Today’s the day! You’ve come across Writing Task 1. In this IELTS
General Training Writing Task 1, you need to write a letter responding to a
given situation, explaining the situation or requesting information. In this
task, you should spend 20 minutes to write a 150-word letter. The letter can be
personal, semi-formal, or formal based on the situation. Here are some useful tips
for writing letters in IELTS General Training for you to get better knowledge
on the letter format as well as on how to structure your letter.
Opening:
Dear Sir/Madam
Apply
these tips to ensure the band score 8/9 in your GT IELTS Letter writing.
Ideally, each paragraph should NOT be less than 40 words and more than 80 words.
Use a topic sentence or expression that clearly states what this paragraph is going to describe. For instance, the expression, "In relation to the problems with the room ......": in a letter distinctly denotes that you are going to tell about the problems you are having in the room you live in. Similarly, the expression "As a solution and since I really like the location of the flat" refers that you are going to propose a solution in this paragraph.
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In IELTS Academic Writing Task 1, you are required to describe, summarize, or explain visual information. There are several types of tasks that can appear in this section. Below are the main types you might encounter:
1. Bar Chart:
- Description: A bar chart is used to compare different categories or groups based on numerical data. You need to describe the key trends, differences, and comparisons.
- Approach: Look for the highest and lowest values, trends over time, and significant changes.
2. Line Graph:
- Description: A line graph presents data points connected by lines, often showing changes over time.
- Approach: Describe overall trends (increases, decreases, fluctuations), highlight peaks or low points, and compare multiple lines if present.
3. Pie Chart:
- Description: A pie chart represents data as a circle divided into sectors, showing proportions or percentages.
- Approach: Focus on the largest and smallest sections, and compare the sizes of different slices to highlight major trends or differences.
4. Table:
- Description: A table presents data in rows and columns. The task is to summarize the information, identifying key patterns and comparisons.
- Approach: Identify overall trends, highest and lowest figures, and significant changes over time (if present).
5. Diagram/Process:
- Description: A diagram may depict a process or a sequence of stages, often related to natural cycles (e.g., the water cycle) or mechanical processes (e.g., how a product is manufactured).
- Approach: Describe the steps in sequence, using appropriate language to explain cause and effect, and how each step relates to the next.
6. Map:
- Description: A map task may require you to compare two maps, usually showing changes over time (e.g., development of a town) or describe a single map in detail.
- Approach: Discuss the major changes or features of the maps, focusing on new developments, demolitions, and transformations. Use spatial language (e.g., "to the north of," "in the center," etc.).
7. Mixed Charts (Combination):
- Description: Sometimes, you will be given more than one chart or graph, such as a bar chart combined with a line graph. The task requires summarizing information from both visuals.
- Approach: Compare the data in both graphs, linking the information together where possible. Discuss trends across the different charts, and avoid treating them as entirely separate.
8. Flowchart:
- Description: A flowchart represents a series of steps or actions in a process, often using arrows to show direction and relationships.
- Approach: Focus on the sequence of actions, and use clear linking words like "first," "next," "then," and "finally" to explain the process logically.
9. Scatter Plot:
- Description: Though less common, scatter plots can also appear. They display points that represent data and often show relationships between two variables.
- Approach: Highlight correlations (positive or negative), clusters, or outliers, and discuss any patterns or trends.
General Tips for IELTS Academic Task 1:
- Identify key features: Before you write, spend time identifying the most important trends or comparisons. Focus on these in your answer.
- Use a variety of sentence structures: Use complex sentences, comparisons, and different verb forms to describe trends.
- Paraphrase the task: Don’t copy the task description verbatim. Use synonyms and rephrase key parts of the question in your introduction.
- Group information logically: Don’t list all data in order. Group similar information together to ensure a clear, logical flow in your response.
- Use appropriate vocabulary: Familiarize yourself with words and phrases that describe trends, such as "increase," "decrease," "fluctuate," "peak," "stable," etc.
By understanding these types and practicing with real examples, you can improve your skills in interpreting and writing about the visuals presented in IELTS Academic Task 1
To achieve a Band 8+ in IELTS Writing Task 1 and Task 2, you need to write clearly, coherently, and accurately, while showcasing a wide range of vocabulary and grammatical structures. Below are templates, tips, and tricks for both tasks that will help you boost your score:
IELTS Writing Task 1 Tips & Tricks (Academic)
Understand the task: Focus on reporting key features and trends. Avoid opinions, conclusions, or overly detailed descriptions of every single figure.
