IELTS General Writing Task 1: Sample Formal Letters

Nehasri Ravishenbagam

9 min read

Updated On Apr 17, 2025

Want to achieve a band 8+ in IELTS General Writing Task 1? Master IELTS General Writing Task 1 - Sample Formal Letters by looking at the sample letters, clear structures, and top tips which will help you ace the test and raise your IELTS Band Score.

Understanding the IELTS General Writing Task 1
Structure of IELTS General Writing Task 1 : Formal Letter
Tips for Success in IELTS General Writing Task 1 - Sample Formal Letters for a Band 8+
Common Mistakes to Avoid in the IELTS General Writing Task 1 - Sample Formal Letters
List of IELTS General Writing Task 1 - Sample Formal Letters
Example of IELTS General Writing Task 1 - Sample Formal Letters

Effective IELTS Essay Connectors for Writing Task 2 & Task 1

The IELTS Writing Task 1 is a critical component of the IELTS General exam which is designed to assess your ability to communicate effectively in writing for everyday situations. As you prepare for the IELTS General Writing Task 1, you might need to write a formal letter. In this type of letter, you will be examined based on your ability to communicate coherently and clearly in formal situations such as writing a letter to complain, request, or writing an application.

In order to achieve a band 8+ in the IELTS exam, you need to learn all about the perfect trick on how to write an IELTS formal letter. Therefore, get familiar with the valuable insights and examples of IELTS General Writing Task 1 - Sample Formal Letters to help you excel in this section. Additionally, get hold of the IELTS formal letter sample PDF at the end to practice this letter type regularly and assess your progress with the model answers.

So, why wait any longer? Let's start this journey now!

Understanding the IELTS General Writing Task 1

In this Writing Task, one needs to attempt writing a letter which may be formal, semi-formal, or informal, depending on the situation. Therefore, it is necessary for you to be aware of the IELTS General Writing letter types before you start writing. In Formal letters, candidates are presented with a specific situation and asked to write a letter to someone they do not know personally. This task evaluates your ability to convey information clearly and concisely in a formal tone, organize your thoughts effectively, and use appropriate language and expressions.

The table below showcases the difference among the three types of letters which will help you understand them.

Aspect	Formal Letter	Semi-formal Letter	Informal Letter
Purpose	Professional or Official situations where you do not know the person	Official context where you know the person but formally	Personally know the individual
Salutation	Dear Sir / Madam	Dear Mr. / Dear Ms.	Dear [First name of the person]
Tone	Formal	Polite	Casual
Language	No contractions and use formal as well as respectful vocabulary	Limited contractions with formal language	Contractions and informal expressions

Before we dive into the IELTS General Writing Task 1 formal letter samples, it’s essential to understand the structure of a formal letter in the context of the IELTS General Writing Task 1. So, get ready to break down the IELTS General formal letter structure!

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Structure of IELTS General Writing Task 1 : Formal Letter

Before you start preparing for the IELTS Writing section, you must be aware of the structure to be used. Remember that you need to know how to write the formal letter before you start practising. Therefore, let's check out the key features of a formal letter which comprises the following components mentioned in the table below.

Topic	Description
Salutation	A formal greeting, such as “Dear Sir/Madam”
Introduction	The opening paragraph that briefly introduces yourself and the purpose of the letter.
Main Body	Several paragraphs that provide details, explanations, or requests.
Conclusion	A closing paragraph summarizing the key points or actions required.
Complimentary Close	A formal closing phrase like “Yours Faithfully”
Signature	Your signature (if it’s a real letter, but not required in the IELTS exam).
Name	Your full name, printed below the signature.

Breakdown of the Structure of IELTS General Writing Task 1 - Formal Letters

Let us get into the detailed explanation of each part of the formal letter IELTS sample for the IELTS Writing Task 1.

1. Salutation

The letter’s opening salutation should begin with ‘dear’ and never use the receiving person’s name in formal letters. Instead, use sir or ma’am along with the greeting.

For example:

Dear Sir/Ma’am

2. Body Paragraph 1

This is also known as the opening paragraph. It includes the purpose of the letter, as to what you are going to discuss in the letter. You can paraphrase the question and write it in such a manner that it appears to be part of the letter.

3. Body Paragraph 2

This paragraph includes the supporting details covering all the bullet points mentioned below the question. Close the paragraph with 1 or 2 concluding lines.

4. The Complementary closure

This closure is not mandatory, but you can include a few words or a single line. It will help you enhance your test scores.

