IELTS General Writing Task 1 2026: Your 2026 Guide to Letter Writing, Samples & Tips

Planning a move to Canada, the UK, or Australia in 2026? Then your IELTS General Writing Task 1 score is more than just a test grade; it’s a critical piece of your immigration or work visa application. Here’s a fact many students miss: this task directly impacts your eligibility. For example, in Canada’s Express Entry system, language is a core part of your Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score. A high band score in writing (like an 8) can add significant points, potentially being the difference between getting an Invitation to Apply (ITA) and staying in the pool.

This isn’t just about IELTS letter writing; it’s about proving you can handle real-world communication before you land. This guide cuts the fluff. We’ll give you the exact strategies, official scoring insights, and IELTS General Writing Task 1 tips you need to write a letter that impresses the examiner and strengthens your application.

The IELTS General Training Writing test has two parts. This guide focuses only on IELTS General Writing Task 1.

• The Task: You’ll be given a common, everyday situation and asked to write a letter about it.
• The Rules: You have about 20 minutes (out of the 60 total writing minutes) to write at least 150 words. Going under 150 words will result in a score penalty under “Task Achievement.”
• The Purpose: This task tests your ability to communicate effectively in a real-life context. Can you complain to a landlord, ask a manager for a transfer, or invite a friend to a party clearly and with the right tone? This is a core skill you’ll need every day.
• The Stakes: This task is worth approximately 33% of your total Writing score, with Task 2 (the essay) being worth the other 67%. While Task 2 has more weight, a poor score on Task 1 makes it very difficult to achieve the high overall band (like a 7.5 or 8) that many visa programs demand.

Your first and most important job is to correctly identify the purpose of the letter and your relationship with the recipient. This single decision determines your tone, which is a major scoring factor. All IELTS letter-writing questions fall into one of these three categories.

Understanding the differences between these types will help you write the right letter for each situation and achieve a good IELTS band score.

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Don’t overthink it. A clear, logical structure is all you need. Follow this simple framework for any of the IELTS General Task 1 questions.

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• Formal: Dear Sir or Madam, (if no name is given) or Dear Mr. Smith, (if a name is given).
• Semi-Formal: Dear Mr. Brown, or Dear Sarah, (depending on the context).
• Informal: Hi [Name], or Dear [Name],

• Get straight to the point in one sentence. Why are you writing?
• Example (Formal): I am writing to enquire about the part-time librarian position advertised on your college website.
• Example (Informal): I hope you’re doing well! I’m just writing to invite you to my graduation ceremony in a few weeks.

• This is the most important part for your Task Achievement score. The prompt will give you 3 bullet points you must cover.
• Crucial Tip: Dedicate one short paragraph to each bullet point. This ensures you don’t miss anything and makes your letter easy for the examiner to read and score.
• Elaborate on each point with specific, believable details (invent them if you need to).

• What do you want to happen next?
• Example (Formal): I look forward to hearing from you at your earliest convenience.
• Example (Informal): Let me know if you can make it by this weekend!

• Formal: Yours faithfully, (if you started with Dear Sir or Madam,) or Yours sincerely, (if you started with Dear Mr. Smith,).
• Semi-Formal: Best regards, or Kind regards,
• Informal: Best wishes, All the best, or See you soon,
• (Followed by your name on the next line)

As an expert who reviews student applications daily, I can tell you that your score is decided by four official criteria. Here’s how to impress the examiner in each one.

• Cover All Bullet Points: I’ll say it again: this is the biggest and most common mistake students make. You must address every bullet point and give each one enough detail.
• Hit 150+ Words: Aim for 160-180 words. This shows you can elaborate fully without wasting time. Writing under 150 words will lose you marks.
• Get the Tone Right: An informal letter to a bank manager will score very low. Identify the IELTS General Training Writing Task 1 letter types correctly.

• Use Paragraphs: Don’t write one giant block of text. It’s impossible to read. Use a new paragraph for your opening, each bullet point, and your closing.
• Use Simple Linking Words: Don’t try to sound like a textbook with “furthermore” or “moreover.” Simple, natural connectors like but, so, because, also, and however are more effective and safer.

• Be Precise, Not Fancy: You don’t need PhD-level words. You need the right word.
  • Instead of (Informal): “The internet is bad.”
  • Write (Formal): “The internet connection has been unreliable and slow.”
• Avoid Repetition: Don’t use the word “problem” five times. Use synonyms: the issue, this situation, the difficulty.
• Check Spelling: Simple spelling mistakes look careless and will lower your score.

• Vary Your Sentences: Use a mix of simple sentences (“The dog barks all day.”) and complex sentences (“I am writing to complain about your dog, which barks constantly and disrupts my work while I am in meetings.”).
• Check Punctuation: Use commas and full stops correctly.
• Tense Check: Are you describing a past event? Use the past tense. Are you making a future request? Use the future tense. This sounds simple, but it’s a very common error under pressure.

