tone of the letter should be a combination of formal and informal.

Informal letter

Is written to someone whom you know personally. The tone of the letter should be informal.

Formal V/s Informal letter vocabulary 

Body Paragraph

While writing the letter, include all the information  that has been asked in the question. Cover all the bullet points mentioned under the question. It makes your answer look informative and complete. 

Always make sure you address these 4 questions while writing the letter.

Who

While writing the letter, always remember “to whom” you are writing this letter. 

What

While writing your letter, focus on “what” is the purpose of the letter. 

Why

While writing the letter, also focus on “why” the issue or the situation emerged. 

How

Lastly, add “how” do you propose to solve the issue or the situation. 

Do not stuff the information in one paragraph. Rather create 2 body paragraphs to convey the information to the examiner clearly and logically. 

Closure/Closing Salutation

After completing the content, you should close your letter according to the letter format. 

Formal

Yours faithfully 

Alka Singh

Semi-formal

Yours Sincerely 

Alka Singh

Informal

Warm Regards 

Alka 

A brief explanation of the structure of the letter

Greetings 

Opening paragraph

Body paragraph 1

Body paragraph 2

Closing paragraph

sing-off

Vocabulary and Grammar

In Writing task 1, your letter should be grammatically correct and have uncommon words, in the right context. If you are not sure about the spelling of the words you want to use in your letter, prefer using common words. 

Use different linking words to convey your ideas or messages. 

Lastly, make sure you write the letter’s opening and closing salutations in the left-hand corner and give some space between the paragraphs to make it look more readable.