IELTS Writing Task 1 (General Training): Letter Writing Guide

Quick answer: In IELTS General Training Task 1 you write a letter of at least 150 words in about 20 minutes that covers three bullet points given in the task. The most important decision is the register - formal, semi-formal or informal - which is set by who you are writing to. Get the tone, the opening and the closing right, cover all three bullets, and you are most of the way to a strong band. Below are the three registers, their set opening and closing lines, and original example letters.

Want a full letter prompt to practise on? Use the free IELTS practice test.

What General Training Task 1 asks

You are given a situation and three bullet points, and asked to write a letter responding to all three. For example, the task might tell you to write to a landlord about a problem, to a friend inviting them to visit, or to a manager requesting time off. Your letter must:

• address all three bullet points (missing one caps your Task Achievement),
• use a consistent, appropriate register, and
• reach at least 150 words.

The three registers

Deciding the register is your first move, because it controls your greeting, your closing and your whole tone.

Formal

Used when you are writing to someone you do not know, usually in an official context - a company, a manager you have not met, an organisation. You do not know their name, or you use their title.

• Greeting: "Dear Sir or Madam," (name unknown) or "Dear Mr Chen," (name known).
• Tone: polite, impersonal, no contractions, no slang.
• Closing: "Yours faithfully," if you began "Dear Sir or Madam,"; "Yours sincerely," if you used their name.

Semi-formal

Used for someone you know but must still treat with respect - a neighbour, a landlord you have dealt with, a colleague. You know their name and can be a little warmer.

• Greeting: "Dear Mrs Okoro," or "Dear Mr Silva,".
• Tone: polite and respectful, but you can show a personal connection.
• Closing: "Yours sincerely," or "Kind regards,".

Informal

Used for a friend or family member. You use their first name and a relaxed, friendly tone.

• Greeting: "Dear Sam," or "Hi Priya,".
• Tone: friendly and natural; contractions and everyday phrases are fine.
• Closing: "Best wishes,", "All the best,", "Take care," or "Love," for close family.

How to write the letter, step by step

1. Identify the register. Ask who you are writing to. Stranger or official = formal; someone you know but must respect = semi-formal; friend or family = informal.
2. Write the greeting. Match it to the register, as above.
3. Open with your purpose. State why you are writing in the first sentence ("I am writing to complain about…", "I hope you're doing well - I wanted to invite you to…").
4. Cover bullet point one. Give it a short paragraph and add a small, believable detail so it reads naturally.
5. Cover bullet points two and three. One short paragraph each, keeping the same tone throughout.
6. Close politely. Add a suitable final line ("I look forward to your reply.", "Let me know if you can make it!") then the sign-off that matches your greeting.
7. Check length and consistency. Confirm you are over 150 words and that your tone never slips between formal and informal.

Useful opening and closing lines

Formal openings

• "I am writing to inquire about…"
• "I am writing to express my dissatisfaction with…"
• "I am writing with regard to…"

Formal closings

• "I look forward to your prompt reply."
• "I would appreciate it if you could resolve this matter as soon as possible."

Informal openings

• "How are you? It's been ages since we caught up."
• "I hope you and the family are well."

Informal closings

• "Write back soon and let me know what you think."
• "Can't wait to see you!"

An original example (formal)

Imagine the task: you rented a bicycle from a shop, it developed a fault, and you want a refund. Write to the shop. A strong formal answer might read:

"Dear Sir or Madam,

I am writing to request a refund for a bicycle I rented from your shop on 3 May.

Shortly after collecting the bicycle, I noticed that the rear brake was not working properly. Despite adjusting it as your assistant suggested, the brake failed completely during my ride, and I was unable to use the bicycle for the rest of the day.

As the fault made the bicycle unsafe, I returned it to your shop the same afternoon. I have already paid the full day's hire charge of £18, which I believe should be refunded given that I could not use the bicycle as intended.

I would be grateful if you could arrange a full refund to my card within the next week. I look forward to your prompt reply.

Yours faithfully,
Jordan Blake"

Notice it covers all three implied points - what happened, what you did, and what you want - in a consistent formal tone, with matching greeting and sign-off.

An original example (informal)

For a task where you are inviting a friend to stay for a weekend, an informal answer might open:

"Hi Amara,

How are you? It feels like ages since we last met up. I'm writing because I've finally moved into my new flat and I'd love for you to come and stay for a weekend soon…"

The first name, the contractions and the warm tone all signal informal register from the very first line.

Unsure whether your register and tone are hitting the mark? A tutor can mark a practice letter against all four criteria - see GE's IELTS Writing Feedback service.

Frequently asked questions

For the essay, see How to Write an IELTS Task 2 Essay, and for the whole Writing test read our pillar, IELTS Writing: How to Structure Essays and Improve Your Band Score. If you plan to teach English abroad after you pass, an accredited TEFL course is the usual next step.

All names, situations and example letters above are original writing for GE and do not reproduce any real exam task.