For IELTS General Training Writing Task 1, you must write a letter based on information provided in a prompt. The letter you write will be either formal or informal letter. In this post, you’ll find writing prompts, templates, and model answers for formal and informal letters.
A formal letter is addressed to someone you have never met (an insurance representative, someone in customer support, a city council member, mayor). You often don’t know the name of the person to whom you are writing. Also, a formal letter can be addressed to someone you know but have a professional relationship with (a manager, boss, teacher, or landlord).
Types of letters that are often formal:
First, take a look at the prompt:
You recently read about a volunteer opportunity overseas. Write a letter to ask about applying. In your letter:
Write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write any addresses.
Begin your letter as follows:
Okay, let’s look at the topic and who we are writing. The topic is an enquiry into a volunteer opportunity and you don’t know who you’ll write in the organization. So this will be a formal letter and that means using formal openings, closings, and tone. Here’s a template we can use.
Dear Sir/Madam,I am writing this letter with regard to __________ .
[Response to the first bullet point.]
[Response to the second bullet point]
[Response to the third bullet point]
[Call to action, expression of thanks, or request for a response.]
Yours faithfully,
Your full name
In response to that prompt, here’s a General Training formal letter sample.
Dear Sir/Madam:I am writing this letter with regard to the volunteer opportunity for doctors I saw advertised in the Daily Mail.
As described in the advertisement, the position you are seeking to fill is for a doctor with a desire to travel to Africa for six months of the year. I understand that the position would not require treating unusual diseases, but instead would primarily focus on general preventative measures and practices.
This appeals to me on several levels. I find the medical work here fascinating, and I have always loved to travel. In the past, I have gone to various East African countries, but I very much look forward to visiting other parts of the continent.
My experience and skills make me an excellent fit for this position. As a general practitioner, I believe I am well qualified to assist your organization’s patients. Additionally, my superiors have frequently noted by ability to adapt well to new situations.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Yours faithfully,
Rachel Dale
For more recommendations on formal language, take a look at the table the IDP offers.
Here are some IELTS Writing Task General Training prompt topics you can use to get started! You can respond to these using the IELTS General Writing Task 1 model answers above.
Click here to view prompt #1
You saw a travel agency’s advertisement for a vacation abroad. Write a letter to inquire about booking this trip. In your letter:
Write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write any addresses.
Begin your letter as follows:
Dear ___________,
Click here to view prompt #2
You read about a job opportunity. Write a letter to ask about applying. In your letter:
Write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write any addresses.
Begin your letter as follows:
Dear ___________,
Click here to view prompt #3
You purchased a gift for a friend. However, she never received it. Write a letter to the company. In your letter:
Write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write any addresses.
Begin your letter as follows:
Dear ___________,
Click here to view prompt #4
You are planning a holiday and wish to purchase travel insurance. Write a letter to the manager of the insurance company. In your letter:
Write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write any addresses.
Begin your letter as follows:
Dear ___________,
Click here to view prompt #5
You recently dropped and broke your mobile telephone. Fortunately, it was insured. Write a letter to the mobile carrier requesting a telephone repair. In your letter:
Write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write any addresses.
Begin your letter as follows:
In comparison to formal letters, personal or informal letters are written to people that you know. For IELTS General Training task 1, these can cover a range of situations: from addressing friends and family members to making a suggestion to a colleague.
Unlike in a formal letter, you know the person to whom you’re writing and the topic is less formal. This means that you can address them by their specific name and bring up relevant details in your letter.
Types of letters that are often personal or informal:
We offer a lot more detail on General Training Writing, tips, and examples on our blog.
First, here’s a sample prompt:
You recently received an invitation to a dinner party at your friend’s house. Write a letter to accept the invitation. In your letter:
Write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write any addresses.
Begin your letter as follows:
The prompt has clear signals that you’ll write an informal letter. You are writing to a friend about a party. That means you’ll use more casual language, openings, and closings than you would in a formal letter.
Here’s an IELTS Writing Task 1 general template you could use to write a model answer to an informal letter:
Dear Samantha,I hope you are doing well. I am writing about ____________.
[Response to the first bullet point.]
[Response to the second bullet point]
[Response to the third bullet point]
[Call to action, expression of thanks, or request for a response.]
Best regards
Your first name
Now that you’ve seen the template, you can use it to construct a model letter! Here’s an example letter of how you could respond to the above prompt.
Dear Samantha,I hope you’re doing well. I am writing about the invite to your dinner party this Thursday night.
I’ll be happy to come! It’s been a while since we’ve seen each other, and I can’t wait to hear about your new job. It will also be lovely to see John after all this time. And please tell him hello for me right away, and let him know I look forward to seeing him. I’ve missed him so much.
In fact, I’m looking forward to the party for a number of reasons. Beyond the pleasure of your company, I always love your cooking. The chicken that you made last time was delicious! With you in charge of the meal, we are guaranteed an excellent evening.
As for me, I would be glad to bring something to the table myself. Could I perhaps bake a cake for dessert, or bring a bottle of wine? Let me know.
Looking forward to seeing you soon.
All the best,
Rachel
If you want more practice with personal/informal letters, read on! Here are additional prompts for informal letter writing for IELTS General Training.
Click here to view prompt #1
A colleague at work has recently done you a favor. Write a letter to your colleague. In your letter:
Write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write any addresses.
Begin your letter as follows:
Dear ___________,
Click here to view prompt #2
You recently forgot a family member’s birthday. Write a letter to your family member. In your letter:
Write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write any addresses.
Begin your letter as follows:
Dear ___________,
Click here to view prompt #3
You would like to invite your friend to go on holiday with you. Write a letter inviting your friend. In your letter:
Write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write any addresses.
Begin your letter as follows:
Dear ___________,
Click here to view prompt #4
You received an unexpected gift from a family member. Write a letter thanking them for the gift. In your letter:
Write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write any addresses.
Begin your letter as follows:
Dear ___________,
Click here to view prompt #5
Your family cannot agree on where to spend the upcoming holidays. Write a letter to your parents with a suggestion. In your letter:
Write at least 150 words. You do NOT need to write any addresses.
Begin your letter as follows:
I hope this has helped! As you continue to prepare for test day, don’t forget to check out Magoosh’s Complete Guide to IELTS Writing.
Eliot Friesen-Meyers is the Senior Curriculum Manager for Magoosh IELTS and TOEFL. He attended Goshen College (B.A.), New York University (M.A.), and Harvard University (M.T.S.), gaining experience and skills in curriculum development, ESOL instruction, online teaching and learning, and IELTS and TOEFL test prep education. Eliot’s teaching career started with Literacy Americorps in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and later, taught ESL programs at Northeastern University, University of California-Irvine, and Harold Washington College. Eliot was also a speaker at the 2019 TESOL International Conference. With over 10 years of experience, he understands the challenges students face and loves helping them overcome those challenges. Come join Eliot on Youtube, Facebook, and Instagram. Recent blog posts Complete Guide to IELTS Writing Task 1 Complete Guide to IELTS Writing Task 2 View all posts
