IELTS General Writing Task 1 2024: IELTS Writing Samples, Tips & More

The IELTS general writing task 1 is part of the writing module of the IELTS exam. It is one of the highly recognised language proficiency tests across the globe. This exam helps you prove your language proficiency for studying or seeking a work visa or permanent residency in English-speaking countries like the US, UK and Canada. 

The IELTS Writing section is a vital part of the test, consisting of two tasks. For the IELTS General Training test:

• Task 1 requires you to write a letter of no more than 150 words. This task evaluates your ability to handle everyday communication effectively.
• Task 2 involves writing an essay of at least 250 words. This essay assesses your ability to express and justify your opinions, present arguments, and discuss issues clearly and organised.

This guide will give you all the info you need for IELTS General Training Writing Task 1. We’ll cover sample letters, handy tips, and more to help you nail it and boost your score. 

Types of Letters in IELTS General Writing Task 1

In Task 1 of the IELTS General Training Writing section, you’ll come across three types of letters. Here’s a quick rundown of each:

1. Formal Letter: This is used for business or official communication. You might be writing to a company, an editor, or someone in a professional role. The tone is polite and professional, and the structure is quite specific.
2. Semi-Formal Letter: This type is typically used when writing to someone you know but in a professional context, like a colleague or a landlord. It strikes a balance between formal and informal, maintaining a respectful tone but with a slightly more relaxed style.
3. Informal Letter: This one is for friends, family, or acquaintances. The tone is friendly and casual, allowing for a more personal touch in your writing.

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

Major Tips and Guidelines for IELTS General Writing Task 1

When you’re writing a letter for IELTS General Training Task 1, you need to stick to the right format to get it right. 

Check out these practical tips and guidelines to help your letter shine and make a strong impression: 

• Stick to 150 Words: Make sure your letter doesn’t go over 150 words. Keeping it concise shows you can communicate effectively.
• Choose the Right Sign-Off: End your letter with an appropriate closing. Use ‘Yours faithfully’ for formal letters, ‘Best Wishes’ or ‘Regards’ for informal ones, and ‘Yours Sincerely’ for semi-formal.
• Identify the Letter Type and Purpose: Read the prompt carefully to figure out the type of letter you’re writing (formal, semi-formal, or informal) and its purpose—like thanking a friend or making a request.
• Check Grammar and Spelling: Ensure your letter is free of errors and use the right grammar for the type of letter you’re drafting.
• Be Clear and Direct: Keep your sentences crisp and to the point.
• Start with Proper Salutations: Use ‘Dear Sir/Madam’ for formal letters and ‘Dear [Name]’ for informal or semi-formal ones.
• Match Your Tone and Vocabulary: Use a formal tone and vocabulary for business letters, and keep it simple and friendly for personal ones.
• Organise Your Letter: Break it into paragraphs to make it easier for the examiner to read.
• Make Requests Politely: If you’re asking for something, phrases like ‘I would be grateful if you could…’ work well.

These above tips will help you to write clear, effective letters that meet the IELTS requirements and make a strong impression. 

Read more: IELTS General Writing Task 1: Letter Writing Sample & Tips

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IELTS General Writing Task 1: Structure

When you’re writing a letter for IELTS General Writing Task 1, it’s important to follow a clear structure. Here’s a simple breakdown to help you:

1. Salutation: Start with a greeting. If you’re writing a formal letter, use “Dear Sir” or “Dear Madam.” For a more personal letter, you might use “Dear Susan” or “Dear [Name].”
2. Opening Statement: Begin by stating why you’re writing the letter. This should clearly mention the purpose, like if you’re asking for something or providing information.
3. Paragraph 1 and 2: Use these paragraphs to explain your situation in detail. Provide all the necessary information or context related to your purpose.
4. Paragraph 3: Wrap up with any final points or conclusions. This is where you summarise your main message or make any last requests.
5. Closing Statement: If needed, end with a final thought or a polite note, especially in formal letters.
6. Signing Off: End your letter with an appropriate sign-off. For formal letters, use “Yours faithfully” or “Yours sincerely.” For informal letters, “Best wishes” or “Regards” can be used.
7. Name: Finally, write your name at the end of the letter.

Following this structure will help you create a well-organized and effective letter for your IELTS test.

IELTS General Writing Task 1 Samples: Formal Letter

To get ready for the IELTS Writing section, using sample letters can be incredibly helpful. We’ve got a variety of sample letters that we think will really boost your preparation. They’ll guide you on how to structure your letters, choose the right tone for different types, and use effective phrases and vocabulary.

Sample Letters to Make a Complaint

You ordered an item online, but unfortunately, it arrived damaged. Write a letter to the retailer to express your complaint. Make sure to include the following points:

1. Describe the Damage: Clearly explain the condition in which the product arrived. Detail the extent of the damage and how it affects the item’s usability.
2. State Your Dissatisfaction: Provide specific reasons why you are unhappy with the situation. Mention any expectations you had that were not met due to the damage.
3. Request a Refund: Clearly state that you are requesting a refund for the damaged item.
4. Arrange for Return: Ask the retailer to make arrangements for returning the damaged product. Include a request for instructions on how to proceed with the return or ask if they will arrange for collection.