Structure your response:
- Introduction: Paraphrase the task statement.
- Overview: Highlight the key trends or general features of the data (2-3 sentences).
- Body Paragraphs: Divide the data into logical groups (e.g., compare years, categories, or regions). Make comparisons where relevant.
Use Data Language: Describe trends with accuracy. Words like "rise," "fall," "fluctuate," and "remain stable" are crucial.
Grammar Range: Use both active and passive voice where appropriate. Also, vary sentence structures: simple, compound, and complex.
Vocabulary for Task 1:
- Increase: rise, grow, climb, surge, peak
- Decrease: fall, drop, decline, reduce, plunge
- No Change: remain constant, stabilize, plateau
- Comparing: higher than, lower than, the same as, similar to, in comparison with
- Proportions: percentage, proportion, majority, minority
Practice Timely: Complete Task 1 in 20 minutes to leave enough time for Task 2.
Task 1 Template (Academic)
Introduction:
- The bar chart/line graph/table/diagram illustrates/shows/depicts the changes in … over the period of ….
- The table compares the … in terms of … between … and ….
Overview:
- Overall, it is clear that the most noticeable trend is ….
- In general, … experienced significant changes, while … remained stable throughout the period.
Body Paragraphs:
- In 1990, the percentage of … was higher than …, with … reaching …%.
- By contrast, in 2005, … had increased by …% while … had decreased to …%.
- Similarly, … experienced an upward trend, peaking at …%, whereas … showed a gradual decline.
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Formal
letters-
Main body I am writing this letter with regard to…
I am writing to express my…
I am writing to inform you…
Conclusion paragraph: If you have further questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Closing: Yours faithfully + your full name
I am writing to express my…
I am writing to inform you…
Conclusion paragraph: If you have further questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Closing: Yours faithfully + your full name
Semi-formal
letters- writing
to someone you don’t know well, such as your professor
Opening:
Dear Mr./Miss/Mrs.+ the last name of the recipient
Closing:
Yours sincerely + your full name
Personal
letters - : writing to someone you know very well, such as a
friend.[Personal letters usually include a greeting first and then state the purpose]
Opening:
Dear + the first name of the recipient
Main body How are you doing?
I hope you are doing well.
How have you been?
Conclusion paragraph:I can’t wait to hear from you.
Looking forward to seeing you soon.
Closing: Best regards + your first name
I hope you are doing well.
How have you been?
Conclusion paragraph:I can’t wait to hear from you.
Looking forward to seeing you soon.
Closing: Best regards + your first name
Apply
these tips to ensure the band score 8/9 in your GT IELTS Letter writing.
Tips 1: Identify the type of letter you need to write. An IELTS
letter can be either a formal, semi-formal or Informal.
You write a formal letter to a person or company you DO NOT know and in a formal situation like complaining about a product or applying for a job. In such a situation you do not have someone's name to address to. You write Dear Sir or Madam, to address the person you are writing to.
Situations when you write a formal letter:
1. Apply for a job/ Resign from a job.
2. Complaint about a product/ service.
3. Request some sort of information.
4. Book an event.
5. Make a suggestion or recommendation.
6. Apply for a course.
You write a semi-formal letter to a person you know about and have met before. However, this person is not close to you and you address him/her with her second name. The tone and expressions should be formal and you usually write such letters to a neighbour, your landlord/landlady or to a colleague or professor in the university.
In such a situation, you have someone's name to address to. You write 'Dear Mr/ Mrs/ Ms/ Miss ............,' [the dots would be replaced by the second name of the person] to address the person you are writing to.
Situations when you write a semi-formal letter:
1. A letter to a neighbour.
2. A letter to your landlord/landlady.
3. A letter to a colleague in the office.
4. A letter to the professor in your college/university.
You write an informal letter to a friend. You might want to invite your friend to visit you, thank him for something, congratulate her, apologize to him, suggest her something and for all such situations, you write an informal letter. In short, any letter to a friend is an informal letter and you can use some phrasal verbs, idioms, non-offensive slangs, and informal tones to finish your letter.
In such a situation, you use your friend's first name to address him/her. You write 'Dear ............,' [dots would be replaced by your friend's first name] to start your letter.
