IELTS Exam  >  IELTS Notes  >  Writing for General Training IELTS  >  Writing Task 1: How to write a Formal letter

Writing Task 1: How to write a Formal letter | Writing for General Training IELTS PDF Download

State the purpose

Start your letter by clearly stating why you are writing, the purpose. The reason for writing your letter needs to be clearly presented in the opening paragraph. Make sure the purpose of the letter is in direct response to the situation outlined in the question.

Writing Task 1: How to write a Formal letter | Writing for General Training IELTS

Example opening paragraphs with a clear purpose presented:
Writing Task 1: How to write a Formal letter | Writing for General Training IELTS

Common IELTS General Training, Writing Task 1 situations may include:

Writing Task 1: How to write a Formal letter | Writing for General Training IELTS

Use the right tone

Let’s move on to the next feature in your letter that the examiner is looking for, the tone of your letter. The tone refers to the way in which you write the letter, formal or informal style. The instructions in the question will give you a clue.
Begin your letter as follows:
Writing Task 1: How to write a Formal letter | Writing for General Training IELTS

A formal letter contains: 

  • Longer sentences that use passive language (be + past participle) 
  • Modals (e.g. The broken light needs to be fixed to ensure that the customers who use this facility have adequate visibility of their surroundings.)

An informal letter is: 

  • Conversational 
  • Can include contractions (e.g. can’t) and more direct speech (e.g. Can you fix the light in the kitchen, so I don’t have an accident?)

The table shows some examples of formal and informal vocabulary and structures that you can use in your IELTS General Training Writing Task 1 response:
Writing Task 1: How to write a Formal letter | Writing for General Training IELTS

And finally, remember that the greeting and the closing salutation of an IELTS General Training, Writing Task 1 letter needs to match the style. For example:
Dear Sir/Madam ----------> Yours faithfully
Dear John ----------> Best wishes

Include bullet points presented in the question

When writing a letter as part of the IELTS General Training Writing Task 1, it is important to include the bullet points presented to you in the question.
The question in IELTS General Training Writing Task 1 will present you with:

  • A situation 
  • Who to write the letter to 
  • What you must include in the letter (the bullet points). 

All three bullet points need to be presented. And remember that some bullet points contain more than one element. So, make sure to watch for ‘and’ and plurals.
Let’s break down the following question.
An overseas friend wants to visit your country on holiday.
Write a letter to your friend. In your letter 

  • Recommend the best time of year to visit and why 
  • Describe the types of accommodation your friend could choose 
  • Say what you would like to show your friend in your country 

Write at least 150 words.
You do NOT need to write any addresses.
Begin your letter as follows:

Dear…
Look at the first bullet point and you will see it contains two elements. So, make sure you present both: 

  • 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.

Structure your letter

The final feature to look at in IELTS General Training, Writing Task 1 is the format of your letter. A letter needs to be written using a proper format, including the following:

  • A greeting (Dear sir/madam, Dear John, Dear Mr. Smith) 
  • The main body (consisting of paragraphs for each part of the letter) 
  • A closing (Yours sincerely, Yours faithfully, Best wishes, Kind regards, Love).

In the instructions you are told - You do NOT need to write any addresses – so do not include them.
This is an example of an informal letter:
Writing Task 1: How to write a Formal letter | Writing for General Training IELTS

Remember, to reach a higher band score for IELTS General Training Writing Task 1, - task achievement, you need to include each of these features in your letter. 

  • A clear purpose 
  • Appropriate tone 
  • Present and highlight all the bullet points 
  • Appropriate format
The document Writing Task 1: How to write a Formal letter | Writing for General Training IELTS is a part of the IELTS Course Writing for General Training IELTS.
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FAQs on Writing Task 1: How to write a Formal letter - Writing for General Training IELTS

1. How do I format a formal letter for the IELTS exam?
Ans. To format a formal letter for the IELTS exam, you should follow the standard format. Begin with your address and the date at the top right corner. Then, write the recipient's address on the left side, including their name, title, and organization (if applicable). Start the letter with a formal salutation such as "Dear Sir/Madam" or "To whom it may concern." Maintain a polite and professional tone throughout the letter, using appropriate language and avoiding contractions. Close the letter with a formal closing, such as "Yours faithfully" or "Yours sincerely," followed by your full name and signature.
2. What are the essential elements to include in a formal letter for the IELTS exam?
Ans. In a formal letter for the IELTS exam, you should include the following essential elements: 1. Your address and the date 2. Recipient's address, including name, title, and organization 3. Proper salutation 4. Introduction stating the purpose of the letter 5. Body paragraphs with clear and concise information supporting your purpose 6. Polite and professional language 7. Proper closing and signature 8. Correct grammar, punctuation, and spelling
3. How can I improve my formal letter writing skills for the IELTS exam?
Ans. To improve your formal letter writing skills for the IELTS exam, you can: 1. Familiarize yourself with the standard format of a formal letter. 2. Practice writing formal letters on various topics to enhance your vocabulary and grammar. 3. Read sample letters and analyze their structure, language, and tone. 4. Pay attention to the word limit and time management during the exam. 5. Seek feedback from a teacher or a native speaker to identify areas for improvement. 6. Use official IELTS preparation materials to practice writing tasks and get familiar with the assessment criteria. 7. Expand your knowledge of formal language and expressions commonly used in formal letters.
4. Is it necessary to use complex vocabulary and sentence structures in a formal letter for the IELTS exam?
Ans. While it is important to demonstrate a good command of vocabulary and sentence structures in a formal letter for the IELTS exam, it is not necessary to use excessively complex language. It is more crucial to focus on clarity, coherence, and accuracy. Use vocabulary and sentence structures that you are confident about and can use correctly. Avoid using jargon or overly technical language unless it is necessary for the topic. It is better to use simple and precise language rather than attempting to impress the examiner with complex vocabulary and sentence structures that may lead to mistakes.
5. Can I use contractions in a formal letter for the IELTS exam?
Ans. No, it is recommended to avoid using contractions in a formal letter for the IELTS exam. Contractions such as "don't," "can't," or "won't" should be written in their full forms, such as "do not," "cannot," or "will not." Using contractions in a formal letter may give a less formal and less professional impression. Therefore, it is advisable to use the full forms of words to maintain a formal tone throughout the letter.
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