Your internet connection has been slow and unreliable lately. Write a letter to your internet service provider to address this problem. Make sure to include the following points:

1. Describe the Problem: Explain the issues you’re facing with your internet connection. Mention how the speed has been slow and how the connection keeps fluctuating, affecting your ability to use the internet effectively.
2. Request an Engineer Visit: Ask the provider to arrange for an engineer to visit your location to inspect and fix the issue. 
3. Seek Compensation: Request a reduction in your internet bill due to the unsatisfactory service you’ve been receiving. Highlight how the poor connection has impacted your usage and why you believe a discount is justified.

The neighbour next door has a dog that keeps barking constantly throughout the day. Draft a letter addressing the neighbour asking to do something about the noise. In the letter:

Explain the Issue: Start by describing why you’re writing the letter. Mention how the constant barking of the neighbour’s dog throughout the day has become disruptive and affects your peace at home.

Suggest a Solution: Offer a practical suggestion to help resolve the problem. For example, you might propose exploring dog training options or finding ways to keep the dog engaged to reduce the barking.

Sample IELTS Letters to Make an Application

You are applying for a job that requires you to attach a cover letter with your resume and qualification certificates. Your cover letter should detail why you are interested in this particular company and why you would be an ideal candidate. 

Here’s what the letter should include:

• Educational Qualifications: Highlight your academic background and explain why it makes you a strong fit for the job role.
• Enthusiasm for the Company: Describe your excitement about the opportunity to join the company and contribute to its success.
• Previous Experiences: Discuss your relevant work experiences and achievements that demonstrate your suitability for the position.

A local school is seeking volunteers for its upcoming school trip. Draft a letter to the school authority expressing your interest in volunteering. Make sure to:

1. Introduce Yourself: Start with a brief introduction about who you are and any relevant background information.
2. Explain Your Interest: Clearly state why you’re eager to volunteer for this particular trip and what motivates you to be involved.
3. Highlight Relevant Experience: Mention any past experience working with children that makes you a suitable candidate for this role.

The local college is seeking applications for a summer job in the library. Draft a letter to the concerned authority with the following details:

1. Introduce Yourself: Begin with a brief introduction, including your name, current status (e.g., student, recent graduate), and any relevant background information.
2. Highlight Your Experience and Skills: Share details of any previous work experience, particularly if it’s related to library work or similar environments. Mention any skills that are relevant to the job, such as organisation, customer service, or familiarity with library systems.
3. Express Your Motivation: Clearly explain why you’re interested in this library position. Highlight your enthusiasm for working in a library setting and how this job aligns with your personal or professional goals.

Also Read: Types of IELTS: IELTS Academic VS General

Samples of Letters for Invitation

You will be graduating from college soon. Write a letter inviting your family to attend the graduating ceremony. Here, it would help if you used the following pointers:

1. Announce Your Graduation: Start by mentioning that you will soon be graduating from college.
2. Provide Event Details: Include the date, time, venue, dress code, and any other relevant details about the graduation ceremony.
3. Share Passes/Tickets Information: Inform about the number of passes or tickets available and specify who they are for.

You’ve won a free trip to a foreign destination and have an extra ticket. Draft a letter to a friend inviting them to join you. In your letter, make sure to:

1. Discuss the Trip: Share the exciting news and express your wish for them to come along.
2. Provide Details: Outline the trip specifics, including the destination, dates, and any plans you’ve already made.
3. Mention Requirements: Highlight what will be needed for the trip to be a success, such as travel documents, packing essentials, or any other preparations.

Samples of Letters to Provide an Advice

You’ve won a free trip to a foreign destination and have an extra ticket. Draft a letter to a friend inviting them to join you. In your letter, make sure to:

1. Discuss the Trip: Share the exciting news and express your wish for them to come along.
2. Provide Details: Outline the trip specifics, including the destination, dates, and any plans you’ve already made.
3. Mention Requirements: Highlight what will be needed for the trip to be a success, such as travel documents, packing essentials, or any other preparations.

Your friend is considering buying a house in an area that you have recently left due to increased incidents of theft. Write a letter asking them to avoid the neighbourhood. The letter structure should include the following:

1. Advise Against the Purchase: Suggest that your friend reconsider buying a house in the area you recently left.
2. Explain Your Concerns: Share the reasons for your suggestion, particularly the increase in theft incidents and how it has impacted the area.
3. Offer Alternatives: Recommend other neighbourhoods or areas that might be safer and more suitable for their needs.

Write a letter to your favourite restaurant providing them with suggestions for improvements. Here, you can mention and explain:

1. State the Purpose: Explain that you’re writing to offer suggestions for improving your favourite restaurant.
2. Highlight Positives: Share what you love about the restaurant, such as its atmosphere, menu, or service.
3. Suggest Improvements: Detail specific areas where you think improvements could be made, such as menu variety, service speed, or decor.

