In IELTS General Training Writing Task 1, you will be asked to write an informal letter or email. This could be a letter to a friend, or relative. An informal style can be used with anyone who you have a close personal relationship with.
A common type of informal letter is a recommendation or suggestion letter. The IELTS Writing Task 1 will ask you to write a letter to a friend or relative recommending or suggesting an activity, place or event.
What phrases can you use in informal recommendation letter writing?
Introductions (Informal):
I hope you’re well.
How are you and your family?
It was great to hear from you.
Sorry it’s taken me so long to write, but…
Suggesting/ Recommending (Informal):
I highly recommend…
Personally, I’d recommend…
I’ve been thinking a lot about your question…
I'm sure you'll like/ enjoy…
You're bound to like…
You should think about going to…
One place I think you'll like is…
If I was you, I’d…
I'd like to recommend…
I have the perfect place to recommend.
It’s the ideal place to…
As I know you’re interested in…
You’re bound to enjoy…
Ending (Informal):
I hope that helps
don’t hesitate to get in touch if you have any questions.
Signing Off (Informal):
Best wishes,
All the best,
Lots of love, (for relatives)
Exercise 1:
Match the expressions in A with the expressions in B to complete them.
A
i. I highly recommend
ii. You’re bound to like
iii. I’ve been thinking a lot about your question
iv. You should think about going to
v. If I was you, I'd
vi. I have the perfect place
vii. It’s the ideal place to
B
bring some warm clothes
to recommend
about where to visit in my country
the north of the country
Windsor Castle
you walk around the lake
relax and enjoy the scenery
Exercise 2:
Complete the letter with appropriate phrases from above.
Dear Martha,
1____________________ I was thrilled to hear that you’re planning to visit the UK soon. I’ve been thinking about your question and 2___________________ for your trip, Tintagel Castle, in Cornwall. 3____________________ visit with your family, and it’s in a gorgeous part of the country.
Cornwall is in the southwest of England, quite far from London. You could take the train, but 4____________________ renting a car and driving there. It’s an easy drive, and it will be more convenient to reach Tintagel castle as it’s not close to a train station.
As I know you’re interested in history, 5____________________ finding out about the castle’s past. What’s more, the castle is located beside the sea, so if the weather is nice, you can also go on a hike along the coast. The scenery around the castle is breathtaking, so it could be really fun to explore the area. You may even come across a picturesque pub where you could have some lunch.
I hope that helps and 6____________________.
7____________________,
Chris
Answer Key
Exercise 1:
i. I highly recommend you walk around the lake
ii. You’re bound to like Windsor Castle
iii. I’ve been thinking a lot about your question about where to visit in my country
iv. You should think about going to the north of the country
v. If I was you, I’d bring some warm clothes
vi. I have the perfect place to recommend
vii. It’s the ideal place to relax and enjoy the scenery
Exercise 2:
1. How are you and your family?
2. I have the perfect place to recommend.
3. It’s the ideal place to
4. personally, I’d recommend
5. you’re bound to enjoy
6. don’t hesitate to get in touch if you have any questions
7. Best wishes
Thank-you for the useful language teacher