IELTS Writing Task 1
IELTS Writing Task 1 General Training Letters
General Training Task 1 asks you to write a letter of at least 150 words responding to a situation with three bullet points. Getting the tone right and covering all three points is the key to a high band.
Three tones
| Tone | When | Greeting / Sign-off |
|---|---|---|
| Formal | To someone you don’t know (a manager, company) | Dear Sir or Madam / Yours faithfully |
| Semi-formal | To someone you know but respect (a landlord) | Dear Mr Khan / Yours sincerely |
| Informal | To a friend | Dear Sam / Best wishes |
Structure
- Greeting appropriate to the tone.
- Opening line stating your purpose for writing.
- One short paragraph for each of the three bullet points.
- A polite closing line and sign-off.
⚠️
You must address all three bullet points fully. Missing or under-developing one point is the most common reason letters stay at band 6.
Model answer
Dear Sir or Madam,
I am writing to complain about a laptop I purchased from your store on 3 May, which has developed a serious fault.Test yourself with our free IELTS practice questions and instant scoring.
Take test →Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if an IELTS letter is formal or informal?+
Look at who you are writing to. A stranger or organisation needs a formal tone; a friend needs an informal one; someone you know in a professional context is semi-formal.
Can I invent details in an IELTS letter?+
Yes. You can and should invent reasonable details (names, dates, reasons) to fully develop each bullet point.