Time saver: Apart from identifying the purpose of the letter and then determining what type of letter it is (i.g. formal/ semi-formal or informal) you can look at the question and observe the line:
You write a formal letter to a person or company you DO NOT know and in a formal situation like complaining about a product or applying for a job. In such a situation you do not have someone's name to address to. You write Dear Sir or Madam, to address the person you are writing to.
Situations when you write a formal letter:
1. Apply for a job/ Resign from a job.
2. Complaint about a product/ service.
3. Request some sort of information.
4. Book an event.
5. Make a suggestion or recommendation.
6. Apply for a course.
You write a semi-formal letter to a person you know about and have met before. However, this person is not close to you and you address him/her with her second name. The tone and expressions should be formal and you usually write such letters to a neighbour, your landlord/landlady or to a colleague or professor in the university.
In such a situation, you have someone's name to address to. You write 'Dear Mr/ Mrs/ Ms/ Miss ............,' [the dots would be replaced by the second name of the person] to address the person you are writing to.
Situations when you write a semi-formal letter:
1. A letter to a neighbour.
2. A letter to your landlord/landlady.
3. A letter to a colleague in the office.
4. A letter to the professor in your college/university.
You write an informal letter to a friend. You might want to invite your friend to visit you, thank him for something, congratulate her, apologize to him, suggest her something and for all such situations, you write an informal letter. In short, any letter to a friend is an informal letter and you can use some phrasal verbs, idioms, non-offensive slangs, and informal tones to finish your letter.
In such a situation, you use your friend's first name to address him/her. You write 'Dear ............,' [dots would be replaced by your friend's first name] to start your letter.
Time saver: Apart from identifying the purpose of the letter and then determining what type of letter it is (i.g. formal/ semi-formal or informal) you can look at the question and observe the line:
Begin your letter as follows:
Dear Sir or Madam,
Dear Sir or Madam,
If it includes "Dear Sir or Madam", then
it is a formal letter. If it is "Dear ............," and you need to write to
a friend, it is an informal letter. Otherwise, it would be a semi-formal
letter.
Tips 2: NEVER write any addresses as the IELTS Letter Writing Instruction forbids you to do so.
Tips 3: You can use your own name or an imaginary name. However, write your first name when it's an informal letter and your full name when it's a formal or semi-formal letter.
Tips 4: You do not need to write the date or recipient's address in your letter.
Tips 5: Write at least 150 words. If your letter contains fewer than 150 words, you will lose marks.
Tips 6: Open and close your letter accurately. The opening of the letter is the salutation (Dear Sir or Madam, Dear John, Dear Mr Smith etc) and the closing of the letter is the signature (Yours faithfully, Yours sincerely, Warm wishes etc). Look at the following guidelines to carefully begin and close your letter:
Letter Type Begining Ending
Formal Dear Sir or Madam, Yours faithfully,
Semi-formal Dear Mr ... (the person's second name) Yours sincerely,
Informal Dear ... (your friend's first name) Warm wishes,
DO NOT miss out the comma (,) after the Dear ........, and after the closing statement (i.e. Yours sincerely, ).
Tips 7: Starting the letter perfectly is vital in getting a high band score. This is where you attract your reader/examiner and make or break your score. The starting paragraph should clearly state why you are writing the letter.
If you are writing a formal/ semi-formal letter, shoot right away and clearly state the reason for your letter (i.e. why you are writing). Some of the following expressions might help you do so.
Beginning a formal/semi-formal letter:
I am writing to inquire/enquire about .............
I am writing to inform you that .............
I am writing in connection with .............
I am writing regarding the .............
I am writing in regards to the .............
I am writing to draw your attention to .............
When we write to a person we do not know, we do not want to waste their time by writing unnecessary information and exchanging personal greetings. Instead, we want to get to the point directly.
If it's an informal letter, you should first use some ice-breaking expressions (at least one expression or sentence) like we do in our real life. For instance, even if we want to borrow some money from a friend and that's the sole purpose of meeting a friend, we would start with 'Hi/ Hello, how are you? How are your family?' and then discuss the possibility of lending some money.
When writing an informal letter, some of the following expressions might help you begin your letter:
Beginning an informal letter:
I hope all is well.
I hope you are well/fine.
How are you? I hope you are healthy and happy.
It was nice to hear from you.
