WRITING TASK ONE (GENERAL TRAINING)
IELTS General Training Writing Task 1 asks you to write a letter. This will either be formal, semi-formal, or informal - it depends on the given situation and the person you are asked to write to.
​
ESSENTIAL INFORMATION:
​
-
Time: 20 minutes
-
Word count: Minimum 150 words
-
Task type: Letter writing
-
Purpose: Respond to a given situation with a clear purpose (e.g. request information, explain a problem, make a complaint, thank someone)
​
YOU NEED TO:
​
-
Identify the correct tone: formal, semi-formal, or informal
-
Use a clear structure, with appropriate opening and closing
-
Address all three bullet points in the prompt
-
Write in paragraphs with a logical flow
-
Use polite and suitable language for the situation
​
KEY SKILLS NEEDED:
​
-
An understanding of tone and style
-
How to express requests, complaints, thanks, or explanations appropriately
-
Paraphrasing the task bullet points
-
Using a range of vocabulary and sentence structures
-
Organising your ideas clearly and cohesively
​
SUGGESTED PRACTICE ACTIVITIES:
​
-
Read sample letters and identify tone, structure, and purpose
-
Practise writing openings and closings for different letter types
-
Rewrite sample tasks in varying tones (e.g. change a formal letter to informal)
-
Use model answers to build up your grammar and vocabulary
​
Identify the correct tone: formal, semi-formal, or informal
Use this flowchart to decide how formal your letter should be:
​
Step 1 – Who are you writing to?
-
You know them personally → Go to Step 2
-
You don’t know them personally → Formal letter
​
Step 2 – What’s the relationship?
-
Close friend or family → Informal letter
-
Professional or distant acquaintance (e.g. neighbour, teacher, landlord) → Semi-formal letter
​
Step 3 – Is the context official or personal?
Use a formal tone when contacting someone you don’t know personally, such as a company, organisation, government office, or manager.
​
Common prompts for formal letters will include:
​
-
Making a complaint
-
Requesting information
-
Applying for something
-
Explaining a situation
​
Another way to describe the tone would be 'polite and professional'.
​
Greetings used in formal letters are:
​
Dear Sir or Madam (NOT Dear Sir/Madam)
Dear Mr/Mrs [surname] (if the name is known)
​
Sign-offs used in formal letters are:
​
Yours faithfully (with Dear Sir or Madam​)
Yours sincerely (if the name is known)
Example General Training IELTS Writing Task 1 questions (formal)
Formal Letters
Use a semi-formal tone when writing to someone you know, but not closely, such as a landlord, teacher, neighbour, or colleague.
​
Common prompts for semi-formal letters will include:
​
-
Requesting help or information
-
Making or responding to an invitation
-
Explaining a problem​​​​
​
Another way to describe the tone would be 'polite but natural'.
​
Greetings used in semi-formal letters are:
​
Dear Mr/Mrs/Ms + [surname]
​
Sign-offs used in semi-formal letters are:
​
Kind regards,
Best regards,
Yours sincerely
​
Not: Yours Faithfully - this is too formal
Example General Training IELTS Writing Task 1 questions (semi-formal)
Semi-Formal Letters
Use an informal tone when writing to a friend or family member. Contractions and friendly expressions are fine.
​
Common prompts for informal letters will include:
​
-
Inviting someone
-
Apologising
-
Thanking
-
Sharing good news
​
Another way to describe the tone would be 'friendly and relaxed'.
​
Greetings used in informal letters are:
​
Hi / Hello [name]
​
Sign-offs used in informal letters are:
​
Best wishes
Take care
All the best​
