IELTS General Writing Task 1 (Formal Letter): Sample & Tips

Writing a formal letter in the IELTS General Training exam can be a deciding factor for your score. In this task, you’ll be evaluated on your ability to communicate clearly, using the correct format, tone, and vocabulary. A well-structured letter that addresses all task requirements can significantly boost your writing score.

In the IELTS General Training Writing Task 1, you’re required to write a letter addressing a specific situation. It may be formal, informal, or semi-formal, but for this guide, we’ll focus on the formal letter format. This task evaluates your ability to communicate ideas clearly, convey specific details, and use appropriate language.

This guide offers a step-by-step approach to crafting a well-structured, high-scoring letter that meets IELTS standards. We’ll explore the key components, from understanding letter structure to using appropriate vocabulary and tone. Additionally, you’ll find practical tips to help meet the IELTS assessment criteria and sample prompts for reference. With these insights and a closer look at each element, you’ll have the skills to craft a polished letter with confidence.

Formal or Informal Letter? How To Tell The Difference

Your first task is to decide if the question requires you to write a formal letter or an informal letter. If you get this wrong, you’ll get a low score for Task Achievement. The two types of letter have a very different tone and style and the language you use will also vary. Let’s clarify what constitutes these letters and when to use them.

Characteristics of a Formal Letter

A formal letter is used to address someone you don’t know personally, such as an employer, service provider, or official. The tone should be professional and respectful, avoiding casual language, contractions, or slang.

A formal letter contains: 

• A respectful, polite tone suitable for professional or official communication.
• Precise language with no contractions, slang, or casual expressions.
• Clear, logical paragraphs, each addressing a specific point.
• Structured elements such as a formal greeting or closing etc.

An informal letter is: 

• Conversational and friendly in tone, suitable for writing to friends, family, or close acquaintances.
• Inclusive of personal language, contractions, and casual expressions.
• More flexible in structure, often starting with a casual greeting or a friendly sign off.
• Less rigidly structured paragraphs, flowing more naturally as a conversation.

Key Elements and Structure of a Formal Letter

Before writing an IELTS Formal letter, it is important to know the structure of the letter. All the formal letters have a similar structure. A letter needs to be written using a proper format, including the following: 

1. Salutation

This is the greeting at the beginning of a formal letter, which should address the recipient respectfully. Use “Dear Sir/Madam” if you don’t know their name, or “Dear [Name]” if their name is known.

2. Introduction

The introduction briefly states the purpose of the letter to give the reader context right away. Example: “I am writing to inquire about…” or “I am writing this letter to bring to your attention…”.
Clear purpose-setting in the first paragraph is essential for task achievement.

3. Body

The main section of the letter, where you expand on the purpose by providing details, explanations, or any necessary context. Use paragraphs to separate different points and ensure each point logically builds on the one before.

4. Closing

This section wraps up the letter, often with a polite request or statement about next steps. Summarise your main request or point, using phrases like: “I look forward to hearing from you soon” or “I expect to receive your response.”

5. Sign-Off

A formal way to end the letter, depending on whether you know the recipient’s name. Use “Yours sincerely” if you know their name or “Yours faithfully” if not, followed by your full name. It’s important that the greeting and closing match the formality level of the letter.

6. Appropriate Language and Tone

The tone of the letter is important. Using the right vocabulary is key to maintaining a good tone. For formal letters, use polite, concise language. Avoid using abbreviations, idioms, or overly familiar expressions. Instead, opt for professional language that gets your message across with respect.

Step-by-Step Guide to Writing a Formal IELTS Letter

Crafting a formal IELTS letter can be straightforward if you follow these structured steps:

Step 1: Analyze the Prompt

Begin by thoroughly reading the task prompt to understand its requirements.

• Identify the purpose of the letter
• Who the recipient is
• What key details you need to address

This helps ensure your letter aligns closely with the task requirements and will guide your tone, content, and structure.

Step 2: Plan Your Letter

Organize your ideas logically by planning a beginning, middle, and end. Outline the main points to include in your letter, such as:

• Reason for Writing: Start with why you’re writing the letter.
• Specific details: Include any supporting information, such as a relevant example.
• Request or Action: Conclude with what you’d like the recipient to do.

Structuring your ideas beforehand helps maintain a clear, cohesive flow.

Step 3: Write the Introduction

A formal letter should begin with an appropriate greeting and an opening line that introduces the purpose clearly. For instance:

“Dear Sir/Madam,

I am writing to inquire about…”

Step 4: Develop the Body

Structure your paragraphs so each one addresses a specific task requirement. Use clear, formal language to expand on each point, giving the necessary details.

Organize the main ideas across paragraphs:

• First Paragraph: Outline the issue or reason for writing.
• Middle Paragraph(s): Provide additional details or relevant examples.
• Final Paragraph: Clearly state any action you wish the recipient to take.

Ensure you answer all parts of the prompt, whether providing background information, 

explaining details, or making specific requests.

Step 5: Closing the Letter

Conclude your letter with a polite closing statement, such as “I look forward to your response,” followed by a suitable sign-off like “Yours sincerely” (if you know the recipient’s name) or “Yours faithfully” (if not). This gives your letter a professional finish, aligning with the formal tone throughout.