It’s been ages since I’ve heard from you.
It is a pleasure to be in touch with you again.
I hope you and your family are all well.
It was a delight to see you in .............
I hope you enjoyed your trip to .............
How have you been? It's been a long since we last met each other.
Tips 8: Use formal/standard expressions in a formal letter. You can use some informal expressions in an informal letter (intended to a friend) but you should never use an informal expression in a formal letter.
Following are some standard expressions as well as their informal versions that you should use in your letter based on the type of letter you are writing:
Informal: I'm writing to let you know that ...
Formal: I am writing to draw your attention to ...
Informal: I'm sorry for any trouble ...
Formal: I apologise for any inconvenience caused ...
Informal: I'm very sorry for ...
Formal: My sincere apology for ...
Formal: I'm very sorry ...
Informal: Please accept our sincere apologies ...
Informal: You don’t mind …ing (…) (for me), do you?
Formal: I would appreciate if you could ...
Informal: Could you please ...
Formal: I would be grateful if you please ...
Informal: Would it be possible for you to ...?
Formal: I would be most grateful if you would ...
Informal: I’m rather annoyed with ...
Formal: I am writing to express my dissatisfaction with ...
Informal: I am not happy with ...
Formal: I find it most unsatisfactory that ...
Informal: Just give me a call if you have any questions ...
Formal: If you require any further information, please don’t hesitate to contact me... or, Please feel free to contact me if you have further questions ...
Tips 9: Use formal words in a semi-formal/formal letter while informal versions are accepted in an informal letter.
Informal: Formal:
Buy Purchase
Answer Respond
At first Initially
Enough Sufficient
A lot of Many/ Much/ Numerous
Need Require
Right away Immediately
Try Attempt
Ask for Request
Also Moreover
That's why Therefore
Better Superior
Old Elderly
Cheap Inexpensive
Costly Expensive
Next Subsequently
Tell Inform
Leave Depart
Wrong Incorrect
Fix Repair
Live Reside
Home Residence
Start Commence/ Begin
Whole Entire
Get Acquire / Obtain
Watch Observe
Tips 10: Make sure your handwriting is clear, legible and NOT hard to follow. Yes, your handwriting still matters in this era of technology - especially if you are going to take IELTS. You need to write your letter with a pen or pencil in a paper. If the reader/examiner has a hard time reading your sentences, you can't expect a higher band score.
Tips 2: NEVER write any addresses as the IELTS Letter Writing Instruction forbids you to do so.
Tips 3: You can use your own name or an imaginary name. However, write your first name when it's an informal letter and your full name when it's a formal or semi-formal letter.
Tips 4: You do not need to write the date or recipient's address in your letter.
Tips 5: Write at least 150 words. If your letter contains fewer than 150 words, you will lose marks.
Tips 6: Open and close your letter accurately. The opening of the letter is the salutation (Dear Sir or Madam, Dear John, Dear Mr Smith etc) and the closing of the letter is the signature (Yours faithfully, Yours sincerely, Warm wishes etc). Look at the following guidelines to carefully begin and close your letter:
Letter Type Begining Ending
Formal Dear Sir or Madam, Yours faithfully,
Semi-formal Dear Mr ... (the person's second name) Yours sincerely,
Informal Dear ... (your friend's first name) Warm wishes,
DO NOT miss out the comma (,) after the Dear ........, and after the closing statement (i.e. Yours sincerely, ).
Tips 7: Starting the letter perfectly is vital in getting a high band score. This is where you attract your reader/examiner and make or break your score. The starting paragraph should clearly state why you are writing the letter.
If you are writing a formal/ semi-formal letter, shoot right away and clearly state the reason for your letter (i.e. why you are writing). Some of the following expressions might help you do so.
Beginning a formal/semi-formal letter:
I am writing to inquire/enquire about .............
I am writing to inform you that .............
I am writing in connection with .............
I am writing regarding the .............
I am writing in regards to the .............
I am writing to draw your attention to .............
When we write to a person we do not know, we do not want to waste their time by writing unnecessary information and exchanging personal greetings. Instead, we want to get to the point directly.
If it's an informal letter, you should first use some ice-breaking expressions (at least one expression or sentence) like we do in our real life. For instance, even if we want to borrow some money from a friend and that's the sole purpose of meeting a friend, we would start with 'Hi/ Hello, how are you? How are your family?' and then discuss the possibility of lending some money.
