IELTS WRITING TASK 1 - GENERAL
>> Formal & Informal
Formal: to someone you dont know or dont know well.
Informal: to a friend or close family member
If the question includes the word 'friend', use informal language. If not, use formal language. The only exception is if the letter is to a close family member, when you would also use an informal tone, but these are not common.
Many questions require you to write to a colleague or manager in your business, both of whom could be friends. In this instance, assume that they are not and write the letter in a professional style, that is, in a formal tone.
The other situation that can be confusing is where the person you have to write to is a neighbour. Again, assume that you do not know them very well and keep the letter formal.
If you follow the general rule of only writing an informal letter when the question contains the word ‘friend’, you won’t go wrong.
>> Letter Structure
A. Question structure:
1. The topic.
2. The person you must write to.
3. What you should write about (listed as 3 bullet points).
You have recently taken a two-say course.
Write to the course organizer to give your feedback. In your letter,
- say what you like or disliked about it
- suggest some improvements to the course
B. Letter structure:
1) Dear .....
3) Paragraph 2: Write about 1st bullet point
4) Paragraph 3: Write about 2nd bullet point
5) Paragraph 4: Write about 3rd bullet point
Example:
1) The greeting: We dont know the course organizer so we will use 'sir' or 'madam' as the greeting, i.e. 'Dear Sir'/'Dear Madam'.
2) The purpose: To give feedback on the two-day course.
I am writing to give you an evaluation of the TEFL course I took at Exeter College last weekend.
Although there were 10 hours of classes each day, I did not find the days as exhausting as I had feared because there was a good mix of theory and practical sessions. The different styles of teaching from the various tutors also helped to keep everyone engaged and motivated.
4. Paragraph 3: Say what you liked or disliked about it (bullet point 2)
I particularly enjoyed the group work as I learnt a lot from the other students and had fun doing the activities with them. Changing the groups around each time so that we worked with different people was a great idea. There were also excellent handouts from all the sessions.
5. Paragraph 4: suggest some improvements to the course (bullet point 3)
My only criticism of the course is the lack of time given for the individual teaching practices we had to do each day. I do understand that with 20 people on the course, they did take up a lot of time, but 2 minutes per presentation was not long enough to practice all we had learnt. Addressing this issue would make an excellent course even better.
- Dear Sir (name unknown) – Yours faithfully
- Dear Mr Jones (name known) – Yours sincerely
C. Finished Letter:
Dear Sir,
I am writing to give you an evaluation of the TEFL course I took at Exeter College last weekend.
Although there were 10 hours of classes each day, I did not find the days as exhausting as I had feared because there was a good mix of theory and practical sessions. The different styles of teaching from the various tutors also helped to keep everyone engaged and motivated.
I particularly enjoyed the group work as I learnt a lot from the other students and had fun doing the activities with them. Changing the groups around each time so that we worked with different people was a great idea. There were also excellent handouts from all the sessions.
My only criticism of the course is the lack of time given for the individual teaching practices we had to do each day. I do understand that with 20 people on the course, they did take up a lot of time, but 2 minutes per presentation was not long enough to practice all we had learnt. Addressing this issue would make an excellent course even better.
Yours faithfully,
Jacky Spear (189 words).
1) The Greeting:
- Always start your letter with ‘Dear...’ followed by the first name of the friend, e.g.
- You probably use ‘Hi...’ and ‘Hello...’ in emails and texts but for letters, ‘Dear...’ is more appropriate, so stick with this.
- It can be helpful to use the name of a real friend who you imagine you are writing the letter to. This will make it easier to sound natural than if you write the letter to an imaginary friend.
2) Useful rules
Do use contractions. Contractions are the easiest way to show the examiner that you know you are writing an informal letter, e.g: I’m, I’ve, you’ll, we'd, they're
Do not use abbreviations or acronyms. Our text language is full of these, for example, ‘Tues’ for Tuesday or ‘Sept’ for September (abbreviations), ‘Thx’ for Thanks or ‘Lol’ meaning ‘laugh out loud’ (acronyms). They have no place in a letter and you will lose marks by using them.
3) We’ll now look at appropriate IELTS letter writing vocabulary for common types of question.
a) A request:
- Please can you….
- I’d be really grateful if you could….
- I was wondering if you would….
- Would you mind….
- I’m very sorry about / that….
