In General Training Writing Task 1, you are required to write a formal, semi-formal, or informal letter based on a given situation.

You must explain the purpose, provide necessary details, and use the appropriate tone and style. 

• Task Achievement: Covers all bullet points and purpose clearly 

• Coherence & Cohesion: Clear structure, logical flow 

• Lexical Resource: Appropriate vocabulary, accurate expressions 

• Grammar Range & Accuracy: Varied and accurate sentence structures 

✅ Read the question carefully: identify the purpose and tone

✅ Cover all bullet points

✅ Use paragraphs: 4 is ideal

✅ Mind your opening & closing

✅ Adjust formality (Dear Sir vs. Hi Jake)

• Modal verbs (could, would, should)
  
  

• Conditional forms
  
  

• Polite requests and offers
  
  

• Reported actions and time references

Formal

• I am writing to...

• Just a quick note to...

• I wanted to let you know...

Semi-Formal

• I would appreciate if...

• I was wondering if...

• Can you...

Informal

• Yours faithfully

• Best wishes

• Cheers

You are moving to a new city for work. Write a letter to a real estate agent. In your letter:

• Explain why you are moving

• Describe the kind of accommodation you want

• Say when you need to move in

Dear Sir or Madam,

I am writing to request your assistance in finding a suitable rental apartment, as I will be relocating to Bristol in the last week of July for a new job opportunity. I have recently accepted a position as a project manager with a logistics company based in the city centre.

I am seeking a fully furnished one-bedroom flat in a quiet and safe neighbourhood, preferably within 30 minutes of the city centre by public transport. The apartment should have reliable internet access, a washing machine, heating, and ideally a small balcony or nearby green space. Proximity to a grocery store would also be appreciated.

My intended move-in date is the 25th of July. If any properties matching this description are currently available or will be listed soon, I would be grateful if you could share the details, including monthly rent, lease terms, and photographs.

Thank you in advance for your support. I look forward to your response.

Yours faithfully,
Michael Lee

🎯 Want to write your own version and get feedback? Try our IELTS Writing Practice App 

Situation: You need to take a few days off from work. Write a letter to your manager.

You should include:

• Explain why you need time off

• Say how long you will be away

• Suggest how your work can be covered

Dear Mr. Thompson,

I hope you're well. I am writing to formally request three days of leave from Wednesday, October 12th to Friday, October 14th. I need to travel to Edinburgh to assist my parents with some urgent legal proceedings regarding their property. My presence is required at a scheduled meeting with their solicitor, and I will also help them prepare several official documents.

I will resume work on Monday, October 17th. In the meantime, I have already spoken with David Chen, and he is happy to handle any client queries in my absence. I will also finish all reports and prepare the marketing proposal ahead of time to ensure a smooth workflow.

During my leave, I will remain available by email and mobile should anything critical arise. I will also check messages periodically to stay updated.

Thank you for your understanding and support. Please let me know if any formal paperwork needs to be submitted.

Best regards,
Amina Farouk

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You have recently stayed at your friend’s house for a few days. Write a letter to your friend. In your letter:

• Thank them for the stay

• Describe what you enjoyed

• Offer an invitation to your home

Hi Sophie,

I just wanted to thank you so much for letting me stay at your place last weekend. It was honestly the perfect little escape I needed, and I really appreciated how welcoming and thoughtful you were the entire time.

I especially enjoyed our long chats over breakfast and that walk by the lake on Sunday afternoon — the view was amazing! Your homemade pasta was delicious too, and I’d love to try making it myself (though I doubt it’ll taste as good as yours).

Now it’s your turn! You’ve got to come visit me soon. There’s a new art gallery in town I know you’ll love, and we could even spend the evening at that rooftop café I told you about. I’m free most weekends in the next few weeks, so let me know when you're up for it.

Can’t wait to catch up again!

Lots of love,
Rachel

🎯 Want to write your own version and get feedback? Try our IELTS Writing Practice App 

Use the letter prompts below to simulate real IELTS test conditions and improve your writing confidence. Here’s how:

1. Set a timer for 20 minutes — just like the actual test.

2. Read the question carefully — identify the tone (formal, semi-formal, informal) and task purpose.

3. Plan your letter — write 4 paragraphs:

   • Opening & purpose

   • Bullet point 1

   • Bullet point 2

   • Bullet point 3 + closing

4. Write at least 150 words — stay focused and organized.

5. Review your tone and accuracy — check grammar, paragraphing, and vocabulary.

6. Repeat the same task later to improve structure and precision.
   
   

💡 Use the model answers above for comparison only after completing your own draft.

Before writing, keep these expert tips in mind:

✅ Understand the tone:

• • Use formal tone for officials or businesses.

  • Use semi-formal tone for professional acquaintances.

  • Use informal tone for friends and family.
    
    

✉️ Always include these letter elements:

• • Appropriate greeting and closing

  • Clear purpose in the opening

  • Organized paragraphs with logical flow

  • Natural transitions between ideas
    
    

✏️ Use common functional language:

• • Making a request: “I would be grateful if...”

  • Offering help: “Let me know if I can assist...”

  • Apologizing: “I sincerely regret...”

⚠️ Avoid contractions in formal letters (e.g., write “I am” not “I’m”).

💬 Target 160–180 words for strong lexical range without overextension.

1. Complaint to a Service Provider

You recently bought a product online, but it arrived damaged.
Write a letter to the customer service department of the company. In your letter:

• explain what the problem is

• request a replacement or refund

• suggest what the company should do to improve service
  
  

2. Request for Information (Course Inquiry)
You are interested in taking a short cooking course in a different city.
Write a letter to the course organizer. In your letter:

• describe your background in cooking

• say what kind of course you are looking for

• ask about fees and accommodation options

3. Leave Request to Employer
You want to request some time off work to attend a family event.
Write a letter to your manager. In your letter:

• explain the reason for the time off

• say how long you will be away

• suggest how your work can be handled during your absence
  
  

4. Letter to a Landlord (Problem with Apartment)
You are renting an apartment, and the heating system has stopped working.
Write a letter to your landlord. In your letter:

• explain the issue

• describe how it is affecting you

• request urgent repair
  
  

5. Thanking a Colleague
You recently completed a project at work with the help of a colleague.
Write a letter to your colleague. In your letter:

• express your appreciation

• describe what you enjoyed about working together

• offer to collaborate again in the future
  
  

6. Thanking a Friend for Hospitality
You stayed with a friend during your recent trip.
Write a letter to your friend. In your letter:

• thank them for their hospitality

• describe what you enjoyed during the stay

• invite them to visit you soon
  
  

7. Giving Advice to a Friend
Your friend is struggling to balance work and study.
Write a letter to your friend. In your letter:

• acknowledge the problem

• offer some advice

• share your own experience
  
  

8. Inviting a Friend to an Event
You are organizing a small celebration for your birthday.
Write a letter to your friend. In your letter:

• invite them to the event

• give details about the time, date, and location

• suggest accommodation options nearby
  
  

9. Apologizing to a Friend
You borrowed something from your friend but lost or damaged it.
Write a letter to your friend. In your letter:

• explain what happened

• apologize sincerely

• offer to replace or repair the item
  
  

10. Sharing Good News
You’ve just received great news about a new job.
Write a letter to your friend. In your letter:

• share the news

• describe the role and why you’re excited

• suggest a time to catch up and celebrate