Common Mistakes to Avoid in IELTS Formal Letter

While writing, be mindful of these common pitfalls that could affect your score. Here are some essential common mistakes you can avoid and craft a high-scoring formal letter for IELTS Writing Task 1

• Avoid Informal Language and Contractions
  Maintain a formal tone by avoiding casual language, slang, and contractions like “can’t” or “won’t.” Stick to full forms like “cannot” and “will not” to meet the expectations of a formal letter.
• Failing to Address All Bullet Points
  Each IELTS letter prompt includes specific requirements, such as points you need to address. Failing to cover these can lower your score in the Task Achievement criterion. Make sure you understand and incorporate every part of the prompt.
• Check Grammar, Spelling, and Punctuation
  Errors in grammar, spelling, and punctuation can detract from clarity and make your writing look unprofessional. Proofread your letter to ensure accuracy, as this significantly affects your score in both the Grammatical Range and Accuracy criteria.
• Using Incorrect Salutation or Closing Phrases
  In formal letters, your salutation and closing must align with the tone. Use “Dear Sir/Madam” for unknown recipients, and close with “Yours faithfully.” If you know the name, address them by title and surname (e.g., “Dear Mr. Brown”) and close with “Yours sincerely.”
• Keep the Language Clear and Concise
  Avoid overly complex sentences or unnecessary fillers that can confuse your message. Be clear and concise, ensuring each sentence serves a purpose. This approach reflects professionalism and helps maintain a formal tone.
• Repeating Words or Phrases
  Repetition can make your letter sound redundant. Use a varied vocabulary, especially for expressing similar ideas, to keep the letter engaging and demonstrate a range of language skills. Writing vague or incomplete sentences Avoid being too general. Give enough detail in each part of the letter to address the prompt fully. Use specific examples where possible to add clarity and precision to your writing.

Together, these Tips for the IELTS Writing Exam will help enhance the clarity, tone, and effectiveness of your formal letters.

Sample Formal IELTS Letter

Tips for Scoring High in IELTS Formal Letter Writing

• Use Varied Vocabulary and Sentence Structures
  Repeating the same words or sentence patterns can make your writing sound basic. Instead, show a range of vocabulary and try to use different sentence types (simple, compound, complex) to express your ideas. For example, if you’re describing a delay, instead of repeatedly using “late,” try synonyms like “delayed,” “postponed,” or “held up.”
• Keep the Tone and Style Consistent
  Consistency in tone is vital in a formal letter. Keep your language polite and professional, avoiding casual expressions, slang, or overly personal remarks. This maintains the formal, respectful tone expected in IELTS Task 1.
• Proofread to Avoid Common Mistakes
  Set aside a few minutes at the end to review your letter for spelling, grammar, and punctuation mistakes. Even minor errors can lower your score, so double-check for things like missing commas, subject-verb agreement, and sentence structure.
• Understand the Prompt Thoroughly
  Take a moment to carefully read the question prompt to identify the purpose, recipient, and main details. This ensures that you address all parts of the task accurately.
• Understand and Address All Task Requirements
  Make sure your letter covers every prompt in the question, especially if specific points are outlined. If the task requires you to make a request, give reasons, or provide a solution, address each clearly to meet all requirements.
• Organize Your Letter Logically
  Arrange your letter with a clear beginning, middle, and end. Begin with an introduction that states your purpose, use separate paragraphs for each main point in the body, and finish with a closing summary or request. This logical flow makes your letter easier to read and more impactful.
• Stay Within the Word Count
  Aim for between 150-200 words, as under- or over-shooting the word count can affect your score. Staying within this range ensures your letter is concise and focused.
• Plan Your Structure
  A clear structure is essential in a formal letter. Divide your letter into sections: a short introduction stating the purpose, a body that covers each point logically, and a concise closing.

Conclusion

Excelling in the IELTS formal letter task comes down to understanding and applying the essentials: clear structure, appropriate tone, and careful attention to task requirements. By avoiding common pitfalls and following these tips, you can confidently approach each writing task and showcase your English proficiency effectively.

Remember, mastering these skills not only improves your writing score but also builds confidence in formal communication—a valuable skill beyond the IELTS exam. Crafting a winning IELTS Study plan can greatly enhance your score. For focused practice and guidance on achieving your target score, consider enrolling in an IELTS preparation course. Expert guidance can make all the difference, helping you avoid mistakes, improve your language skills, and reach your full potential in every section of the test.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How to Start a Formal Letter in IELTS Writing?

Ans: In IELTS Writing Task 1 (General Training), starting a formal letter effectively sets the tone for the rest of your response. Begin with a polite salutation like “Dear Sir/Madam” if the recipient’s name is unknown or “Dear Mr./Ms. [Last Name]” if you know it. Then, start the introduction by briefly stating the purpose of your letter. For instance, “I am writing to enquire about…,” or “I am writing to express my dissatisfaction with….” Keep your language clear, professional, and relevant to the situation outlined in the task.

Q: How to Write a Friendly Letter for IELTS?

Ans: For friendly (informal) letters, the IELTS task typically includes cues indicating that you’re addressing a friend or family member. Begin with a relaxed salutation, like “Dear [First Name],” followed by a warm introduction. You might start with a friendly phrase, such as, “I hope you’re doing well,” or “It’s been a while since we last spoke!” In the body, use casual language, contractions, and personal anecdotes to make the letter sound natural. Wrap up with a cheerful closing, such as “Take care” or “Looking forward to hearing from you,” followed by your first name.

Q: What Is Not Allowed in IELTS Writing?

Ans: Certain elements are best avoided in IELTS Writing, as they can lower your score. These include:

• Informal language or slang in formal letters, such as “hey,” “gonna,” or “cool.”
• Off-topic responses that stray from the task prompt.
• Overly complex or repetitive phrases that don’t add clarity.
• Spelling, punctuation, or grammar errors that make sentences unclear.
• Personal opinions: Stick to the topic and avoid expressing personal opinions unless specifically asked to do so.
• Plagiarism: Always use your own words and ideas.