- I’m really sorry but….
- I’d like to apologise for….
- I’m just writing to let you know that….
- I’m writing to tell you about….
- I thought you’d like to know that....
Make an invitation:
- I’m having a party and would love you to come.
- Do you fancy going to….?
- Would you like to ….?
- I’d love to come....
- Count me in....
- I'm sorry but I can't make it....
- Are you free on….?
- Would Friday suit you?
- Can you make it on….?
a) Starting purpose
- I’m writing to….
- I just wanted to let you know that…
- Thank you….
- Thanks so much for…
- I can't thank you enough
- I was delighted to hear that….
- I was over the moon to hear about….
- I was thrilled to find out that....
- I’m so happy to hear that...
- I’m delighted to tell you that….
- I thought you might like to know that...
- I’m afraid I’ve some bad news to tell you
- I have a bit of bad news to share
- All the best
- See you soon
- Keep in touch
1) The Greeting
- Use Dear Sir or Madam if you don’t know the name of the person you are writing to. This will be the most likely situation.
- Use Dear + surname if you do know their name, e.g. Dear Mr Smith or Dear Mrs Jones.
2) Useful rules
‘I would like to apply for...’ not ‘I’d like to apply for...’
Do not use abbreviations or acronyms
This is the same rule as for informal letters. Save abbreviations and acronyms for texting and social media.
3) We’ll now look at appropriate IELTS letter writing vocabulary for common types of question.
a) A request
- Could you please….
- Please would you consider….
- I would be grateful if….
- I would appreciate it if you could…
b) A letter of complaint
- I am very unhappy with / about….
- I write to complain about….
- I am extremely dissatisfied with / about
- I am writing to express my disappointment...
c) An application or resignation letter
- I am writing to apply for the position of….
- I would like to apply for….
- Please find my CV attached.
- I am writing to tender my resignation.
- ….hand in my notice
d) An invitation
- I regret that I am unable to attend….
- I am pleased to accept...
e) A letter to make an arrangement
- I am writing to enquire about….
- I am writing to confirm the arrangements for….
- I would like to know….
- Please can you tell me…
4) Other useful phrases
a) Stating Purpose
- I am writing to inform you that….
- I am writing to express my concern / disappointment / dissatisfaction
- I am writing to request…
- I am writing with regard to...
- Thank you for…
- I very much appreciate…
- No words can express my gratitude...
- Thank you for your attention to this matter…
5) The signoff
- I look forward to hearing from you.
- I hope to hear from you in the near future.
- I await your response
- I expect to hear from you soon.
- I thank you for your consideration.
- Please respond at your earliest convenience
- Yours sincerely
- Yours faithfully
- Kind regards
- Yours sincerely – if you started the letter with ‘Dear + surname’, e.g. Dear Mr Jones
- Yours faithfully – if you started the letter with ‘Dear Sir / Madam'
- Kind regards’ is formal but friendly and is also appropriate for most situations. It is particularly useful if you struggle to remember how to spell ‘sincerely’ and ‘faithfully’.
Always sign off a formal letter with your full name, e.g.
Kind regards,
Jacky Spear.
>> Question
Your neighbor has writen to you to complain about the noise from your flat.
Write a letter to your neighbour. In your letter,
- explain the reason for the noise
- offer your neighbour an apology
- tell them what action you will take.
Dear Mrs Dixon,
I am writing to apologise for all the noise coming from my flat over the past few days.
I am having the whole place rewired at the moment as I was experiencing some electrical faults that could not be repaired. The old wiring had been in since the flat was built and needed replacing so I had no choice but to undertake this necessary work.
I do appreciate that there has been a lot of banging going on during the day. I sincerely apologise for this and regret that you have been disturbed. I was hoping that most of the work would be done while you were out at work but I admit that it did continue into the evening the other day.
To get the job finished as quickly as possible, I will employ an additional electrician. Although there will inevitably still be some noise, I will ask them to be as quiet as possible and be sure to finish by 5 p.m. when I believe that you usually get home.
Please accept my apologies once again.
Yours sincerely,
Jacky Spear
>> Question
You have just missed a friend’s party.
Write a letter to apologise. In your letter:
- apologise to your friend
- explain why you did not attend the party
- say what you plan to do to make up for missing the party.
>> Sample
Dear Sally,
I'm writing apologies for missing your house-warming party.
