IELTS General Writing Letter Types

IELTS General Training test is divided into two parts, namely – task 1 and task 2. The time allotted to complete the Writing test is 1 hour.

The first task of the IELTS General Training writing exam is letter writing. You will be provided a situation and based on it, You will be asked to write a letter in at least 150 words. It is suggested that you spend 20 minutes on Writing task 1. 

The letter topics you would be asked to write on are as follows:

• Formal 
• Semi-Formal
• Informal

Formal Letter

Formal letters are written to someone whom you do not know personally. You should begin the letter with an opening salutation like ‘Dear Sir/Madam.’ The body paragraphs should be informal in tone, covering all the bullet points in the question. Your sign-off should include closures like ‘Your faithfully.’ 

Sample Formal letter Question 

Sample Format:

Dear Sir/Ma’am

I am Florida Rose … Paraphrase the Question in the opening paragraph. 

Answer point 1 of the question in body paragraph 1 – Describe the areas where you can help

Address point 2 of the question in body paragraph 2 – Give the time period you are available

Conclude the letter by briefly referring to point 3 of the question – Ask some questions about the camp.

Yours faithfully

Florida Rose

Semi-Formal Letter

Semi-Formal letters are written to someone whom you only know formally. You should begin the letter with an opening salutation like ‘Dear Ms. Samantha.’ The body paragraphs should be in a semi-formal tone, covering all the bullet points asked in the question. Your sign-off should include closures like ‘Your Sincerely.’ 

Sample Semi-formal letter Question 

Sample Format:

Dear Ms. Samantha

I am writing this letter to… Paraphrase the question in the opening paragraph 

Address point 1 of the question in body paragraph 1 – Introduce that person. 

Address  point 2 of the question in body paragraph 2 – Why did you choose him/her.

Conclude the letter by briefly referring to point 3 of the question – what are the characteristics of a good employee. 

Yours Sincerely

Nitin Gupta

Informal Letter

Informal letters are written to someone whom you know personally. You should begin the letter with an opening salutation like ‘Dear Mahika.’ The body paragraphs should be in an informal tone, covering all the bullet points asked in the question. Your sign-off should include closures like ‘Warm Regards.’ 

Sample Informal letter Question 

Sample Format:

Dear Mahika

I hope this letter finds you in good health… Paraphrase the question in the opening paragraph 

Address to point 1 of the question in body paragraph 1 – Describe the photograph you sent to the competition

Address to point 2 of the question in body paragraph 2 – Tell him/her about the exhibition where your photo is presented

Conclude the letter by briefly referring to point 3 of the question – Invite him/her to the exhibition.

Warm love

Tanya 

Objective of Letters

When you get a task, the first thing you should do is: identify the letter’s objective. The letter’s aim helps you determine if the letter needs to be written in a formal, semi-formal, or informal format. To improve IELTS General Training letter writing skills, ensure your letter revolves around the objective in order to achieve the highest band score.

For Example:

Applying for a job

This type of letter requires you to write a job application letter in informal/formal format. 

Inviting someone

This type of letter requires you to invite someone to a party. It may be a friend, family member, or colleague. 

Making a apology

This type of letter requires you to write an apology to a friend, family member, colleague, or to someone for causing inconvenience.

Requesting Information

This type of letter requires you to write a letter to someone whom you may or may not know personally and ask for some information.