Summary: Learn how to excel the IELTS General Writing Task 1 with a structured approach, practical tips, and clear examples. This blog explains IELTS General Writing Task 1 letter formats, tones, structures, and sample questions to help you score higher.
How to write IELTS General Writing Task 1 letter?
Wondering how to write a perfect letter in the IELTS General Writing Task 1? You’re not alone! Whether it’s writing to a landlord about a broken heater or sending travel tips to a friend visiting your country, GT Writing Task 1 often leaves test takers asking: “What tone do I use?”, “How do I start?”, or “Do I need to cover all points?” The truth is – letter writing in the IELTS General Test isn’t as old-fashioned as it sounds. It’s all about clear communication in real-world situations. And once you know the format, tone, and tips, you’ll feel confident and in control of your response. So, let explore it further.
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What is IELTS General Writing Task 1?
IELTS General Writing Task 1, also known as GT Writing Task 1, is part of the IELTS General Training test where you are required to write a letter. The letter could be formal, semi-formal, or informal, depending on the situation.
In this task, you’ll be assessed on your ability to:
Express ideas clearly and appropriately
Follow a suitable letter structure
Match the tone to the situation
Cover all bullet points provided in the task prompt
What types of letters appear in IELTS General Writing Task 1?
Knowing the types of letters is key to mastering IELTS letter writing. The writing prompts generally fall into one of the following categories:
Formal Letters | Informal Letters |
|---|---|
Complaint, Enquiry, Request, Advice | Invitation, Thanks, Suggestion, Help |
Recommendation, Application | Asking for Favour, Travel Tips, Update |
Tip: Use a formal tone when writing to strangers or authorities; use informal when writing to friends or close acquaintances.
How do I structure my GT Writing Task 1 letter?
The ideal structure for IELTS General Writing Task 1 includes:
Greeting – e.g. Dear Sir/Madam, Dear John
Opening line – State the purpose clearly
3 body paragraphs – Each paragraph should cover one bullet point
Closing statement – Wrap up with a concluding remark
Sign-off – e.g. Yours faithfully, Best wishes
Example: If the task says: Write a letter to a friend coming to visit your country. Include: best time to visit, accommodation options, and places to see.
Then structure your paragraphs like:
Best time to visit + reasons
Types of accommodation
Attractions to explore
Explore more: Free samples of IELTS General Writing task 1 letters
What do examiners look for in IELTS General Writing Task 1?
Criteria | What it means |
|---|---|
Task Achievement | Did you answer all bullet points in full detail? |
Coherence and Cohesion | Is your letter logically organized with smooth transitions? |
Lexical Resource | Are you using varied and appropriate vocabulary? |
Grammatical Range | Are your sentences grammatically accurate and diverse? |
How to choose the right tone: Formal vs Informal letters
Choosing the correct tone is vital in IELTS General Writing task 1.
Style | When to use | Greeting | Ending |
|---|---|---|---|
Formal | Writing to companies, officials | Dear Sir/Madam | Yours faithfully |
Informal | Writing to friends, relatives | Dear John, | Best wishes |
Maintain consistent tone throughout. Don’t mix formal and informal language.
How can I address bullet points effectively in Task 1 GT?
Each IELTS letter question provides 3 bullet points. These form the core of your letter.
Example prompt:
Write to your landlord explaining a problem in your apartment. Include:
What the problem is
How it’s affecting you
What you want them to do
You should dedicate one paragraph to each point. Use linking words to transition smoothly between paragraphs.
Now, let's analyse a sample IELTS General Writing task 1 question in detail
Write at least 150 words.
You do NOT need to write any addresses. Begin your letter as follows: Dear…
The best time of the year to visit
Why it is the best time to visit
Look at the second bullet point and you will see you will that you have to describe ‘types’ of accommodation. So, remember to watch for plurals.
First type of accommodation
Second type of accommodation
Example for the first bullet point, covering both elements (when and why): Most people visit Brisbane in the summer months, but I think it’s far too hot then. The best time to visit is between April and June, our autumn season. It’s still sunny, but much cooler and not as humid as the summer.
Read more: How to prepare for General IELTS General Training Writing Task 2
Choose the correct structure for your letter in IELTS General Writing Task 1
Now let's consider the final aspect of IELTS General Training Writing Task 1, which is the structure of your letter. It is essential to hold on to the proper format when writing your letter, including the following elements:
Greeting:
Begin your letter with an appropriate greeting, such as "Dear sir/madam," "Dear John," or "Dear Mr. Smith."
Main body:
The main body of your letter should consist of paragraphs, each addressing a different part or topic of the letter.
Closing:
Conclude your letter with a suitable closing, such as "Yours sincerely," "Yours faithfully," "Best wishes," "Kind regards," or "Love," depending on the level of formality and your relationship with the recipient.
Important note: In the given instructions, it states that you do not need to include any addresses in your letter. Therefore, avoid including any addresses within the letter.
Example of an IELTS General Writing task 1 informal letter
Dear Andrew, | Opening salutations or greetings must be included in appropriate letter format. |
|---|---|
I was pleased to hear that you're going to visit Brisbane, so I'm writing to give you some information to think about before you come. | State the purpose of the letter in the opening paragraph. |
Most people travel to Brisbane in the summer months, but I think it's uncomfortably hot at that time of the year. Autumn is the best season, between April and June. It's still sunny, but much cooler than in summer. | The first bullet point is presented and highlighted in a separate paragraph. |
At the moment, all our bedrooms are full, so unfortunately, we can't put you up. However, there are some cheap places to stay, like Airbnb's, in our suburb. You could also stay in a serviced apartment in the city centre or on the Gold Coast. There are lots of specials online, so I'm sure you'll find somewhere affordable. | The second bullet point is presented and highlighted in a separate paragraph. |
When you get here, let me be your tourist guide. I'll take you to Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, where you can feed kangaroos and koalas. I can also drive you to the Gold Coast for a swim. To add excitement, we can visit the theme parks there too. | Third bullet point is presented and highlighted in a separate paragraph. |
Looking forward to catching up | Concluding letter (rounding off statement). |
Best wishes | Closing salutation must be included for appropriate letter format. |
Laurel | Your name, to make the letter look realistic. |
5 tips to score Band 8 in IELTS General Writing Task 1
Understand the letter type – Formal or Informal?
Address all 3 bullet points clearly
Use varied vocabulary (e.g. "purchase" instead of "buy")
Mind your grammar and spelling
Stick to the format: Opening ➝ Body ➝ Closing
If you want to know more about the IELTS General Training test or anything about the IELTS test, in that case, you can visit to your nearest IDP IELTS test centres.
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