Letter to Your Manager about Your Work from Last Year - IELTS Writing Task 1

IELTS General Writing Task 1 topics, like ‘Letter to Your Manager about Your Work from Last Year’, are one of the most frequently asked topics in Task 1 for the IELTS General Writing exam. Like any other IELTS formal letter topics, they serve as a professional mode of communication, often directed toward organizations, institutions, or governmental bodies. However, even though handling these letters might seem easier compared to their academic counterparts, it is important to learn how to write a formal letter. 

So, let’s explore the three sample answers, ranging from Band 7 to 9 on the IELTS General Writing Task 1 on the formal topic – Letter to Your Manager about Your Work from Last Year – to enhance your letter-writing skills and achieve your desired band level for IELTS.

Question for Letter to Your Manager about Your Work from Last Year

Outline for an IELTS Formal Letter

Given below is the outline/structure for IELTS General Writing Task 1 formal letter like 'Letter to Your Manager about Your Work from Last Year’.

Band 7 Sample Answer for Letter to Your Manager about Your Work from Last Year

Dear Mr. Singh,

I hope this message finds you well. I’m writing to review my performance over the past year and discuss areas for improvement.

In the last year, I’ve actively contributed to various projects, ensuring timely completion and effective collaboration with team members. However, I recognize the need to enhance certain skills, such as web design and digital marketing. Additionally, I am eager to broaden my expertise in SEO Skills. I’m requesting support in arranging suitable training opportunities to address these areas. I’m particularly interested in Digital Marketing. Participating in these courses will benefit me and contribute to our team’s success.

I’m committed to continuous improvement and am eager to invest in my professional development. Your input and support regarding this matter would mean a lot to me. I am confident that with your support, I can further excel in my role and contribute positively to the team’s objectives.

Thank you for your consideration. I look forward to discussing this further.

Yours sincerely,

Ashita

(Word Count – 165)

Band 8 Sample Answer for Letter to Your Manager about Your Work from Last Year

Dear Suzie,

I trust you are doing well. I am reaching out to discuss my performance over the past year and explore avenues for improvement.

In my role, I have diligently contributed to various projects, ensuring tasks are completed on time and collaborating effectively with colleagues. However, upon reflection, I recognize the importance of further developing certain skills, such as content writing, proofreading, copywriting, and editing. To address these areas, I am keen to participate in relevant training opportunities. Specifically, I am interested in Content writing. I believe these programs will equip me with the necessary skills to enhance my performance and contribute more effectively to our team’s objectives.

I am committed to my professional growth and am eager to invest time and effort into furthering my skills. Your support and guidance in facilitating these training opportunities would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you for considering my request. I look forward to your response.

Yours faithfully,

Priyanka Mehra

(Word Count – 157)

Band 9 Sample Answer for Letter to Your Manager about Your Work from Last Year

Dear John,

I hope this letter finds you well. My name is Mohan, and I am reaching out to discuss my work performance for the last year and explore opportunities for improvement.

In the last year, I’ve actively contributed to various projects, ensuring timely completion and effective collaboration with team members. However, I recognize the need to enhance certain skills, such as Python and Web development. Moreover, I believe that by further honing my skills in web development, I can contribute even more effectively to our team’s objectives and overall success.

I’m requesting support in arranging suitable training opportunities to address these areas. I’m particularly interested in web development. Participating in these courses will not only benefit me but also contribute positively to our team’s productivity and cohesion. I’m committed to continuous improvement and am eager to invest in my professional development. I would greatly appreciate your guidance and support in this regard.

Thank you for your consideration. I look forward to discussing this further and exploring ways to enhance my contributions to the team.

Yours sincerely,

Mohan Singh

(Word Count – 179)

Tips to Frame a Band 8+ Answer for a Letter to Your Manager about Your Work from Last Year

Here are 5 precise IELTS General Writing Task 1 tips to help you write an effective letter on the IELTS General Writing Task 1 topic, ‘Letter to Your Manager about Your Work from Last Year’.

• Summarise specific achievements with data or project names: When explaining “what you did” last year, avoid vague phrases like ‘I worked hard’ or ‘I contributed to the team’. Instead, mention specific projects, milestones, or measurable achievements. For example, you could say, “I led the redesign of the client onboarding process, which reduced average registration time by 25%.” 
• Include areas for improvement relevant to team goals or performance: In the section where you mention “what you could improve,” do not say something generic like ‘I could improve my communication skills’. Focus instead on a workplace-specific area that ties into your job role or department objectives. 
• Align your training request with your weakness and company goals: Your training request should logically flow from the improvement area you mentioned. Instead of randomly asking for a course, connect it directly. For example, ‘To address this, I would like to attend a two-day workshop on advanced negotiation strategies offered by ABC Institute next quarter’. 
• Maintain a balanced tone: Since the letter is to your manager, the tone should be respectful yet confident. Avoid sounding either too casual or overly formal. Instead, write in a balanced tone, which is perfect for workplace communication.
• End the letter by showing willingness to contribute: Close your letter with a short paragraph that looks forward. Mention that you are keen to continue contributing and eager to apply new skills after training. 

Now that you have gone through the sample answers on the topic – Letter to Your Manager about Your Work from Last Year – it is time for you to try writing some more formal letters from IELTS General Writing Task 1 practice tests on your own. In case you need guidance with evaluating your answer, leave your answers as a comment below, or you can use our FREE evaluation service!

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