When writing an informal letter, some of the following expressions might help you begin your letter:
Beginning an informal letter:
I hope all is well.
I hope you are well/fine.
How are you? I hope you are healthy and happy.
It was nice to hear from you.
It’s been ages since I’ve heard from you.
It is a pleasure to be in touch with you again.
I hope you and your family are all well.
It was a delight to see you in .............
I hope you enjoyed your trip to .............
How have you been? It's been a long since we last met each other.
Tips 8: Use formal/standard expressions in a formal letter. You can use some informal expressions in an informal letter (intended to a friend) but you should never use an informal expression in a formal letter.
Following are some standard expressions as well as their informal versions that you should use in your letter based on the type of letter you are writing:
Informal: I'm writing to let you know that ...
Formal: I am writing to draw your attention to ...
Informal: I'm sorry for any trouble ...
Formal: I apologise for any inconvenience caused ...
Informal: I'm very sorry for ...
Formal: My sincere apology for ...
Formal: I'm very sorry ...
Informal: Please accept our sincere apologies ...
Informal: You don’t mind …ing (…) (for me), do you?
Formal: I would appreciate if you could ...
Informal: Could you please ...
Formal: I would be grateful if you please ...
Informal: Would it be possible for you to ...?
Formal: I would be most grateful if you would ...
Informal: I’m rather annoyed with ...
Formal: I am writing to express my dissatisfaction with ...
Informal: I am not happy with ...
Formal: I find it most unsatisfactory that ...
Informal: Just give me a call if you have any questions ...
Formal: If you require any further information, please don’t hesitate to contact me... or, Please feel free to contact me if you have further questions ...
Tips 9: Use formal words in a semi-formal/formal letter while informal versions are accepted in an informal letter.
Informal: Formal:
Buy Purchase
Answer Respond
At first Initially
Enough Sufficient
A lot of Many/ Much/ Numerous
Need Require
Right away Immediately
Try Attempt
Ask for Request
Also Moreover
That's why Therefore
Better Superior
Old Elderly
Cheap Inexpensive
Costly Expensive
Next Subsequently
Tell Inform
Leave Depart
Wrong Incorrect
Fix Repair
Live Reside
Home Residence
Start Commence/ Begin
Whole Entire
Get Acquire / Obtain
Watch Observe
Tips 10: Make sure your handwriting is clear, legible and NOT hard to follow. Yes, your handwriting still matters in this era of technology - especially if you are going to take IELTS. You need to write your letter with a pen or pencil in a paper. If the reader/examiner has a hard time reading your sentences, you can't expect a higher band score.
Tips 11: Use correct spelling. If you want to get band score 9 in
writing, you can't afford to make any spelling mistakes. Contrary to common
belief, a single spelling mistake can hurt your band score heavily. One
effective way to improve your spelling is writing without the help of any spell
checker and then correcting the mistakes.
Tips 12: Use punctuations correctly. Yes, an incorrectly used
punctuation mark is as bad as spelling mistakes and sometimes worse!
Tips 13: Use the correct grammar. Not to mention, any grammatical
mistake will hinder you from getting a band score of 8 or 9. You should use a
variety of sentence structures (simple, compound, and complex sentences) to
express your mastery in grammar and writing style. You can get a band score of
5 to 6 by not writing a variety of sentence structures but not more than 7.
Tips 14: Use correct paragraphing and do not write the entire letter in a
single paragraph. Your letter usually should have the following paragraphs:
Salutation &
Introduction (First Paragraph: clearly state why you are writing the letter).
2nd Paragraph (details of the problem/ giving more information/ Asking for something in details etc based on the letter requirement).
3rd Paragraph (details of the solution/ actions/ giving extra details).
Closing sentence + Signature (i.e. Yours faithfully and so on)
+ Your name.
Salutation &
Introduction (First Paragraph: clearly state why you are writing the letter).
2nd Paragraph (details of the problem/ giving more information/ Asking for something in details etc based on the letter requirement).
3rd Paragraph (details of the solution/ actions/ giving extra details).
Closing sentence + Signature (i.e. Yours faithfully and so on)
+ Your name.
Maintain at least a line break or two between these paragraphs.
Alternatively, you can right indent these paragraphs. Some teachers prefer both
the line break and the right indent style. This also improves the readability
of your letter.