I can't tell you how sorry I am, I know how much you were looking forward to showing me around your new home. I feel terrible at having let you down. You must have wondered why I didn't turn up having accepted your invitation.
The truth of the matter is that I put the wrong date in my diary. What an idiot! For some reason, I wrote it in for Saturday night, not Friday. I only realised when I saw photos of everyone having a great time at your place on Facebook. I certainly missed a great party by the look of it.
Anyway, I'd like to make it up to you by treating you to coffee at the new cafe that's just opened up in town. Let me know what date and time suit you. I promise to get the day right this time. And, I hope you'll let me pop round to see your new lovely home on another occasion.
See you soon,
Jacky.
>> Question
There is a problem with the changing rooms in the sports centre that you visit. You have complained several times but with no success.
Write a letter to the manager of the sports centre. In your letter:
- describe what the problem with the changing rooms is
- say what happened the last times you complained
- explain what you want the manager to do
Dear Sir or Madam,
I am writing to complain about the state of the toilets in the sports centre changing rooms.
Each time I have used the changing facilities in the past month, the toilet area has been dirty. Particularly unpleasant are the soggy paper towels on the floor. They look horrible and there is a danger that people could slip on them. The shower plug holes are also frequently blocked up with hair which stops the water draining away.
I have reported this issue on two previous occasions. The first time, I told a member of staff and the second time I telephoned. Both the people I spoke to said that they would make sure that the changing rooms were cleaned more often but this is clearly not happening.
As a solution, I suggest that you set up an hourly rota where a member of staff has to check that the toilets are clean, sign to say that they have done so and arrange for a cleaner to come if necessary. I have seen this system in operation in other places and their toilets are always clean.
Yours faithfully,
Jacky Spear
>> Question
You live in a room in college which you share with another student. There are many problems with this arrangement and you find it difficult to work.
Write a letter to the accommodation officer at the college. In the letter:
- describe the situation
- explain the problems and why is it difficult to work
- say how you would like the situation resolved
Dear Mr Scott,
I am writing to express my dissatisfaction with my college accommodation.
As a first-year student, I was told that I could have a single room in the accommodation block if I wanted one. I choose this option but was allocated a twin room shared with another student. I was prepared to see if this worked out but after a month, I am really struggling with the situation.
The main problem is that I am a quiet person who is serious about studying hard. Unfortunately, my room companion loves to party and does not do much work. Most nights he is out until 3 p.m. and wakes me up when he comes in. I am so tired that I find it hard to concentrate during lectures. Also, he often eats food that I have left in the fridge and does not pay for it or offer to replace it.
Please, can you arrange for me to have the single room I was originally promised? If this is not possible, I am prepared to share with someone who would be a more suitable roommate.
I await your response and hope this matter can be resolved very soon.
Yours sincerely,
Jacky Spear.
>> Question
You want to learn a language. There is a teacher near to where you live.
Write a letter to the teacher. In the letter:
- say how you came to know about him/her
- explain why you want to learn
- ask what help they can offer.
Dear Miss Garcia,
I am writing to enquire about taking Spanish lessons with you.
I read the article about you and saw your advert in this week’s local paper and I believe that you are just the person I am looking for. I am particularly keen to learn from a native speaker like yourself so I do hope that you have space in your timetable to fit me in for some lessons.
My reason for wanting to learn your language is because I will be travelling to Peru for six months next year to volunteer in an orphanage. I really want to be able to talk to the children and understand them so Spanish conversation is my priority.
I would be grateful if you could let me know what availability you have for lessons. Twice a week would be ideal if that is possible. I work in the evenings so daytime would be fine. Please, could you also tell me what you charge for tuition and how long each lesson would last?
I look forward to hearing from you soon.
Kind regards,
Jacky Spear
>> Question
You are going to visit the town where your friend went to university.
Write a letter to your friend. In your letter:
- explain why you will be visiting the town
- give details of where you will be staying
- ask your friend to recommend some evening entertainment.
Dear Ben,
I hope you're well and enjoying your new job. I'm writing to tell you about my planned visit to Bristol and want to ask your advice on a couple of things.
My trip is for a training course but I should get a bit of free time to look around. I'm so looking forward to it as I know how much you loved your years at university in the city.
