Writing Task 1 (General Training)
General Information:
The IELTS General Writing Task 1 tests how well you can write a letter for different situations. The letter may be formal, semi-formal, or informal, depending on the situation described in the IELTS question. The test sees if you can write natural sounding letters in English using the correct register - formal, semi-formal or informal.
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You should spend approximately 20 minutes on completing task 1 as it is worth one third of the marks of task 2 (you have 1 hour total for the writing test).
You should spend at least 3 or 4 minutes planning before you begin writing. During this time, you should read the instructions carefully, analyse the letter situation, and decide on the structure and content of your letter. Planning your letter will help you to organise your ideas, avoid repetition, and ensure that you write about all the key points.
After you have planned your letter, you should spend the remaining time writing it. You must write at least 150 words for Task 1. Ideally aim for 170 words. You should use clear language, and present your ideas coherently; you should use linking adverbs and phrases, as well as referencing and good use of paragraphs to do this. It is also important to use appropriate vocabulary and grammar depending on the context (formal, semi-formal or informal), and to check for spelling and punctuation errors.
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For examples of General Test Writing Task 1 questions and model answers please follow the links below:
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Informal letters:
Informal letters are generally written to friends or family members. They are less structured and formal than formal letters and may include personal anecdotes or informal language. Some examples of Task 1 questions that may require an informal letter include:
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Inviting a friend to your birthday party
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Thanking a family member for a gift
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Apologising to a friend for missing an event
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Congratulating a friend on a new job
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Recommending a restaurant to a friend who is visiting your town
In an informal letter, the tone is more personal. The writer may use contractions and colloquial expressions, as long as they are appropriate for the context and the relationship between the writer and the recipient.
It is important to note that even in informal letters, the writer should still follow basic letter writing rules, such as addressing the person you're writing to in an appropriate way, using paragraphs to organise ideas, and signing off with an appropriate closing.
Informal letter writing task:
A foreign friend is going to visit your country on holiday. She has asked you to recommend a beautiful place to visit.
Write a letter to your friend. In your letter:
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say where she should visit
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describe how she can get there
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say what she can do while she is there
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and say why she will enjoy it
Semi-formal Letters:​
Semi-formal letters are often written to someone that the writer knows, but does not have a close personal relationship with, for example, a business colleague. These formal vocabulary, and formal style are similar to a formal letter, but slightly different expressions, particularly for opening and closing the letter are appropriate. It's also possible to use contractions, but it is important to be polite, and avoid slang or colloquial expressions. Some examples of situations that may require a semi-formal letter include:
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Complaining to a neighbour, landlord or acquaintance about a problem
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Requesting information from a teacher, colleague or business partner
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Inviting a business partner or colleague to a meeting
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Writing a letter to a colleague or manager
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If you are not sure how to write in a semi-formal way, use a formal style. Apart from the way you begin semi-formal letters (Dear + person's name), and the way you sign off (e.g. Best regards), a formal style in the body of the letter is mostly appropriate.
Semi-formal letter writing task:
You have been living in a rented flat for 3 years. You recently received a letter from your landlord in which he informed you that your rent will increase by 30% next year. You are not happy about this very large increase.
In your letter you should say:
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say why you are writing
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describe the problem and explain how you feel
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propose a solution
Formal Letters:​
Formal letters are often written to someone that the writer doesn’t know, in official or professional contexts, such as when communicating with government agencies/ authorities, businesses, academic institutions, or potential employers. Some examples of situations that may require a formal letter include:
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Requesting information from a government agency about a particular service or programme
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Making a complaint to a government agency or business
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Requesting information from a university or academic institution
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Resigning from a job
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Writing a cover letter for a job application
In a formal letter, the tone is professional and respectful, and the language is formal.
In a formal letter, it is important to address the person you are writing to appropriately and use an appropriate greeting and closing. This could be 'Dear Sir or Madam' to begin, and 'Yours faithfully' to sign off. The writer should avoid using contractions, slang, or colloquial expressions, and use standard English throughout the letter.
A formal letter should convey a professional and respectful tone, and present the writer as a serious person.
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WRITING
Formal Letter writing task:
You went for dinner at a local restaurant but the meal was disappointing. You would like to complain to the restaurant manager.
Write a letter to the manager. In your letter:
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explain why you decided to eat at the restaurant
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describe the problems
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say what you would like the manager to do