Tips 15: Respond to all the three bulleted points in full. IELTS
letters generally come with three bullet points that instruct what you
should include in your letter. Being able to respond to all these three
bulleted points would ensure a higher band score. For example, you might be
asked to write a letter to the municipal authority to complain about the
damaged road in front of your house. Then the second instruction would be -
"In your letter:
·
introduce yourself
·
explain the condition of the road
·
and suggest what they should do"
You should cover all the three expected bullet points to efficiently
write your letter. Some suggest using separate paragraphs for
each of these bulleted points. However, you can mix two (NEVER more than two)
to write a paragraph.Ideally, each paragraph should NOT be less than 40 words and more than 80 words.
Use a topic sentence or expression that clearly states what this paragraph is going to describe. For instance, the expression, "In relation to the problems with the room ......": in a letter distinctly denotes that you are going to tell about the problems you are having in the room you live in. Similarly, the expression "As a solution and since I really like the location of the flat" refers that you are going to propose a solution in this paragraph.
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Band 9 Sample Formal Letter
On a recent holiday you lost a valuable item.
Fortunately, you have travel insurance to cover the cost of anything lost.
Write a letter to the manager of your insurance
company. In your letter
- describe the item you lost
- explain how you lost it
- tell the insurance company what you would
like them to do
Dear Sir/Madam
I am writing to inform you that I recently lost my
digital camera while on holiday in Vietnam.
The camera is a black Canon 70d and cost $1550
when I bought it new last month. It has a resolution of 20 megapixels, a Canon
67 millimeter lens and was in a brown leather case with my name on it.
I lost it when I was having coffee with my husband in
the backpacker area of Ho Chi Minh City. I believe the coffee shop was called
Highlands Coffee and it was on Pham Ngu Lao Street. We had been at the
coffee shop for around 45 minutes when I noticed it was missing.
I am entitled to make a claim for the value of the
above mentioned item and request that you send me details on what I need to do
in order to proceed.
I look forward to hearing from you at your earliest
convenience.
Yours faithfully
John Smith
(162 words)
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Evaluation Criteria
IELTS Writing tests are evaluated across 4 dimensions:
1.
Task Achievement – To what extent does the examinee address all parts of
the task with a fully developed position, inclusive of fully extended and well
supported ideas?
2.
Coherence and Cohesion – Does the examinee logically organise the information and
ideas? Is the entire essay cohesive?
3.
Lexical Resource – To what extent does the examinee use a wide range of
vocabulary with accuracy? Do they demonstrate sophistication regarding the use
of lexical items?
4.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy – Does the examinee use a range of grammatical structures
accurately?
The British Council (the administrator of the IELTS) outlines 9 different bands of performance for each of the above dimensions here. Your scores in each of these dimensions are averaged to determine your overall band for your essay.
The British Council (the administrator of the IELTS) outlines 9 different bands of performance for each of the above dimensions here. Your scores in each of these dimensions are averaged to determine your overall band for your essay.
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TIPS FOR IELTS GENERAL TASK 1
1. Identify the type of letter you are being asked to write.
- Formal
- Semi-formal
- Informal
Step 2 will help you recognize each type of letter.
2. Identify the purpose of the letter.
| TYPE | PURPOSE |
|---|---|
| Formal | Requesting information from a company Applying for a job Complaining to a bank, store, airline re:product/service Making a recommendation/suggestion |
| Semi-formal | Complaining to a landlord Explaining to a neighbor Asking a professor for permission |
| Informal | Inviting someone you know well Thanking a friend Apologizing Asking for advice |
Read lots of sample questions. Decide whether the question requires a formal, semi-formal, or informal response. Steps 1 & 2 will help you choose the right language, style, and tone for your letter.
3. Open and close the letter correctly. Do this based on the type and purpose of the letter.
| STYLE | CHARACTERISTICS | OPENING | ENDING |
|---|---|---|---|
| Formal | To someone you have not met, whose name you don’t know | Dear Sir/Madam, | Yours faithfully, |
| Semi-formal | To someone you may or may not have met, whose last name you know | Dear Mr Brown, Dear Ms Stone | Yours sincerely, |
| Informal | To someone you know well, whose first name you know and use | Dear John, Dear Anita, | Best regards, Warm wishes, |
4.Start the letter appropriately.
a. Open a formal and semi-formal letter with a formal sentence and paragraph. Get down to business and say why you are writing. Don’t try to be friendly, as you do not know the person you are writing to.