For example:

Looking forward to hearing from you

I look forward to a positive response from your end.

5. Closing Salutation

The closing salutation of the formal letter includes your best regards and your full name along with it.

For example:

Yours Faithfully,

Apoorva Dua

Remember that the tone of the formal letter should be polite. Unlike the IELTS Informal Letter, you cannot use abbreviations and acronyms. Use of these words will make you look unprofessional in your letter. Therefore, always look at the tone and the style you are following throughout your formal letter.

Outline of the IELTS General Writing Task 1 - Formal Letters

The structure of the letter writing is crucial, whether you are attempting to write formal, informal, or IELTS Semi-Formal Letter. As you practice writing, remember that the letter should follow the same sequence as the bullet points provided in the question. Here is an outline of the IELTS formal letter that you can use for achieving a band score of 8+ in the IELTS exam.

Dear Sir/Ma’am, (OPENING SALUTATION)

I am writing this letter to ________________ (INTRODUCTION) [Mention the purpose of the letter + Bullet Point 1]

____________________________ (BODY PARAGRAPH 1) [Elaborate Bullet Point 2]

____________________________ (BODY PARAGRAPH 2) [Elaborate Bullet Point 3]

I look forward to a positive response from your end. (COMPLIMENTARY CLOSE)

Yours Faithfully,

Garima Verma (CLOSING SALUTATION)

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Tips for Success in IELTS General Writing Task 1 - Sample Formal Letters for a Band 8+

To excel in the IELTS General Writing Task 1, consider the following IELTS Exam Preparation Tips for Band Score of 8+:

Practice regularly: Use writing practice tests to write formal letters on various topics to enhance your skills.
Plan your response: Spend a few minutes outlining your letter before writing.
Vocabulary: Use a range of vocabulary to express your ideas effectively.
Grammar and punctuation: Pay attention to correct usage of IELTS Grammar and vocabulary.
Time management: Allocate the right amount of time for each letter.

Common Mistakes to Avoid in the IELTS General Writing Task 1 - Sample Formal Letters

While answering the IELTS General Writing Task 1 formal letter questions, candidates often make some mistakes. So, the most common mistakes are listed below to help you avoid them during your preparation:

Not adhering to the formal letter structure: Ensure you include all necessary components.
Using overly informal language: Maintain a formal tone throughout the letter and use appropriate IELTS Vocabulary.
Inadequate detail: Provide sufficient information to address the situation effectively.
Grammar and spelling errors: Proofread your letter to avoid mistakes.
Word count: Stick to the recommended word count (at least 150 words).

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List of IELTS General Writing Task 1 - Sample Formal Letters

Now, let’s explore three sample formal letters that demonstrate different scenarios you might encounter in the IELTS General Writing Task 1, along with their formal letter example IELTS, to achieve a top IELTS Band Score.

Sample Formal Letter 1 - Writing a Formal Complaint

Scenario: You recently purchased a product that turned out to be faulty. Write a letter to the store manager.

Mention the product you purchased
Complain about the issue
Request a replacement or refund.

Dear Sir/Madam,

I am writing to formally express my dissatisfaction with a recent purchase I made at your store. On [Date of Purchase], I bought a [Product Name] from your establishment with the expectation of receiving a high-quality item. However, I am deeply disappointed to report that the product I received is faulty and does not meet the standards of quality I associate with your store.

I would like to provide a detailed breakdown of the issues I have encountered with the product. The [Product Name] that I purchased is supposed to [Briefly describe the product’s intended function or purpose]. Unfortunately, upon opening and using the product, I immediately noticed [Describe the specific problem or fault you encountered, e.g., “a malfunction in the product’s electronic components,” “a dent on the screen,” etc.].

Considering the circumstances, I kindly request that you take the necessary actions to address this issue. I would like to request either a replacement of the [Product Name] with a fully functional unit or a full refund of the purchase price, as stated in your store’s return policy. I also urge you to review the customer service procedures at your store to ensure that customers with defective products receive the necessary assistance promptly. This would greatly enhance the overall shopping experience at your establishment.

I expect a timely resolution to this matter and kindly request that you respond to this complaint within 14 days of receiving this letter. Hope you would confirm the resolution sooner and also discuss any additional information you may require.

I look forward to a swift resolution.

