IELTS General Writing Task 1 Practice Tests - Band 8+ Expert Strategies with Sample Answers

The IELTS General Writing Task 1 Practice Tests provides you with an opportunity to assess yourself in the exam environment. Since these tests simulate the actual exam setting, you will get a practical experience which will help you to look at the areas of improvement. These 30 IELTS General Writing task 1 practice tests will be for 20 minutes and you will be asked to write a letter which accounts for 33% of your scores. 

Even though it contains questions and sample answers, it is ideal that you first attempt them by yourself and then look at the sample answers. With this strategy, you can enhance your writing skills which will help you to achieve a band score of 8+. 

Band 8+ Expert Strategies to Use the IELTS General Writing Task 1 Practice Tests

As you dive into the IELTS General Writing Task 1 Practice Tests, it is recommended to have a few strategies so that you can use them to your advantage. With consistent practice sessions, you will not only improve your skills but also become aware of your IELTS Band Score. The following are some of the band 8+ expert strategies which will help you in your preparation for the letter writing question in writing task 1.

• It is ideal to not just look at the questions and go through the answers. Instead, you can try attempting to answer the questions yourself first so that you get an idea as to how you are progressing.
• Put the timer on since you need to complete answering the questions within 20 minutes. Get familiar with the time frame so that you would be able to prepare yourself for the actual exam day.
• Since there are different topics, you should enhance your IELTS Vocabulary words so that you can use appropriate words based on the topic.
• Read the question carefully so that you would be able to identify the type of letter. This will make you confident and also well aware of the tone to be used based on the letter type.
• Practice incorporating the brainstorming structure so that you would know how much time to take to organize your thoughts. 
• Use different sentence structures to showcase your ability to use the main topics from IELTS Grammar effectively.
• Always review your work so that you would know which areas you need to work on.

Want to learn how to answer different letter types from the IELTS Writing Task 1 General? Check out the video below!

How to Attempt the IELTS General Writing Task 1 Practice Tests?

Before you look at the IELTS General Writing Task 1 Practice Tests, you need to first understand the approach to be followed. Since you will encounter different types of letters such as the formal, IELTS Writing Task 1 Informal , and semi-formal letter, there are certain tips which can help you.

• Plan your letter according to the type of essay. Each type of letter has a dedicated vocabulary word.
• Decide the structure of the letter, based on the type identified.
• Decide on how to start writing the letter by identifying the right kind of greeting.
• Decide on how to close the letter by identifying the right signoff.
• Read the question statement along with the three bullet points given with it. Compose the body paragraphs of the letter in such a way that it addresses all parts of the question.
• Make sure you understand the type of letter before beginning to write the letter. Since there are IELTS Letter Writing Topics, you need to understand why you are writing the letter.
• Make use of the right sentence structures. Pay special attention to the language used to write the letter (varies based on the type of letter) and tone.
• Use idioms, slangs, phrasal verbs and reductions in appropriate places.
• Read through the letter you have written for any kind of spelling mistake. You are marked for your spellings.

Tips to review your practice tests:

Ensure that the following checklist is met once you have completed the IELTS task 1 letter. 

Explanation for the checklist:

1 Did I identify the type of the letter correctly?

Letters are of three types. They are:

• IELTS Writing Task 1 Formal – Letter to someone you don’t know 
• IELTS Writing Task 1 Semi formal – Letter to someone you know formally
• IELTS Writing Task 1 Informal – Letter to someone you know personally

You should identify which of the three types the question falls into. It is the most important step as this will decide the rest of the letter.

2 Did I jot down the right IELTS writing vocabulary for the type chosen?

There is a dedicated vocabulary for each type.

Examples :

3 Did I understand what category the letter falls into? (Eg: Complaints)

There are many topics which can also be called as categories. Some of them are:

• Complaints
• Apology
• Explanation
• Recommendation
• Request
• Invitation

4 Did I address the letter aim?

Aim refers to the purpose of the letter. It means the following:

After identifying the category, using the right words to address it.

5 Did I address the three bullet points under the question?

There will be three bullet points given under each question. You should ensure that you have addressed all parts of the question

6 Did I choose the right language to write the letter?

Choosing the right language is very important. Language varied based on letter type.

Example: For the IELTS Writing Task 1 Formal, you won’t be using contractions like “I’ll”. It will be “I will”.

7 Did I make use of idioms, phrasal verbs ,slangs and reduction based on type of the letter?

Example: In formal letters we won’t be using the following :

• Idioms: “Python coding is a cakewalk for her”. Instead you should prefer “python coding is very easy for her.”
• Phrasal verbs: “The company cut down its costs”. Instead, “the company reduced its expenditure.”
• Slangs: “That makes 100 bucks”. Instead you should use, “That makes 100 dollars”.
• Reduction: “It’s gonna be alright.” Instead you should use “It’s going to be alright”.

8 Have I organised the letter in paragraphs ensuring coherence and cohesion?

Ensuring logical flow in the paragraphs . Choosing one central idea for each paragraph etc . Therefore, you need to first learn How to Use Transitions and Linking Words in IELTS Writing.

9 Did I compose the sentence structures properly?

This would ensure that you are using the right sentence structures.

IELTS General Writing letter samples

Here is the list of 30 IELTS General Writing Task 1 Practice Tests. Do not look at the answers. Try writing on your own and compare your answers.

With the right strategies, you will be able to enhance your writing skills while aiming to achieve a band 8+ in the IELTS Exam. By understanding the appropriate tone and structure, you would know how to approach different letter types. Dive into the IELTS General Writing Task 1 Practice Tests and elevate your IELTS preparation. Stay calm, practice regularly, and review your answer.

Also Check: 

• IELTS General Writing Task 1: Letter Writing Samples and Tips
• IELTS General Writing Task 1 Tips
• IELTS Suggestion Letter: Structure, Useful Phrases & Samples
• IELTS General Writing Task 1 Samples with Answers
• IELTS Writing Practice Tests 2025: A Complete Checklist to Improve Your Score