Coincidentaly, I'll be staying in college accommodation, although the seminars take place at the Grosvenor Hotel nearby. It's very expensive to stay there so many company has an arrangement with the university to use their accommodation during the summer holiday when there are no students, which is when we'll be there.
What I wanted to ask you was where you recommend going for some evening entertainment. Pubs in the city centre with live music would be perfect. I'll be on the course with a few mates from work and we'd love to hear some local bands. If you could point us to a cheap place to eat, that would be great too. Many thanks.
All the best,
Jacky.
>> Question
You are planning a holiday abroad and will be visiting a town where an old friend lives. You haven't spoken to this friend in a few years.
Write a letter to your friend. In your letter:
- give your friend a brief update of your life since you were last in touch
- explain why you will be travelling to his/her town.
- say what you plan to do when you visit their town.
Dear Ellen,
I’m just writing to let you know that I’m going to be visiting Edinburgh in a few months' time.
So much has happened since I last wrote so I’ll quickly bring you up to date before telling youabout the trip. The big news is that Jamie and I have finally got engaged. He even got down on one knee to propose which was so romantic. The wedding is planned for June next year and we do hope you can come. We‘ve also bought a flat and we moved in together last month.
The holiday we’ve booked is a two-week coach tour of Scotland. We’re spending most of the time on the west coast and in the Highlands but we also get a full day in Edinburgh on 12th May.
The trip includes a guided tour of Edinburgh Castle in the morning but we’re then free for the rest of the day. It would be fantastic to catch up with you if you’re able to meet us for tea somewhere. Let me know if you can make it.
I really hope to see you soon.
All the best,
Jacky
You rent a four-bedroom house, which you share with three friends. However, there are several problems with this house that need fixing.
Write a letter to the letting agency. In the letter:
- explain your situation
- describe the problems with the house
- say what you would like to happen
Dear Sir or Madam,
I am writing to tell you about some problems we are having with the property we rent from your agency.
My three friends and I moved in last July. Everything seemed fine back in the summer but now that the colder weather has arrived, we are noticing some serious defects to the house. I suffer from asthma and my health is beginning to suffer.
The main issue is the damp. There is mould growing on the walls in every room, and in the bathroom, the carpet and floorboards are rotting in the corner by the shower. We also think that the roof is leaking as there are some wet patches on the ceiling in my bedroom.
We find the situation totally unacceptable, especially considering the high rent we are paying. We would be grateful if you could arrange for the property owner to sort these problems urgently.
I expect to hear from you soon.
Your faithfully,
Jacky Spear.
>> Question
You would like a job working in a summer camp which runs sports and outdoor activities for children and young people.
Write a letter to the organiser of the summer camp. In your letter:
- describe your personality
- say what relevant experience and skills you have
- explain what sort of work you would like to do.
Dear Sir or Madam,
I would like to apply for a position at your Devon summer camp this year.
I am an outgoing person with lots of energy and a great sense of fun and adventure. I show dedication and a high level of responsibility in everything I do and am known for being very reliable. Furthermore, I am confident working on my own but equally enjoy being part of a team.
I have many relevant skills to offer. These include level 4 instructor certificates for both for kayaking and climbing as well as being an experienced dinghy sailor. I was a Scout Leader for two years before going to university and was popular with and respected by all the boys and girls in our pack.
I am especially interested in being an activity leader at the summer camp but would consider any position appropriate to my skills and experience. I would also be willing to organize and lead campfire cooking session several evenings a week as this is another passion of mine and always a favourite with kids.
I thank you for your consideration and look forward to hearing from you.
Yours faithfully,
Jacky Spear
>> Question
You have decided to leave your current employment.
Write a letter to your employer. In the letter:
- explain why you have decided to leave the company
- tell your employer what you plan to do after leaving your present employment
- say what you have gained from working for the company.
Dear Davis,
I am writing to inform you oof my resignation from my position as sales manager effective from 31st October.
This has been a very difficult decision for me to make as I enjoy my work. However, I feel that it is time for a change and want to set up a business with my brother, something we have always dreamed of doing. A recent inheritance from our father means that we now have the finances to make this a reality.
We have identified a gap in the market for high-quality wooden furniture for children. My brother is a carpenter and joiner so will run the workshop while I will be in charge of sales and marketing using many of the skills I have learnt while working for Activisto.
I would like to thank you in particular for encouraging me to step into a management role in the company. Your belief in my abilities gave me the confidence to move far beyond my comfort zone and achieve more than I ever thought possible. It is because of this that I believe I can succeed in my own business.