Sample Letters to Make a Request

You would want to shift your workplace to a new city to be closer to your family. Request your employer to authorise a transfer to a new office. In this letter:

1. Explain Your Request: State your desire to relocate to a new city to be closer to your family.
2. Specify the New Location: Request approval to transfer to a specific office in the desired city.
3. Set a Timeframe: Ask if the transfer can be arranged within a particular timeframe.

You have recently taken a taxi where you have left some of your important documents. Draft a letter to the taxi manager requesting help:

1. Describe the Incident: Detail where and when you left your important documents in the taxi.
2. Emphasise Importance: Explain why retrieving these documents is urgent and crucial for you.
3. Request Action: Ask the taxi manager to assist in locating and returning the documents, and suggest any specific steps you’d like them to take.

Sample Letters to Apologise

You have received a letter from the college asking for an explanation as to why you were absent on the day of the examination. You were suffering from a medical condition but failed to provide a medical certificate as evidence. Draft a letter to the concerned committee. 

Include the following in your letter:

1. Include Identification Details: Provide your student number and case number for proper identification.
2. Apologise for the Delay: Offer a sincere apology for not being able to submit the evidence as required.
3. Explain the Situation: Clarify what occurred and include any relevant evidence that supports your explanation.
4. Request Assistance: Ask the authority for guidance on how to resolve the issue and what steps you should take next.

You had recently appeared for 2 job interviews. You have been chosen by one, so you have to write a letter to the other explaining why you cannot take up the job. In the letter, provide:

1. Apologise: Express your regret for any inconvenience caused by your decision.
2. Explain the Situation: Clearly state the reason for your decision, emphasising that you have chosen to accept another offer that better aligns with your career goals.

IELTS Letter Writing Samples (Formal)

Subject: Application for [Job Title]

Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name],

I am excited to apply for the [Job Title] position at [Company Name]. With a degree in [Your Degree] from [Your University], I am confident that my strong academic background and hands-on experience make me a great fit for this role.

My previous role as [Your Previous Job Title] allowed me to develop [specific skills related to the job]. I successfully [mention a relevant achievement or responsibility], which I believe aligns with the goals of [Company Name].

I am particularly drawn to [Company Name] because of [specific reason related to the company’s values, projects, or culture]. I am eager to bring my skills and enthusiasm to your team and contribute to [Company Name]’s continued success.

Thank you for considering my application.

Best regards,
Shayon Shandilya

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IELTS General Writing Task 1: Informal Letter Samples 

Apart from formal letters, you might also encounter informal or semi-formal letters in the IELTS Writing section. While the structure and format of an informal letter are similar to a formal one, the tone and language you use will be quite different. Here’s a sample informal letter you can follow:

You borrowed a book from your classmate. However, you had failed to return the book before they left for their hometown. Write a letter to inform them of the book. Here’s what you are required to include in the letter:

• Notify Them: Let them know that you were unable to return the book on time.
• Apologise: Express your regret for the delay and any inconvenience caused.
• Outline Your Plan: Explain how you intend to return the book to them.

IELTS Letter Writing Sample (Informal): 

Dear [Classmate’s Name],

I hope you’re doing well and enjoying your time at home. I’m writing to let you know about the book I borrowed from you, which I unfortunately failed to return before you left for your hometown.

I apologise sincerely for not getting the book back to you on time. I understand how important it is to return borrowed items promptly and regret any inconvenience this may have caused.

To make sure you get the book as soon as possible, I plan to [explain your plan—e.g., “drop it off at your place before the end of this week” or “send it to you via courier”]. Please let me know if there’s a preferred method for returning the book or any other way I can assist.

Thank you for your understanding, and again, I’m sorry for the delay.

Best regards,
Shayon Shandilya 

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IELTS General Task 1 Grading Criteria

In the IELTS Writing task, achieving a high score involves more than just answering the prompt. To excel, you need to focus on several key criteria: task achievement, coherence and cohesion, lexical resource, and grammar range and accuracy. Here’s a detailed guide to help you understand what is expected in each area.

Task Achievement:

• Address all parts of the task prompt comprehensively.
• Develop a well-rounded response with detailed explanations.
• Ensure you cover all the required points.
• Maintain a word count of 150 words.

Coherence & Cohesion:

• Coherence: Arrange your ideas logically and present them in a clear, structured manner. Use distinct paragraphs to organize your thoughts.
• Cohesion: Ensure your ideas connect smoothly and make sense together. Employ standard expressions and transition words to guide the reader through your response.

Lexical Resource:

• Use a diverse range of vocabulary naturally and accurately.
• Pay attention to correct spelling.
• Choose appropriate words for your context and ensure correct word forms, such as verbs and nouns.

Grammar Range & Accuracy:

• Utilise a variety of grammatical structures.
• Incorporate different types of sentences, including simple, compound, and complex.
• Apply punctuation effectively and adhere to proper capitalisation rules.

By focusing on these criteria, you can enhance your writing skills and improve your performance in the IELTS Writing task. Ensure that your response is well-developed, cohesive, and grammatically accurate to achieve the best possible score.