IELTS General Writing Task 1 Sample Semi Formal Letters

When preparing for the IELTS General Training, it’s essential to understand the specific requirements of each section. Unlike the Academic version, which focuses on academic content, the IELTS General Writing test is designed to assess your ability to communicate effectively in everyday situations. In Task 1, you’ll be required to write a letter, while Task 2 involves composing an essay of at least 250 words. In this post, we’ll focus on IELTS semi-formal letters, providing sample letters and practical guidance to help you excel in the IELTS General Writing task 1.

IELTS General Writing Test

The IELTS General Writing Test consists of two tasks and takes a total of 1 hour to complete. Task 1 involves letter writing, while Task 2 (an essay) is the same for both the General and Academic versions of the test.

IELTS General Writing Task 1

For the IELTS Writing test, you’ll get a total of 1 hour to complete both the tasks, so it is recommended to not spend more than 20 minutes for task 1.

In task 1, you have to write a letter of correspondence, not less than 150 words, explaining a situation, or requesting information of some kind. The question will be a common everyday scenario like expressing your interest in a new job, complaining to a company about bad service, apologizing to a friend for missing a party or so on. Along with the task question, there’ll be 2 bullet points to outline the specific information and pointers you have to include in your letter. The bullet points may include suggestions and recommendations to help you draft the letter.

Before you start writing the letter, you have to first identify the type of letter you are being asked to write. There are 3 types of letters that can be asked, namely

• Formal
• Semi-Formal
• Informal

Understanding the type of letter is essential, as each requires a different tone and level of formality, which depends on your relationship with the recipient. Since this article focuses on IELTS semi-formal letters, you’ll generally be asked to write to someone you may not know well, such as a professor, a neighbor, or a landlord.

IELTS Writing Task 1 Semi-Formal Letters Samples

Here are a few samples of semi-formal letters for IELTS Writing Task 1 for the General Training Paper. All of them should be written in not less than 150 words.

Question 1

You need to take some time off from work to go on holiday. Write a letter to your direct manager.

In your letter:

• Ask for time off and explain why
• Provide the dates and times for which you will be unavailable to work.
• Describe what you will do to prepare or make up for your absence.

Question 2

You are experiencing financial problems and want to ask your landlord if you can pay your rent late. Write a letter to your landlord.

In your letter explain:

• Why you are writing to him
• Why you cannot pay the rent
• When you will pay the rent.

Question 3

You were absent from an important event held by the company you work for.

Write a letter to your manager. In your letter:

• Apologize for your absence and explain the reasoning.
• Explain why you had to be at the other event.
• Explain what you will do to catch up.

Question 4

You are due to move into a rented apartment next week but you will not be able to due to an unexpected problem.

Write a letter to the property manager. In your letter

• Explain the situation
• Describe your problems
• Tell him/her when you think you can move in

Question 5

You have been living in a rental apartment for the past year. Recently, a new neighbour moved in who has loud parties several times a week.

Write a letter to your landlord. In your letter:

• Explain the situation
• Describe why it bothers you
• Suggest a solution

Question 6

You applied for a job, were offered the position, but have decided not to accept the offer.

Write a letter to the HR supervisor with whom you interviewed. In your letter:

• Explain the reason why you are declining the offer.
• Describe your reasons for staying with your current position.
• Express your gratitude

Question 7

You have received a job offer for an exciting, new position. Although you are expected to start on September 7th, you are only available to start a week later due to personal reasons.

Write a letter to your new boss. In your letter:

• Express your enthusiasm for the job offer.
• Explain the problem
• Suggest what you can do

Question 8

Although you are meant to present your thesis project in one month, your sister is getting married in Spain at the same time. You would like to change the dates of your presentation.

Write a letter to your professor. In your letter:

• Explain the situation
• Remind the professor of your academic achievements to date.
• Ask for a different date to present your thesis.

Question 9

You have been invited to a networking conference for your field of work.

Write a letter to your boss. In your letter:

• Describe the invitation you received and why it is important to you.
• Explain why the conference would be beneficial for you and the company.
• Ask the company for time off to attend and to cover some of the travel costs.

Question 10

You have been assigned to give a networking presentation with your colleague from a different office, who you met last year.

Write a letter to your colleague. In your letter:

• Inform your colleague that you will be working together.
• Provide your initial ideas on the networking presentation.
• Ask for a time to meet and practice the presentation.

Question 11

You are going to spend your vacation in Rome, Italy. Your friend’s grandfather lives there and has offered to let you stay in his apartment.

Write a letter to your friend’s grandfather. In your letter:

• Thank him for the offer but politely decline.
• Inform him of when you will be in Rome and your travel plans.
• Invite him for an outing

Question 12

You have had a problem with your neighbor for the past few months. You have not been able to meet with your neighbor to discuss the problem.

Write a letter to your neighbor. In your letter:

• Explain the problem
• Suggest a solution
• Explain what action you will take if the situation does not improve.

Here are the 10 examples for the IELTS General Writing Task 1 Sample Semi-Formal Letters :

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