I wish you and the company a successful future.
Your sincerely,
Jacky Spear.
>> Question
You want to book a hotel recommended to you for a family holiday at the seaside.
Write a letter to the hotel manager to make arrangements.
- explain what accommodation you require and when you want to stay
- ask what will be included in the price
- enquire about activities and places of interest near the hotel.
Dear Mrs Henson,
A friend has recommended your excellent hotel and I am writing to enquire about vacancies in April next year.
We would like to stay from 5th to 11th April and require two en-suite rooms; a double for myself and my husband and a twin room for our two teenage sons. Sea views would be preferable.
I have been told that you do a very good breakfast. Please, could you let me know if it is included in the price? My friend has also informed me that you have a lovely swimming pool, a well-equipped gym and spa facilities. Is there an extra charge for using these? If so, I would be grateful if you could send me details.
We are all keen walkers and hope to do some hiking while we are staying with you. Do you have any maps or guidebooks available for guests to borrow? My husband and I also enjoy visiting historic houses. Are there any in the area that you could recommend?
I look forward to receiving your reply and to confirming our booking if these dates are available.
Yours Sincerely,
Jacky Spear
>> Question
You and your friend have booked tickets to go to the theatre. You are now unable to go but have found another friend to accompany him/her instead.
Write a letter to your friend. In the letter:
- explain why you can no longer go to the theatre with your friend
- say who is able to go instead of you
- tell them why you think this person would be good to go with.
>> Sample
Dear Kate,
I'm writing to let you know that I can't make it to the theater with you on Friday.
I'm so disappointed and feel awful letting you down but I fell off my bike yesterday and broke my ankle. It's in plaster and I'm not allowed to walk on it yet. I'm really sorry. I was so looking forward to our evening out.
Anyhow, I gave Shirley a call to see if she could go with you instead. She has to take Gemma to swimming lessons first but can pick you up at 7 p.m. so you'll have time for a drink in the bar before the play starts. Her husband will collect Gemma afterwards so there's no worry there.
I thought of Shirley because you've been saying you haven't seen much of her lately. With Gemma training most days and away at weekends for swimming galas, none of us have. So, this is a great chance for you two to get together.
I hope you both have a lovely evening. I look forward to hearing all about it.
All the best,
Jacky.
>> Question
You are organising a seminar for your company.
Write a letter to the manager of another department inviting them to give a presentation at the seminar. In your letter:
- give details of the seminar
- invite them to give a presentation and say why you are inviting them
- say what the presentation should be about
Dear Mr Evans,
I am writing to tell you about a training event I am organising for the morning of Tuesday 7thFebruary.
The seminar is on the issue of safety at work. Several people in the company have been injured recently while doing their job and the management believes that this is because they are either not aware of safety procedures or do not follow them. Consequently, they feel that more training is needed.
As warehouse manager, you hold many certificates in workplace safety and I would be grateful if you would be prepared to share some of this knowledge and make a presentation during the seminar. I suggest that it should last for around 45 minutes.
The subject I would like you to talk about is manual handling. Back injuries are the most common safety issue so need a particular focus. A practical session where people can practice good lifting techniques would be ideal. If you are able to do this, please let me know what resources you would need so that I can provide them for you.
I look forward to receiving your reply
Your sincerely,
Jacky Spear
You are organising a family party.
Write a letter to your friend inviting him/her to attend the party. In your letter:
- explain why you are organising the party
- say why you want your friend to come to the party
- describe what you are planning to do.
Dear Julie,
Some exciting news. Helen is getting engaged. We're having a big party and I'm writing to invite you along. It's on Saturday 25th July at our place, starting at 2 p.m.
Can you believe it, our little girl all grown up and getting married? Josh, her fiancee, is a lovely young man and will make a wonderful husband. Helen will be so thrilled to introduce you to him. She often says how much she misses you since you moved away. You were like an aunt to her when she was young and gave her so much good advice that she would never listen to coming from her parents.
Anyway, we've decided on a hog roast for the party and have booked a jazz band to play during the afternoon and again in the evening. Hopefully, the weather will be fine and we can be outdoors for most of the time but we'll have a marquee in case of rain and for when it hets cooler later in the day.
We hope to see you in July.
All the best,
Jacky.
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