Yours Faithfully,

Suresh Reddy

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Sample Formal Letter 2 - Expressing Gratitude

Scenario: You were recently impressed by a staff member at a store. Write a letter describing your appreciation. In your letter :

What the situation was
How you were helped
What you will do to show your gratitude

Dear Sir/Madam,

I am writing this letter to commend the exemplary service provided to me by one of your employees Mr. Rahul Uke, at your store location in Khar. I visited the store during rush hour looking for snow shoes for my upcoming trek. I had to leave early the next morning, but this was the essential item I still had to pick up.

When I arrived and explained my situation to the front desk, they immediately directed me to Mr. Rahul, one of the sales assistants on the floor. He was quick to take down the requirements and product sizing and offered me several alternatives. He was well-informed about the particulars of each brand and aided me in making the right decision.

I am pleased with the product he recommended and even received several compliments on the shoes from my more experienced trekking partners. I am grateful for the prompt service and the guidance provided by Mr. Rahul and I will be sure to recommend your store location to my friends.

Yours faithfully,
Adam Smith

Are you looking for more Task 1 formal letter samples for practice? Download the IELTS Formal Letter sample PDF!

Sample Formal Letter 3 - Application

Scenario: You are looking to apply for a job in another country. Write a letter to a placement agency. In your letter :

Describe what kind of job you need
What kind of company you are looking for
Why you are interested to work in another country

Dear Sir/Ma'am,

My name is Varun Sharma, and I have 3 years of experience in the finance department. I am writing this letter in response to an advertisement on your placement board regarding Russian jobs.

I am a finance specialist who is said to be shifting his focus to Russia. My interest in working in Russia stems from the fact that my wife's employment position was recently transferred to the Russian branch. Moreover, I feel that nations like Russia provide greater chances for finance professionals. I believe that working for a Russian firm will allow me to widen my horizons.

I am searching for a firm that can assist me in furthering my career and expanding my skill set. I am very interested in working with multinational corporations. I would like to work in the areas related to my domain since I am going to be more productive and enthusiastic right away. I am attaching my resume along with this letter for your reference.

Looking forward to hearing from you soon.

Yours faithfully,
Varun Sharma

Example of IELTS General Writing Task 1 - Sample Formal Letters

Check out the table below to look at the examples given below for the formal letters. Remember to attempt writing the letter first before diving into the sample answers. This will enhance your writing skills and also help you note the areas of improvement.

Example 1	Example 6
Example 2	Example 7
Example 3	Example 8
Example 4	Example 9
Example 5	Example 10

Mastering the IELTS General Writing Task 1 is crucial for achieving your desired IELTS score. Understanding the structure of a formal letter and practicing with IELTS Writing Practice Tests 2025 can significantly improve your performance. Remember to follow the formal letter format, avoid common mistakes, and utilize our tips to increase your chances of success in this section of the exam. Good luck with your IELTS General Writing Task 1!

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is assessed in the IELTS General Task 1?

The IELTS General Writing Task 1 measures the test-taker's ability to communicate about common practical issues. They will have 20 minutes to respond to a question prompt by writing a letter to a person, company, or institution. Their response is worth about 30% of their writing score and is graded separately from the Task 2 Essay

Mention some tips for General Writing Task 1

A test-taker should initially identify the type of letter, identify the purpose of the letter, start the letter with a proper opening, use standard phrases, write words without spelling mistakes with proper handwriting, divide the letter into paragraphs, write at least 150 words by incorporating all the three bullet points, grasp the grading criteria, and practice writing letters to become proficient.

What is the structure of a formal letter?

A formal letter may include the sender's address, date, receiver's address, subject, salutation, the body of the letter, complimentary closing and finally, the signature with name (in block letters) and designation

How to draft a formal letter?

Before drafting, test takers should familiarise themselves with the letter's format. They should comprehend the purpose of the letter and make an effort to include all pertinent facts on the topic. They should write in a direct and unambiguous tone and ensure that the recipient understands the letter's expectations.

Is it important to segregate the letters into different paragraphs?

Yes, it is highly important to segregate the letters into different paragraphs so that the receiver has clarity towards the letter.

What should be included in the body of the letter?

The body of the letter is the main content, which can either be divided into three or two paragraphs if the letter is briefer. The letter's intent should be clear in the first paragraph, with more information in the second paragraph. The third paragraph should be a concluding paragraph where a test-taker should lay out their expectations regarding the matter

How to end a formal letter?

The letter is concluded with an appropriate closing statement followed by the test-takers signature and the full name, the most prevalent salutations are yours faithfully, yours truly, and yours sincerely