Formal:
Dear Sir/Madam,
I am writing to inquire about…
I am writing in connection with…
Dear Sir/Madam,
I am writing to inquire about…
I am writing in connection with…
Semi-formal
Dear Mr Johnson,
I am writing to inform you that…
I am writing to…
Dear Mr Johnson,
I am writing to inform you that…
I am writing to…
b. Open an informal letter with a general, friendly paragraph. Acknowledge your friendship first, before explaining the reason for your letter. In fact, the first paragraph could include just friendly small talk, unrelated to the reason for your writing.
Dear Susan
I hope you and your family are all well! It was so wonderful to spend time with all of you last month. It felt great to catch up with you and Bob, get to know your children, and have fun together after so long. You have always been dear friends of mine, and always will be.
I hope you and your family are all well! It was so wonderful to spend time with all of you last month. It felt great to catch up with you and Bob, get to know your children, and have fun together after so long. You have always been dear friends of mine, and always will be.
Anyway, the reason I’m writing is that I have some good news: I am getting married in September…
5. Learn and use standard written phrases.
In English letter writing, we use a number of standard expressions and phrases. These not only save time and effort, but also make it easier for the reader to understand our meaning. You can add on the specific information you wish to communicate to these standard phrases. See the list of Useful Expressions below.
6. Spell commonly used words correctly. Learn and practice the correct spelling of words you are likely to use on the exam. Examples are: “sincerely”, “faithfully”, “in connection with”, “apologize”, and so on. This is an easy way to boost your score.
7. Divide your letter into paragraphs.
Usually you need four paragraphs:
- Introduction
- Problem / Situation
- Solution / Action
- Conclusion
Make sure to signal the start of a new paragraph in one of two ways:
Indenting: Do NOT leave a line space between paragraphs. Start writing a little to the right of the left margin.
Skipping a line: Leave a line space between paragraphs. Start writing directly from the left margin.
Skipping a line: Leave a line space between paragraphs. Start writing directly from the left margin.
8. Use clear handwriting. Make sure your writing is neat and legible, so your words can be read easily and do not appear to have spelling mistakes. Get feedback from a teacher on your handwriting. Pay special attention to how you form and connect letters such as a, e, i, u, n, r, and w.
9. Write at least 150 words. Practice writing letters till you know what 150 words feels like and looks like. You will lose marks if you write less. You will not lose marks if you write more.
10. Include all three bulleted points. If you exclude even one of the points given to you in the question prompt, you will get a lower grade. Answer all the points.
In your letter:
- explain the problem
- describe why it disturbs you
- suggest a solution
11. Finish in time.
The IELTS General Task I letter is worth about 30% of your writing score, so make sure you complete the whole letter. Though you have to make up a story to explain the situation, keep it simple so you don’t run out of time. Make sure to keep 40 minutes to complete the essay in Task 2, which is worth much more in terms of points.
12. Read model letters but don’t memorize them. Instead, read the letters to get an idea of the overall flow and to pick up new vocabulary and expressions. Make sure to consult only reliable sources, such as Good Luck IELTS, for model answers.
13. Understand the scoring criteria. Learn how to get a high score by knowing what examiners look for and how they award or deduct points.
IELTS General Task 1 Grading Criteria
| Task achievement | Do everything you are asked to do Give a full developed response Include/cover all the necessary points Write 150 words |
| Coherence & cohesion | Coherence: Present ideas logically Use structured paragraphs Cohesion: Write so points stick together, make sense, and convey your message Use standard expressions & transition words |
| Lexical resource | Use a wide range of vocabulary naturally, correctly, and fluently Use correct spelling Choose the right words (word choice) Use the correct form of words, such as verbs, nouns, etc. (word form) |
| Grammar range & accuracy | Use a wide range of grammar structures Include different kinds of sentences – simple, compound, complex Use effective punctuation Use correct capitalization |
14. Practice writing letters regularly and get them checked by an IELTS trainer. Not every English teacher understands the demands of this particular exam, so find someone who has IELTS teaching experience, if possible. Practice writing answers to sample questions every day in order to improve your skills, your speed, your confidence, and your score!