Let’s look at some IELTS General Writing Task 1 samples to see these tips in action.

The Prompt: You ordered an item online, but it arrived damaged. Write a letter to the retailer. In your letter:

• Describe the damage.
• Explain your dissatisfaction.
• State what action you want to be taken (e.g, refund or replacement).

Sample Band 8+ Response:

Dear Sir or Madam,

I am writing to express my deep dissatisfaction with a product I recently purchased from your online store. On October 25th, I received my order (#882-GHI), which was a “Modern Blue Ceramic Vase.” Unfortunately, it arrived severely damaged.

Upon opening the package, I discovered that the vase was broken into several pieces. The main body has a large crack running down the side, and the base has completely chipped off. This makes it unusable and is completely different from the item pictured on your website.

As this was intended to be a gift, I am extremely disappointed. The item was not adequately protected, as the bubble wrap was only loosely placed on top of the vase, not securely wrapped around it.

To resolve this issue, I request a full refund to my original payment method. Alternatively, if you can guarantee safe packaging, I would accept an immediate replacement. Please advise on how I should return the damaged item.

I look forward to your prompt response.

Yours faithfully,

[Your Full Name]

Why this works:

• Tone: Perfectly formal.
• Task Achievement: It clearly covers all three bullet points in separate body paragraphs.
• Details: It invents specific, believable details (order number, date, type of vase, description of damage).
• Vocabulary: Uses precise language (deep dissatisfaction, severely damaged, adequately protected, resolve this issue).
• Structure: Follows the exact framework we discussed.

The Prompt: You have an extra ticket for a trip to a foreign destination. Write a letter to a friend inviting them to join you. In your letter:

• Explain the details of the trip (where, when).
• Explain why you want them to come.
• Mention any requirements for the trip (e.g., visa, packing).

Sample Band 8+ Response:

Hi Rohan,

I hope you’re doing well! I’m writing with some amazing news. You won’t believe it, but I won a free trip for two to Japan! The trip is for 7 days, from March 10th to March 17th, 2026. It includes flights to Tokyo and a hotel right in the Shinjuku area.

I immediately thought of you. I know how much you love Japanese food and photography, and it would be so much more fun to explore everything together. I honestly can’t imagine going with anyone else!

The only catch is that I need to confirm the second passenger’s name by next week. You’ll just need to make sure your passport is valid for at least six months. The good news is that for short trips, Indian passport holders can get an e-visa online, so that part should be easy. Just pack some warm clothes and your camera!

Let me know as soon as you can if you’re free. I’d be thrilled if you could make it.

All the best,

[Your First Name]

Why this works:

• Tone: Perfectly informal, friendly, and enthusiastic.
• Task Achievement: Covers all three bullet points clearly.
• Details: Specific dates (in 2026), destination (Tokyo), and realistic requirements (passport, e-visa).
• Language: Uses natural, conversational language and contractions (You won’t believe it, amazing news, The only catch, it’s).

Your final band score for this IELTS General Writing Task is an average of your performance across these four areas, as defined by IELTS (IDP & British Council).

1. Task Achievement (TA): Did you fully answer the prompt? Did you cover all the bullet points? Is your letter at least 150 words? Is the tone (formal/informal) correct?
2. Coherence and Cohesion (CC): Is your letter easy to read and understand? Are your ideas logically organised into paragraphs? Do you use linking words correctly?
3. Lexical Resource (LR): Do you use a good range of vocabulary? Is it appropriate for the letter type? Is your spelling correct?
4. Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA): Do you use a mix of simple and complex sentences? Is your grammar (tenses, prepositions, articles) correct? Is your punctuation correct?

You do not need to be perfect in all four areas to get a Band 7 or 8. However, a major failure in one area (like missing a bullet point for TA or writing only 130 words) will make it very difficult to get a high score.

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Conclusion

IELTS General Writing Task 1 in 2026 isn’t just about writing letters but about proving your communication skills to immigration officers, employers, and universities abroad. Whether you’re aiming for Canada’s Express Entry, the UK Skilled Worker Visa, or an Australian PR, a strong writing score can directly impact your chances.

By now, you know exactly what examiners expect, including clarity, tone accuracy, structure, and real-world language use. Keep practising with official IELTS General Writing Task 1 samples, analyse your mistakes, and focus on consistency over complexity. Remember, a perfectly structured, well-toned 160-word letter can do more for your band score than a 250-word essay filled with errors.

So, before your next IELTS attempt, master these frameworks, write with purpose, and aim for that Band 8 confidence. Book a free consultation with LeapScholar now and turn your study abroad dreams into reality.

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