IELTS GENERAL TASK 1: USEFUL EXPRESSIONS FOR LETTER-WRITING
To complete your IELTS letter-writing task within 20 minutes, learn to use and spell common phrases and expressions correctly. Choose the correct level of formality based on your question prompt. By using these phrases, you will save time and effort and earn a higher IELTS score. Most of the expressions below are arranged from formal to semi-formal to informal.
For a full list of phrases and expressions, check Good Luck IELTS.
Apologizing
Please accept my sincere apologies for…
I am very sorry about…
Sorry for…
Please accept my sincere apologies for…
I am very sorry about…
Sorry for…
Asking for help
I’d be grateful if you could…
I would appreciate it if you could…
Could you please…
I’d be grateful if you could…
I would appreciate it if you could…
Could you please…
Asking for information
I am writing to enquire about…
I am writing to find out about…
I would like to know about…
I am writing to enquire about…
I am writing to find out about…
I would like to know about…
Closing
I look forward to hearing from you,
I look forward to seeing you,
I look forward to meeting you,
I look forward to hearing from you,
I look forward to seeing you,
I look forward to meeting you,
Complaining
I am writing to express my dissatisfaction with…
I am writing to express my annoyance with…
I’m not happy with…
I am writing to express my dissatisfaction with…
I am writing to express my annoyance with…
I’m not happy with…
Expressing satisfaction
I was delighted to learn that…
I was thrilled to hear that…
I was very glad to hear that…
I was delighted to learn that…
I was thrilled to hear that…
I was very glad to hear that…
Expressing concern
I am writing to express my concern about…
I was very sorry to learn that…
I was really sorry to hear that…
I am writing to express my concern about…
I was very sorry to learn that…
I was really sorry to hear that…
Giving bad news
I regret to advise you that…
I regret to inform you that…
I am sorry to tell you that…
I regret to advise you that…
I regret to inform you that…
I am sorry to tell you that…
Giving good news
I am pleased to advise you that…
I am delighted to inform you that…
I am happy to tell you that…
I am pleased to advise you that…
I am delighted to inform you that…
I am happy to tell you that…
Giving reasons
This is due to…
This is a result of
… This is because…
This is due to…
This is a result of
… This is because…
Making suggestions
Perhaps it would be useful to…
Perhaps it would be possible to…
It might be helpful to…
Perhaps it would be useful to…
Perhaps it would be possible to…
It might be helpful to…
Thanking
I am extremely grateful for…
I really appreciate…
Thank you for…
I am extremely grateful for…
I really appreciate…
Thank you for…
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IELTS Writing Task 1 (Report) Guidelines for Band 8
- Understand the Data: Accurately describe the data presented (charts, graphs, etc.) without adding any interpretation or opinion. You need to focus on the most notable trends, patterns, and comparisons.
- Organize Your Answer: Structure your report clearly with an introduction, overview, and detailed descriptions. Use cohesive devices like "in contrast," "similarly," and "however" to link your points.
- Be Concise: Aim for 150-180 words. Avoid unnecessary details, but make sure to highlight significant changes or differences.
- Formal Language: Use formal, academic language and vary your sentence structures. Use comparative phrases like "higher than," "slightly less," and "followed by."
- Paraphrase the Question: Restate the task prompt in your own words without copying.
Task 1 Template:
Introduction:
- Paraphrase the task description.
E.g.: "The bar chart illustrates the percentage of government expenditure on roads and transport in four countries between 1990 and 2005."
- Paraphrase the task description.
Overview:
- Summarize the main trends without mentioning specific figures.
E.g.: "Overall, Portugal consistently had the highest spending, while the UK spent the least. Notable fluctuations occurred across the years."
- Summarize the main trends without mentioning specific figures.
Body Paragraphs:
- Group data logically (e.g., discuss Italy and Portugal together, then the UK and USA). Highlight key differences and similarities.
E.g.: "In 1995, Portugal's spending peaked at around 28%, whereas the UK consistently remained below 10% throughout the period."
- Group data logically (e.g., discuss Italy and Portugal together, then the UK and USA). Highlight key differences and similarities.
Tips for Task 1:
- Use a variety of structures: Try passive voice or complex sentences to avoid repetition.
- Make comparisons: Don't just describe the data; compare and contrast where relevant.
- Avoid opinion: Stick to the facts. Avoid phrases like "I believe" or "this shows."
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